Archive for 2018
FLSA Continues to Evolve
This year, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) celebrates its 80th year since passage. This federal labor law has had a beneficial impact on the work force, especially with respect to minimum wage and overtime pay. Currently, the FLSA provides that all workers earning at least minimum wage, and those non-exempt workers who work in…
Read MoreCourt Determines Jewish Worker May Proceed with Race Discrimination Case Under Title VII
A recent case ruling may have significant impact on what constitutes race in race discrimination cases. In that case, a state court determined that Jews may be considered a race and entitled to protection under federal anti-discrimination law, i.e. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII protects employees against many forms…
Read MoreWhat labor laws protect independent contractors?
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides several work place protections for employees. These include ensuring that all workers be paid at least minimum wage and non-exempt employees are entitled to earn overtime compensation for all hours worked in excess of 40 in any work week. Further, Title VII provides protection against discrimination on the basis…
Read MoreUniversity Settles Age Discrimination Lawsuit
Recently, a prominent university settled an age discrimination case with two women, highlighting the need for greater training and awareness concerning age bias. The women set forth several allegations in their discrimination lawsuit, including that an administrator made disparaging age-related comments, while promoting younger, less experienced workers. According to court documents, the women had helped…
Read MorePregnancy Discrimination Widespread in Corporate America
A new study concludes that many women’s careers have suffered as the result of “pregnancy discrimination.” The study evaluated women at large corporations across the United States, and looked at data compiled over the last 20 years. The statistics showed that a definite bias exists against pregnant women both while pregnant and as working mothers.…
Read MoreMinimum Wage Earners Struggle to Afford Modest Homes
A recent report determined that Georgia residents who earn minimum wage would need to work nearly 100 hours to afford a modest 2-bedroom apartment. The report looked at communities across the United States to determine whether minimum wage earners would be able to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in any community. According to the study, Georgia…
Read MoreUnder what circumstances is an inconvenient work schedule considered employment discrimination?
Juggling the demands of work life and family life can often be challenging. Fortunately for many, employers are increasingly understanding of outside demands and have allowed more opportunities for flex-time and remote working arrangements. However, such arrangements do not make business sense for all work places. A recent case examined the question of when, and…
Read MoreWhen Should Internships Be Paid vs. Unpaid?
With summer upon us, many students are anxious to find work or an valuable internship, and employers are excited to offer opportunities to eager workers. However, before a student decides to take an internship without pay, it’s important to understand whether he or she is rightfully entitled to pay, and under what circumstances it is permissible…
Read MoreWhat to do if you face sexual harassment at work
With the advent of the #Metoo movement, and the explosion of high profile sexual harassment allegations, many workers who have faced similar situations still don’t know the proper steps to take to report workplace harassment. In fact, a recent report revealed that of the 12 percent of workers who say they’ve experienced sexual harassment on…
Read MoreSupreme Court Evaluates Arbitration Agreements
In an employer friendly decision, the U.S. Supreme Court just issued a ruling that may make it more difficult for employees to fight discrimination. The Court upheld the legality of arbitration agreements that include provisions waiving employees’ rights to join class-actions. This means that workers who have signed these agreements, most likely must take up…
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