Author Archives: Site Administrator
Is Your Arbitration Clause Enforceable?
Arbitration clauses in a contract require parties to resolve differences through an arbitration process- binding them to a resolution outside the courts. While the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) has historically protected arbitration clauses, recent actions by the NLRB and EEOC have suggested that they are taking a more serious look at the legality of… Read More »
11th Circuit Update: Unpaid Wages, NLRA
Gilson, et al. v. Indaglo, Inc., et al, ___ F. 3d ___ (11th Cir. October 31, 2014) Short Summary: Former employees appeal district court’s decision regarding unpaid minimum wage payments. The Eleventh Circuit affirmed. In Gilson, et a. v. Indaglo, Inc., former employees Gilson and Hinz appealed the district court’s decision regarding Indaglo’s failure… Read More »
Political Freedom in the Workplace
Politics is a touchy subject, particularly at work. While you may be impassioned about certain issues and candidates, voicing those opinions may not always be legal in the workplace. How much political freedom do you have when you’re on the job? Read on to learn more. EMPLOYEES While people cling to the idea of… Read More »
Do You Need an Employee Background Check?
Hiring decisions are critical determinants of your company’s future success. And while interviews and resumes provide a good foundation, it can be advisable to procure additional information for a truly informed decision regarding a candidate. That said, it is important to understand what information you can legally access and use to make hiring decisions…. Read More »
Fair Credit Reporting Act and Your Job Application
While the guidelines of The Fair Credit Reporting Act (or FCRA) are fairly straightforward (see below), there are still grey areas where applicants may be at risk of having their FCRA rights breached. A wealth of recent lawsuits have been filed against national employers such as Disney, Domino’s Pizza, K-mart, Whole Foods Market, Home… Read More »
Child Labor Laws for Hiring Your Children
As a business owner, hiring your children to work for you can offer some distinct advantages. In addition to helping instill a work ethic and teaching money management, it can also be an excellent strategy to minimize tax liability. That said, it is important to consider the child labor laws related to the decision… Read More »
Sexual Orientation Discrimination in the Workplace
The legal protection for gay and lesbian workers against sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace varies depending on where you work. Federal Laws: It is important to note that there is no Federal Law that specifically outlaws workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in the private sector. While there is growing Congressional… Read More »
6 Things You Need to Know about the Family and Medical Leave Act
While people have likely heard of the Family and Medical Leave Act, many remain unfamiliar with its various provisions until faced with a need to use it. FMLA assists employees who need to take care of themselves or their family members because of a serious health condition or the addition of a child to… Read More »
What to Do before You Quit Your Job
While quitting your job may promise to be an exciting game changer, it is also a huge decision that should not be executed impulsively. Before you walk out the door of your current position, be sure you have taken the following steps: Know your company’s rules and regulations. Learn how your voluntary termination impacts… Read More »
11th Circuit Update: Maritime Employment Agencies
Jurich, et. al. v. Compass Marine, Inc. (August 22, 2014) In Jurich, et al. v. Compass Marine, Inc. four seamen brought claims against their maritime employment agencies, which helped them to find their jobs as seaman, for portions of their wages. By way of background, when the seamen first engaged in the services of the employment agencies… Read More »