Quick facts

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The United States of America is a federal republic composed of 50 states located in North America. The 48 neighboring states situated in the continent’s central portions accompany Hawaii, an island state in the center of the Pacific Ocean, and Alaska, a state at the far western end of North America. Canada borders the USA conterminous states to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The United States is the world’s fourth-largest nation by area (after Russia, Canada, and China). Washington, which includes the District of Columbia, the federal capital region established in 1790, serves as the nation’s capital.

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Employment Contracts

United States as a whole hasn't comprehensive laws governing employment contracts.

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In fact, wherever there is an employer-employee connection, U.S. law does not mandate that an employee have a formal contract.

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Many workers in the US are considered “at-will” workers, meaning that their employment is not governed by a work contract USA or another kind of employment agreement. At-will employment, on the other hand, denotes a situation in which either the employer or the employee may end the relationship at any moment without explanation. It’s crucial to understand that an offer letter is not the same as an employment contract, even if the employee is located in the United States and receives one.

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Probation Period

Some employers offer a trial period for new hires, while others do not. The employee will generally get a review after a certain amount of time for most employers who demand a trial term, also known as a probationary period or an introduction period of work.

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Working Hours

There is typically a 40-hour work week in the USA.

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Vacation Days

There are often only ten vacation days, several holidays, and possibly 7 paid sick days available to U.S. employees each year (more extended periods apply under the Family Medical Leave Act).

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Sick Leave

Seven compensated sick days (extended periods apply under the Family Medical Leave Act).

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Wages and Salary Payment

The Fair Labor Standards Act contains provisions on the federal minimum wage (FLSA). As of July 24, 2009, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. There are minimum wage regulations across many states, some state laws provide greater employee benefits, and companies must follow both.

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In the US, semi-monthly, or twice a month, is the most typical length of a pay period. The 15th and the 30th of the month are usually the dates. Although it is not compulsory, many businesses pay their staff semi-monthly.

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Public Holidays

Unites States have 11 paid off holidays for federal workers:

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• New Year’s Day: January 1
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: third Monday of January
• President’s Day (George Washington’s Birthday): third Monday of February
• Memorial Day: last Monday in May
• Juneteenth: June 19
• Independence Day: July 4
• Labor Day: first Monday in September
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day (also observed as Columbus Day): second Monday in October
• Veterans Day: November 11
• Thanksgiving Day: fourth Thursday in November
• Christmas Day: December 25

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What follows if a holiday falls on a weekend?

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The government observes any federal holidays that fall on a Saturday or Sunday instead of the closest weekday because most government offices are closed on weekends. Pay and leave are regulated by this observance.

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Employer Taxes

• Federal Social Security: 6.20%
• Federal Medicare: 1.45%
• Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA): 6%
• State Unemployment Insurance: 1.70%
• Worker’s compensation: 1%

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Employee Taxes

• Federal Social Security: 6.20%
• Federal Medicare: 1.45%

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Notice Period

The time an employer must provide when terminating an employee’s employment may or may not be specified in employment contracts as a notification obligation.

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Termination and Severance Pay

Employees who leave their positions frequently receive severance money. Usually, it is determined by the amount of time a person has worked and is still eligible for. Severance pay is not mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). An employer and an employee (or the employee’s representative) must agree on the terms of severance pay.