Most workers in the United States are protected by several important federal laws, including the Fair Labor Standard Act, or FLSA. The FLSA is where the federal minimum wage can be found as well as the overtime wage requirements that apply to many employees. The FLSA essentially requires a covered employer to pay all non-exempt […]
In the non-legal context it may seem easy enough to define the word “religion.” Most people think of a “religion” as a well-established, organized faith with specific practices and definite places of worship. As the term is used in the Civil Rights Act, however, “religion” is broadly defined. Religion certainly includes traditional, organized religions such […]
In the workplace, the distinction between an employee and an independent contractor is an important one. It is also a frequent cause of litigation in the area of employment law. The reason for this is that an employer has a number of important duties and responsibilities to an employee that do not apply to an […]
As a worker in the United States you are entitled to the protection of several important federal and state laws. Among the most important of those laws are the minimum wage and overtime laws established by the Fair Labor Standards Act, or FLSA. In essence, the FLSA says that if you work for a covered […]
Today presented another interesting issue regarding the workplace. A night time supervisor at a hotel was passed over for a promotion to night shift manager because the owner of the hotel felt that it was too dangerous of a position for her. Instead, he promoted a man, claiming that he was looking out for the […]
For over 15 years, I have been practicing exclusively as a labor and employment lawyer. What I have come to learn over the years is one simple truth: Nothing in the workplace shocks me anymore. This past week, an African American client approached me to represent her because when she arrived at work […]
If you work for an employer who has a “comp” time policy you have likely never questioned the policy. In fact you may even like the fact that your employer offers you the option to use “comp” time. Unfortunately, many employees – and some employers – don’t realize that under federal law “comp” time is […]
Having a cordial, amicable relationship with your boss is always preferable to having to work for a boss who is disagreeable and argumentative; however, the line between employer and employee should remain firmly drawn. As an employee, you don’t want to be in a situation where your boss is too friendly as that can result […]
Few people have the luxury of working simply because they want to do so. Most people work to support themselves and/or their family. If you are one of these people, your job is important to you and your family’s financial stability. Family emergencies or family related health issues do come up, however, from time to […]
Discrimination in the workplace was once rampant in the United States. Over the last several decades, great strides have been taken to eradicate employment discrimination, with some success. Discrimination in the workplace is certainly no longer considered acceptable as it once was, though it does still occur. By now, most people are aware that discrimination […]