Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Federal law governing minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards. Essential for establishing basic wage and hour provisions in the employment contract.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: Federal law prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Must be reflected in equal opportunity and anti-discrimination clauses.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Federal law requiring reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and protecting against disability discrimination.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Federal law providing eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually for specified family and medical reasons.

Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA): Federal law requiring employers to verify employment eligibility of all employees. Must be referenced in employment verification clauses.

National Labor Relations Act (NLRA): Federal law protecting employees' rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining. Affects provisions about union membership and collective action.

Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA): Federal law setting minimum standards for pension and health benefit plans in private industry. Relevant for benefits sections of the contract.

State-Specific Employment Laws: Various state laws covering minimum wage, overtime, leave rights, non-compete agreements, and at-will employment provisions that may exceed federal requirements.

Workers' Compensation Laws: State-specific laws requiring employers to provide insurance coverage for work-related injuries and illnesses.

State Unemployment Insurance: State-mandated insurance programs providing temporary financial assistance to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

Equal Pay Act: Federal law requiring equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender. Must be considered in compensation structures and policies.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Federal law protecting workers 40 and older from employment discrimination based on age.

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA): Federal law establishing workplace safety standards and employer obligations to provide a safe working environment.

State Paid Family Leave Laws: State-specific laws requiring paid leave for family care, varying by jurisdiction. Must be incorporated if applicable in the employment state.

State Meal and Rest Break Requirements: State-specific laws governing mandatory break periods during work hours. Must be addressed in work schedules and policies.