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 Pennsylvania, employment law encompasses a variety of statutes and regulations that dictate the relationship between employers and employees. This includes both state-specific laws and federal laws that apply nationwide. State laws cover matters such as minimum wage requirements, which as of my knowledge cutoff date is $7.25 per hour, mirroring the federal minimum wage. Pennsylvania also has laws regarding employment discrimination, workplace safety, and unemployment compensation. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, disability, and other protected characteristics. Additionally, the state adheres to federal employment laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets standards for wages and overtime; the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), which ensures safe working conditions; the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits employment discrimination against individuals with disabilities; and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which allows eligible employees to take unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons without fear of losing their job. Employers in Pennsylvania must comply with both sets of laws, and when there is a conflict, the law that offers the greatest protection to the employee generally prevails.