Pennsylvania Employment Law Guide
Pennsylvania provides solid employment protections with state-specific anti-discrimination and wage laws.
Quick Pennsylvania Facts
Sexual Harassment Laws in Pennsylvania
Understanding your rights and protections against workplace sexual harassment.
Pennsylvania Human Relations Act - 43 P.S. § 951 et seq.
Filing Deadline: 300 days to file with Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission | Employer Size: 4 or more employees
Your Protections
- Covers employers with 4 or more employees
- Protects against sexual harassment in employment
- Covers quid pro quo and hostile work environment
- Lower threshold than federal law
- Some broader protections than federal law
Available Remedies
- Back pay and front pay
- Compensatory damages
- Punitive damages
- Attorneys fees and costs
- Injunctive relief
- Reinstatement
Key Features of Pennsylvania Law
Lower employer threshold than federal law (4 vs 15 employees)
Covers more small businesses than federal law
Administrative exhaustion required before court filing
Strong anti-retaliation protections
Covers harassment by third parties in some cases
Need Help with Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment cases require immediate action. Don't wait - the clock is ticking on your legal rights.
Pennsylvania Labor Codes & Legal Resources
Direct access to Pennsylvania employment laws and regulations.
Official Pennsylvania Labor Code
Access the complete, up-to-date Pennsylvania labor code directly from the official state website.
View Official Pennsylvania Labor Code →Wage & Hour Laws
Minimum wage, overtime, meal breaks, and pay requirements.
Code Section: 43 P.S. § 333.101 et seq. - Minimum Wage Act
Learn More →Discrimination Laws
Protection against workplace discrimination and harassment.
Code Section: 43 P.S. § 951 et seq. - Human Relations Act
Learn More →Sexual Harassment
Laws protecting against sexual harassment in the workplace.
Code Section: 43 P.S. § 955(a)
Learn More →Retaliation Protection
Protection for employees who report violations or exercise rights.
Code Section: 43 P.S. § 1421 et seq. - Whistleblower Law
Learn More →Wrongful Termination
Laws governing when and how employees can be terminated.
Code Section: 43 P.S. § 955
Learn More →Download Resources
Checklists and guides to help build your employment case.
Key Employment Laws in Pennsylvania
Important legislation that protects workers in Pennsylvania.
Protection Laws
- Pennsylvania Human Relations Act
- Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act
- Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law
- Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law
Important Limitations
- At-will employment with exceptions
- Some protections limited by employer size
Employment Lawyers in Major Pennsylvania Cities
Find local employment attorneys in these major Pennsylvania metropolitan areas.
Philadelphia
Population: 1,580,000
Major East Coast city with healthcare, finance, education, and manufacturing industries.
Pittsburgh
Population: 302,000
Former steel city transformed into technology and healthcare hub.
Allentown
Population: 125,000
Lehigh Valley manufacturing and logistics hub with growing healthcare sector.
Erie
Population: 96,000
Great Lakes port city with manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism industries.
Reading
Population: 95,000
Historic city with manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation industries.
Common Employment Issues in Pennsylvania
These employment law issues frequently arise for workers in Pennsylvania.
Disability Discrimination
Facing disability discrimination? Know your rights and get the help you deserve.
Learn More →Age Discrimination
Over 40 and facing discrimination? We can help protect your rights in the workplace.
Learn More →Gender Discrimination
Experiencing gender discrimination? We can help you fight for equal treatment.
Learn More →Race Discrimination
Facing racial discrimination at work? Know your rights and get the justice you deserve.
Learn More →When to Contact a Pennsylvania Employment Attorney
Don't wait if you're experiencing workplace violations. Early action can protect your rights.
Discrimination or Harassment
If you're being treated unfairly due to protected characteristics like race, gender, age, or disability.
Wrongful Termination
If you believe you were fired for illegal reasons or in violation of Pennsylvania law.
Wage and Hour Violations
If your employer isn't paying proper wages, overtime, or following Pennsylvania wage laws.
Retaliation
If you're being punished for reporting violations or exercising your legal rights.
Family or Medical Leave Issues
If your employer is denying legally protected leave under Pennsylvania or federal law.
Workplace Safety Concerns
If your employer is creating unsafe working conditions or retaliating for safety complaints.
Protect Your Rights in Pennsylvania
Our employment attorneys understand Pennsylvania law and can help you navigate workplace issues. Get a free consultation today.