Employee Rights in the Legislative Branch

The Congressional Accountability Act (CAA) applies thirteen civil rights, labor, and workplace safety laws to Congress and its associated agencies.

Veterans’ Employment Opportunities

The VEOA gives veterans improved access to Federal job opportunities and establishes a redress system for preference eligibles in the event that their veterans’ preference rights are violated.

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination and Privacy

Employees may not be discriminated against and denied health insurance based on their genetic information.

Collective Bargaining and Unionization

Certain legislative branch employees have the right to join a union and collectively bargain with an employing office.

Occupational Safety and Health

Workplaces in the legislative branch must be free of hazards that are likely to cause death or serious injury.

Access to Public Services and Accommodations

Offices in the legislative branch must make their public services, programs, activities, and places of public accommodation accessible to members of the public who have a disability.

Protection Against Reprisal or Intimidation for Exercising Workplace Rights

Employees are protected from being intimidated, retaliated against, or discriminated against for exercising their rights under the CAA.

Uniformed Services Rights and Protections

The CAA applies certain rights and protections to employees performing in the “uniformed services.”

Notification of Office Closing or Mass Layoffs

Employees are entitled to be given advance notice of an office closing or mass layoff.

Polygraph Testing Protections

With limited exceptions, employees cannot be required to take polygraph (“lie detector”) tests.

Fair Labor Standards

Employees must get paid at least the current minimum wage, and certain employees are entitled to overtime pay.

Family and Medical
Leave Act

Employees are entitled to 12 weeks of leave from work for certain family and medical reasons.

Harassment and Discrimination Prohibited

Employees cannot be harassed or discriminated against in personnel actions because of their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.