We hear all too often from clients… “I just got laid off, and my employer wants me to sign a severance agreement. They gave me a big chart with a list of people’s positions and ages on it. I’m confused, and I’m not sure what to do next.” If you are an older worker (defined …
Many Minnesota high school and college students have taken unpaid internships in hopes of gaining experience that will make them eligible for a paid job. Internships are often given for college credit or a stipend, but sometimes companies simply offer the thrill of the opportunity as compensation. This practice has recently come under scrutiny, as …
The #MeToo movement has shined light on sexual harassment and sexual assault in the workplace and work-related events. However, there is still a value in increasing knowledge, training, and education when it comes to sexual harassment and sexual assault in the workplace. In light of this, it’s vital that employees take the time to understand …
Continue reading “Are You at Risk for Sexual Harassment or Sexual Assault at Your Job?”
As an employment law attorney, I am often asked, “Can I record a conversation with my employer without saying that I am recording it?” The answer depends on whether the state you are recording in requires a one-party or two-party consent and whether your employer has a company policy that prohibits employees from recording conversations.
In a recent case in the Minneapolis school district, an employee was let go from her position. The employee complained to the school system’s equal opportunity division regarding what happened, and she alleged that workplace discrimination, harassment, and a number of financial improprieties were going on within the school system that led to her firing. The …
Continue reading “COMPLAINTS ABOUT WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION MUST BE TIMELY”
A new case decided by the Minnesota Supreme Court provides additional support to employees with disabilities—it clarifies that employers cannot terminate disabled employees who request an accommodation without a “thorough communication” and “documented good faith efforts” to see if the accommodation would actually pose an undue hardship. Under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, employers are …
Recently the U.S. Supreme Court struck another blow against consumers and employees in the case of Lamps Plus, Inc. v. Varela. Yet again the Court reasoned backward from the result it wanted to reach and went out of its way to find in favor of a corporate defendant – at the expense of individual citizens …
Continue reading “Supreme Court Further Denies Basic Rights to Workers & Consumers”
In 2014, a Minnesota demographic survey conducted on State employees showed that less than 4% self-identified as having a disability. When compared to the presence of employees with a disability statewide and nationwide, 7.9% and 10.5% respectively, it was evident that the State’s workforce did not reflect the diversity of Minnesota’s population of individuals with …
A Victory to Minnesota Employees The Minnesota Supreme Court has just handed a victory to Minnesota employees who have been disabled as a result of a workplace injury. The Court’s recent ruling in the Daniel v. City of Minneapolis case, states that employees who develop a disabling condition resulting from an on-the-job injury may now recover …
PART ONE Ten Things Minnesota Job Applicants Need To Know About Drug & Alcohol Testing Laws You received a telephone call from a prospective employer, and they want to hire you! You are ecstatic – this is the dream job you’ve always wanted! The employer goes on to tell you that that the “offer of …
Continue reading “Understanding DATWA: Minnesota’s Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace Act”
