[zoobaloo]

I think you may have missed my point.

I'm trying to say that clearly worded laws provide complainants with more leverage when it's time to negotiate. Ambiguous language or a lack of established cause of action make it easier for someone who doesn't want to listen to drag out the argument.

I've seen the presence of clear laws play out to the advantage of the employee. Eventually corporate counsel sees the liability the company is exposed to and convinces the employer to settle in a more generous fashion than they might otherwise.

It would be great if this need to negotiate could be avoided entirely, but I share your pessimism that written laws alone do not stop bad actors. They can come in handy when things devolve into a legal argument, however.