Introduction
If you are working in the state of Arizona, your rights as an employee are protected by state and federal law. Both the Arizona legislature and the federal government have enacted laws that guarantee fair treatment of workers, minimum wages, safe work environments, and the benefits that employees can receive.
While fair treatment, minimum wage, and safe work environments are required in every workspace, the benefits and wages that an employee is eligible for usually depends on the number of hours they work and how they are paid. For instance, employees who are non-exempt must be paid time and a half for hours worked beyond40 hours per week, but non-exempt employees do not qualify for time and a half.
If you are not a salaried worker, the number of hours you work directly affects the benefits you are eligible to receive and the amount you will be compensated.
What is Considered Part-Time Employment in Arizona?
Generally, part-time employees work fewer hours than their full-time counterparts. In addition to working fewer hours, part-time employees generally have fewer responsibilities and receive fewer benefits.
In Arizona, to be considered a part-time employee, an individual must work no more than 30 hours over a seven-day period or less than 130 hours per month. So long as an employee meets these criteria, they are considered part-time.
What is Considered Full-Time Employment in Arizona?
Generally, most employers expect full-time employees to work 40 hours per week. While this is the traditional amount, various state and federal agencies define full time work at or below 40 hours per week. For example, an employee may be eligible for certain benefits as a full time employee even if he or she works less than 40 hours per week.
It is important for employees to check with their employer and, if necessary, applicable law to determine their eligibility for benefits.
What Benefits Are Full-Time Employees Entitled To?
1. Steady Income
Unlike part-time employment where the hours are sporadic and differ from week to week, full-time employees are generally required to work a fixed number of hours each week. Due to the fixed number of hours they work each week, full-time employees usually know what to expect with each paycheck.
2. Insurance
The Affordable Care Act requires most employers to provide health insurance benefits to full – time employees defined as working an average of 30 hours a week or more or over 130 hours a month. To be considered full – time, an employee must work more than 120 days in a year.
3. Retirement Planning
Full-time employees are eligible for a tax advantage that allows them to invest in a 401(k) retirement plan that helps them to prepare for future retirement. Some companies offer an employer contribution match where the employer matches a percentage of the employee’s contributions.
4. Social Security Benefits
Working full time increases the amount that an employee will contribute to social security, which helps them receive more benefits in the long run. Social security credits are earned as you work and pay taxes, and the more you work and earn, the more you will have when you retire or if you become disabled.
5. Are Arizona Employees Entitled to Receive Paid Time Off?
Many employers offer their employees benefits such as vacation time, sick days, holidays, and even paid time off (PTO). The Arizona Fair Wage & Healthy Family Act require employer to provide paid sick time to employees which is linked to the size of the employer and the number of hours an employee works.
6. Working With a Labor and Employment Law Attorney
Suppose you are a non-exempt employee who is not being paid overtime, dealing with sexual harassment, or being discriminated against in the workplace. It is important for you to understand your rights and hire an employment law attorney to assist you in obtaining the compensation and workplace change you deserve.
If you are an employer, you must be familiar with the various laws that apply in the employment context and position your company to avoid the many pitfalls that employers can face. If you are looking to protect your business or audit it to ensure your company is in the best position, the employment law team at JacksonWhite is here to help.
Call our Employment Law team at (480) 464-1111 to discuss your case today.