Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Whistle All the Way: Protecting Whistleblowers at Work
In recent years, the news has been full of whistleblowers exposing illegal activities of their companies. We may all have heard about whistleblowers, but how well do you understand and know what a whistleblower really is under the law? And what are those whistleblower protections? Generally speaking, and under federal law, it is important… Read More »
The New 2017 EEOC Wellness Rules: What You Need to Know
By now, most Americans have heard the buzz about new wellness plans in the workplace. If your employer has not enacted a wellness plan – they may be in the minority. With the rise of wellness plans in the workplace, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) has issued new guidelines for how employers should… Read More »
University students rights under disability and discrimination laws: What you need to know
Living with a disability can be a challenge, but thanks to federal and state laws – your disability does not have to stand in the way of getting a higher education. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which was amended (and expanded) in 2008 through the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA),… Read More »
EEOC and Mental Health Issues in the Workplace
If you suffer from depression, PTSD, or another mental health condition – there is good news: you have legal rights in the workplace! While this is not a novel idea, it is one that is not widely followed. This prompted , the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in December to issue a publication… Read More »
Overtime Rules and What You Need to Know
A change in federal law’s overtime rules that would make millions more Americans eligible for overtime pay? Sound too good to be true? A federal judge thought so, too, when heissued an injunction last month preventing the rule from taking effect. Previously, the Department of Labor set the law in place to be effective… Read More »
Taking Time Off to Care for a Child or Aging Parent Under the FMLA
Are you considering taking time off from your job in South Florida to care for an aging parent or for a sick child? It is important to recognize that you have certain rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which include taking time off from work to care for a family member… Read More »
Service Pets: What Are Your Rights?
What are your employee rights when it comes to service animals? Do you currently have a service pet and have questions about where you are allowed to take your animal? Or, are you in the process of seeking a service pet and wondering whether your animal will be permitted in certain spaces? For instance,… Read More »
What is the Difference Between Filing My Lawsuit in Florida State Court Versus Federal Court for Employment Law Cases?
If you have an employment law case, you might be wondering whether you should file your claim in Florida state court or in federal court. What is the difference? And how will the decision to file in state or federal court potentially impact the outcome of your case? Understanding the Difference Between State and… Read More »
Discrimination on the Basis of Marital Status Under Florida Law
Can your employer discriminate against you on the basis of marital status? No, under the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 prohibits an employer from discriminating against an employee or a job applicant on the basis of “color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, or marital status.”. To better understand what discrimination based… Read More »
Last Paycheck and Last Vacation Days: What Am I Entitled to When I Leave My Job?
So, you’ve finally landed that new job and the last thing on your plate is the dreaded conversation of letting your current employer know you’re leaving. While this conversation alone may be very stressful, it is even worse if the issue of your unused vacation pay and sick leave payout is unanswered. Indeed, many… Read More »