Firing of Muslims over prayer breaks could lead to EEOC complaint, says support group

A Milwaukee-area employer may end up testing federal law on accommodating employee rights to practice their religion in the workplace.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 5, 2016

Why noncompete contracts may be a risky employment strategy

A reporter was fired for not disclosing she had previously signed a noncompete with her last employer.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 5, 2016

When looking to accommodate employees, tread carefully, say legal experts

Employers should check in with employment counsel before innocently asking any potentially unlawful questions.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 3, 2016

No-show employee behaviors can indicate a deeper problem

Effective HR professionals should investigate why an employee behaves in such a way before deciding on discipline to remain compliant with the NLRA.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 2, 2016

EEOC is seeking comment on retaliation guidance

They will allow opinions until February 24.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 2, 2016

Yahoo sued over employee performance ranking system

On top of expected job cut announcements, the tech giant was hit with a lawsuit over earlier job cuts made due to their performance review system.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 2, 2016

Another state court sides with employers over medical marijuana use in the workplace

The decision bolsters an employer's right to fire a worker after testing positive for marijuana, even if the worker has a medical marijuana card. 

By Tom Starner • Feb. 1, 2016

Time to review electronic discovery amendments, say experts

New changes to electronic discovery rules in employee litigation could help employers defend their positions.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 1, 2016

Flowers Foods, a more traditional employer, sued by drivers over employee classification

The major baking company has an independent contractor driver fleet across a dozen states.

By Tom Starner • Feb. 1, 2016

President Obama announces new actions for pay equality

Among them, a new proposal by the EEOC to collect summary pay data from all employers with 100 employees or more each year.

By Kathryn Moody • Jan. 29, 2016

Lyft secures settlement with California drivers, keeps business model

The ridesharing service ended its legal journey in California with a settlement, but the courtroom drama around worker classification will continue.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 28, 2016

Courts so far ruling that Facebook 'likes' are protected workplace speech

A simple Facebook "like" may make an employer upset with an employee, but courts are finding in many cases that it's not grounds for discipline.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 26, 2016

Disney, consulting firms hit with H-1B related lawsuits

The Disney Company and two of its outsourcing consultants are getting sued by ex-workers who say they were sacrificed for H-1B visa replacements.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 26, 2016

What the EEOC says about transgender issues in the workplace

Thanks to a recent settlement, law experts say that employers should have a greater idea of what the EEOC expects concerning transgender employees.

By Kathryn Moody • Jan. 25, 2016

Recent DOL clarification could spell trouble for certain employers

Employment law experts sounded the alarm for employers who frequently use contingent workers.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 25, 2016

Employer requiring screenings for healthcare coverage wins court decision

A Wisconsin employer won a court victory over the EEOC.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 22, 2016

Can workers' compensation in opt-out states be done fairly?

Employers in Texas and Oklahoma are taking advantage of the ability to opt-out of state-regulated workers' compensation plans, and it's not without controversey.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 22, 2016

Supreme Court rules that class-action lawsuits can outlive compensation offers

The 6-3 decision may deeply impact companies facing expensive arbitration.

By Kathryn Moody • Jan. 21, 2016

DOL issues more guidelines for joint employment legal mess

The question of who is responsible should an employment law be violated by a franchise or contractor of another company was clarified somewhat, but largely remains unclear.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 21, 2016

Tread carefully if using PTO during bad weather, say experts

An employer could force an employee to use paid time off during bad weather, but it's not all that simple, according to employment law experts.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 19, 2016

Report: Vanguard slammed with 20 discrimination lawsuits in 5 years

Vanguard is a giant, successful investment company outside of Philadelphia – and it was also on the wrong end of a variety of employee lawsuits.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 19, 2016

The Supreme Court may rule against union 'fair share service fee'

It appears ready to overturn a law that allows unions to collect money from non-union members in a unionized workplace. 

By Tom Starner • Jan. 13, 2016

NLRB isn't buying Whole Foods' policy on recordings, photos

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has told Whole Foods that it can't blanket ban recording or photography in the workplace.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 5, 2016

Law firm releases detailed guide to 2015 EEOC litigation, actions

Seyfarth Shaw, an employment law firm, has released a detailed look at EEOC actions and litigation within the past year.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 5, 2016

Judge fines employer who ignored FLSA bathroom break rules

A Pennsylvania telemarketing firm was socked with at least $1.75 million in fines for not paying low-wage workers when they took bathroom and other short-term breaks.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 4, 2016