Employment law is a broad category of laws—statutes, case law (court opinions), rules, and regulations—that govern the relationship between an employer and an employee. Employment law includes state laws that only apply to employer-employee relationships in a given state, and federal laws that apply to employer-employee relationships in all states.

In Oklahoma, employment law encompasses a variety of state statutes and regulations that govern the employer-employee relationship, in addition to federal laws that apply nationwide. State-specific laws cover matters such as wage and hour requirements, workplace safety, discrimination, and unemployment insurance. For instance, the Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act sets forth the minimum wage employers must pay employees, which may differ from the federal minimum wage. Oklahoma also has laws prohibiting discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or genetic information, which complement federal laws like the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Employers in Oklahoma must also comply with federal employment laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). It's important for employers to adhere to both sets of laws, and employees to be aware of their rights under these laws. When conflicts arise, an attorney specializing in employment law can provide guidance specific to the situation at hand.