Archive for 2016
How will the incoming Department of Labor secretary affect wage and hour laws?
Many people worry that with the change in presidency and the appointment of the new labor secretary Andrew Pudzer, many of the steps taken toward improving wage and hour laws will be eliminated. Pudzer, the CEO of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s fast food restaurants, has fought against minimum wage increases. His companies face several lawsuits…
Read MoreCan You Be Fired for Talking About Your Salary?
From doctors to plumbers to teachers to coffee baristas, walk into just about any place of business, ask an employee what they make, and they will probably tell you to leave. A big part of employment culture in the United States is that employees don’t talk about what they make, hourly or salary, from the…
Read MoreAge Discrimination Continues to Affect American Workplaces
Age discrimination continues to have a grip on many American work places. As highlighted by Madonna while accepting a Billboard Music Award, she stated “To age is to sin … I think the most controversial thing I have ever done is to stick around.” A commentator noted, Ageism is one of the last “bastions of…
Read MoreIllegal Job Interview Questions You’re Probably Asking Applicants
As an interviewer for your business, it is your job to get to know potential new hires before offering them a position at your company. After all, in order to keep everyone happy and your business healthy, the right team members need to be a part of it. Learning who is a right or wrong…
Read MoreWorkers Concerned The “Trump Effect” Will Lead to Increased Workplace Discrimination
In the weeks following the election, many people are worried about the “Trump Effect,” and the sense that President-elect Trump’s campaign and election has led to an increased hostility toward minority groups and other protected classes. In fact, the so-called “Trump Effect” has emboldened many to speak out against the rights of protected classes, and…
Read MoreStudent Athletes Are Not Employees
A recent case evaluated whether student athletes should be considered athletes, and hence entitled to protections provided by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The athletes asserted that because they are paid via tuition and scholarships, they should be considered employees and entitled to overtime pay and to earn at least minimum wage. Often, student…
Read MoreAppellate Court Reviewing Whether Title VII Protects Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination
In a case that could have far-reaching impact on the LGBT community, a federal court is considering whether Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 extends to discrimination based on sexual orientation. The case involves a female math teacher from Indiana who asserts that she was denied promotions and was ultimately fired because…
Read MoreImplementation of New Overtime Rule Suspended
A Texas Court has granted a preliminary injunction blocking the implementation of several key features of the overtime rule set to take effect on December 1st. The new white collar exemption rule raised the salary threshold from $23,660 annually to $47,476. The increase would mean that workers would have to make more than $913/week to…
Read MoreFacebook Faces Race Discrimination Charges
A lawsuit filed in federal court asserts that the social media giant Facebook unlawfully discriminated against two black employees at its North Carolina data center. According to the complaint, the two employees were subjected to several acts of harassment, including a facility manager using racial slurs whenever referring to black employees. When the employees reported…
Read MoreCan I Be Fired While on FMLA Approved Leave?
The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) extends a variety of protections and rights to many employees, salaried or hourly. It can grant a total of 12 months of unpaid leave after an employee or a close family member suffers a serious health condition or injury, or to care for a newborn. The concept behind the…
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