Employment Laws in Pennsylvania

Definition of employee. Employee does not include persons employed in agriculture or domestic service, persons who reside in the home of their employer or persons who are employed by their parents, spouse or child.

Definition of employer. Employer includes the Commonwealth and all of its political subdivisions and any person employing four or more persons within the Commonwealth.

For purposes of the law governing discriminatory practices based on race, color, age, sex, national origin and non-job-related disability, the definition of employer does not include religious, fraternal, charitable and sectarian corporations and associations employing four or more persons in Pennsylvania, except corporations or associations supported in whole or in part, by governmental appropriations.

Prohibited employment discrimination. It is an unlawful discriminatory employment practices for employers to make employment decisions or refuse to hire job applicants on the basis of the applicants' race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age (40 or older), sex, national origin or non-job-related disability.

Recordkeeping requirements. Not specified.

Posting requirements. Every employer that is subject to Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act must post and maintain a fair employment practices notice furnished by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, excerpting the law. Notices must be posted in a conspicuous, easily accessible and well-lighted location customarily frequented by employees and job applicants, and at each location where employee services are performed.