Tag: Supreme Court

Supreme Court to Decide Key Employment Issues in 2010

Before each term, the U.S. Supreme Court identifies the cases it will hear in that term. While the Court has identified only three cases directly involving claims under various federal labor and employment statutes, in an additional four cases, the Court’s decisions are likely to have a significant effect on the rights and practices of […]

Can Employees Choose to Work Instead of Take a Meal Break?

The California Supreme Court is currently considering the scope of employer meal break obligations under state law. The question before the court is whether employers must only “provide” a meal break, or “ensure” that employees take meal breaks. There’s no indication of when the court will be making its ruling.

Sixth Circuit Addresses Salary Basis Test under FLSA

Wage and hour claims remain a hot topic in employment litigation. The Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently addressed a case involving pay deductions. While the court rejected some of the employees’ arguments, it ultimately agreed with the district court that the employer violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by making certain deductions […]

New Supreme Court Ruling Rocks the Title VII World

The U.S. Supreme Court ended its 2008-2009 term in dramatic fashion when it released its decision in a highly anticipated and controversial reverse discrimination case. Although the case had been in the media since it reached the Supreme Court, it became even more intensely scrutinized once President Barack Obama chose Judge Sonia Sotomayor as his […]

Obama Reveals Choice for Supreme Court Justice

Since Justice David H. Souter announced his intent to retire from the U.S. Supreme Court, there has been much speculation regarding President Barack Obama’s first nomination to the high court. After a long Memorial Day weekend, the wait is over. On Tuesday morning, Obama announced that he would nominate Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be the […]

Lower Starting Salaries Can Lead To Pay Discrimination

With California’s unemployment rate nearing 10 percent, jobseekers have to look harder than ever these days. For those lucky enough to receive a job offer, many are finding the offer to come with a lower starting pay than in previous years. And while businesses are suffering too in today’s economy, employers should beware that taking […]