Tag: Employee Rights

It’s Important that Employees Know Who Can Fire Them

Employers frequently use lead persons who aren’t supervisors with the authority to fire employees. However, problems can arise when employees believe such leads can fire them. A recent case before the Arkansas Court of Appeals illustrates this problem. Background In an unbriefed appeal to the court of appeals, Erin Daniels challenged the Arkansas Board of […]

Case Study: 4th Circuit Delivers Road Map for Accommodation Process

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to engage in an interactive, good-faith process to determine if reasonable accommodations can be made for disabled employees that would allow them to perform the essential functions of the job. A recent case decided by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals (which has jurisdiction over North Carolina) […]

Ask the Expert: When Using Employees’ Photos, It’s Best to Ask Permission

In our latest installment of Ask the Expert, brought to you by the team of industry experts at HR Hero®, we look at a question about best practices for using employees’ photos. Q: Our company has just taken pictures of key employees for use on social media, brochures, and elsewhere. Are we required to get consent […]

Sizing Up DEI Initiatives in the Era of Anti-‘Woke’ Efforts

With politics and economics seemingly working against employer efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workforce, many DEI proponents are worried about the future. And a recent report from a global consulting firm shows reasons for concern. Changing Attitudes and Priorities In April, DDI released its 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report, […]

Can Music in the Workplace Be a Potential Liability?

The late, great Ray Charles is credited with having said that “music is powerful. As people listen to it, they can be affected.” Apparently, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals (whose rulings apply to all Nevada employees) agrees with the Genius from Georgia, at least when it comes to music businesses allow to be […]

Don’t Get Burned by FMLA Leave Calculations During Summer Holidays

Summertime brings warm weather, planned vacations, and a number of state and federally recognized holidays. While long holiday weekends are often a time for celebration, cookouts, and a break from the typical 9-to-5, they also play an important role in calculating Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave. Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) […]

Employee Rights in Mass Layoffs

Mass layoffs have dominated the news cycle in the last several months. While many of these layoffs have impacted the tech sector, nontech employees aren’t immune. In light of this unfortunate trend, it’s critical that employers in all industries be aware of their employees’ rights in the event of a layoff. Selection for Layoff Employers […]

Employers Beware: NLRB Instructs on Harsh Penalties for Repeat Offenders

In its recently decided 2-1 decision, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) discussed additional remedies it may now consider in cases involving employers that have engaged in what the Board considers repeated or obvious disregard for employees’ rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The decision is consistent with NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo’s […]

Wage and Hour Law: Designed for the 1920s, Applied in the 21st Century

The fundamental premise of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is that all employees are covered by its base requirements. This includes being paid minimum wage for every hour worked and time and one-half for all overtime. The FLSA is a statute of inclusion, which means all employees are covered unless they fit within specific, […]