Author Archives: Jay Butchko
The Employee’s Guide to Racial Harassment Claims in Florida
As an employee, you should not be subject to worse treatment in the workplace because of your race. Racial harassment is, by definition, a form of race-based discrimination. If you were subject to a hostile work environment based on your race, you may have a claim against your employer. Below, you will find a… Read More »
Employment Law Watch: Federal Court Blocks Major Portion of Florida’s “Stop Woke Act”
As reported by WUSF NPR, a federal court in Florida has permanently blocked a major portion of Florida’s “Stop Woke Act.” Officially referred to as both the Stop Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees Act and the Florida Individual Freedom Act, the law aimed to prevent employers from engaging in certain forms of anti-harassment… Read More »
Workplace Safety Violation: Employer in Florida Cited for Serious Violation After Cashier Injured in Late-Night Shooting Incident
On August 14th, 2024, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) cited an employer in Central Florida for a serious workplace safety violation. An employee of Circle K Stores Inc. was shot and seriously harmed in a late-night incident in Orlando. OSHA determined that the employer’s substandard safety efforts contributed to the incident. What… Read More »
Company in Florida Will Pay $1.6 Million to Settle Racial Harassment Claim
On August 27th, 2024 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that J.A. Croson—a contractor based in Lake County, Florida—has entered into a settlement agreement for a racial harassment claim. The company will pay approximately $1.6 million to affected employees. African American plumbers and Hispanic plumbers were reportedly subject to a hostile work environment… Read More »
Asphalt Company in Florida Will Pay $1.25 Million for Race Discrimination
On August 28th, 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reported that Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc. (APS)—a contractor with offices in several states, including Florida—has agreed to settle a racial discrimination lawsuit for approximately $1.25 million. Notably, the discriminatory conduct occurred at the company’s Tampa Bay location. Black Employees Were Subject to Degrading, Humiliating… Read More »
Report: Wage Theft a Serious Problem in Florida
According to a report from Orlando Weekly, wage theft remains a very serious problem in Florida and throughout the United States. The Farmworker Association of Florida—a workers’ advocacy group—states that they are receiving an increasing number of calls from employees who claim that they have not been properly paid. What is Wage Theft? As… Read More »
High-Ranking Law Enforcement Official in Florida Alleges Wrongful Termination (Whistleblower Retaliation)
On June 20th, 2024, ABC News reported that Shane Desguin—a career employee at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and former top-ranking official—has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit on the grounds of whistleblower retaliation. He contends that he was forced to retire from the agency after reporting a litany of violations, including related… Read More »
Your Guide to Associational Discrimination Claims Under the ADA
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that provides employment-based protections to disabled workers. Notably, the ADA also prohibits “associational discrimination.” It is unlawful for covered employers to discriminate against an employee because of his or her actual or perceived relationship with a disabled person. In this article, you will find… Read More »
Supreme Court Overruled Chevron Deference—What it Could Mean for Employment Law
On June 28th, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a major ruling that overturned the four-decade old Chevron Doctrine. In the case of Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, the nation’s highest court, eliminated the Chevron Deference. The decision is expected to have significant implications for many areas of administrative laws, including… Read More »
Navigating the Federal Trade Commission’s Proposed Non-Compete Clause Rule: What Florida Employers and Employees Need to Know
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently taken significant steps toward banning non-compete clauses nationwide, a move that could drastically alter the landscape of employment law, particularly here in Florida. If implemented, the FTC’s proposed rule would prohibit employers from using non-compete agreements with employees, which could impact millions of workers and businesses across… Read More »