Helping Employers in Employment Law Matters and Labor Relations
Remember OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration)? Still alive and kicking! Last year, OSHA launched a program to identify and address heat-related injuries and illnesses in workplaces (blog here). The statistics on heat-related deaths and illnesses are astounding. OSHA has … Read More
A cocktail server in Maryland will get her day in court to challenge a dress code that required her to wear high heels. She suffers from plantar faciitis (ugh, same) and brought a claim under the Americans with Disability Act … Read More
Several Dunkin Donuts franchises in Massachusetts were just cited and fined for violating the state’s child labor laws. Yes, it still happens and it cost the franchises hundreds of thousands of dollars. The laws protecting minors are straightforward, but the … Read More
You may have to provide a reasonable accommodation for a qualified employee even when you think it is not needed. Say what? Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a qualified individual is a person who can perform essential job … Read More
Sigh. Performance reviews are so misunderstood. We frequently hear from employers desperate to terminate an employee but they have excellent reviews. Why? Most employee reviews are like olives: they start with large. Why not give a good review to make … Read More
Remember when we mentioned that many states would be working overtime to counter the federal laws swings? Can you say in a New York Minute? In a first, the NY State Senate has passed the “No Severance Ultimatums Act” which … Read More
In the latest chapter of “As the Court Turns,” a federal judge has reinstated Gwynne Wilcox to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). She had been terminated without cause by the President. The judge came on strong about the limits … Read More
Judge Largely Halts Implementation of Anti-DEI Orders Another Friday, another bombshell ruling! A federal judge in MD granted a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from ending government support for programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. In response to … Read More
It is important to remember Civics 101: the laws made by Congress cannot be overturned by the Executive Branch. Yet the extent and volume of Executive Orders in the past 27 days is impacting the way agencies work and gives … Read More
What happens when an analog law meets the digital age? Wiretapping, which includes video and audio recording of conversations, requires consent under the law in many states. In Massachusetts, the Wiretap Statute provides criminal and civil penalties in the event … Read More
Discrimination is illegal. Still. The laws have not changed. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs are not illegal. Preferences and discrimination are illegal–same as it ever was. Why are organizations throwing out the baby with the bath water? Confusion. On … Read More