Category: Featured
NLRB Says Employers Can No Longer Use Severance Agreements to Buy Laid-Off Employees’ Silence
Most employers don’t offer severance packages to laid-off employees out of the kindness of their hearts. They do so because they’re buying something. That something may be employees’ release of any harassment or discrimination claims or promises not to solicit employers’ customers. Employers also use severance agreements to buy employees’ silence. As a result, employees …
Subtle Signs of Workplace Discrimination
Whatever else they may be, most employers aren’t dumb. They know that engaging in discrimination, harassment or retaliation against protected groups in hiring and employment practices is illegal. They also understand that discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims can negatively affect their finances and their reputations. That’s why workplace discrimination is often subtle and nuanced rather …
Can You Get Severance If You Quit Your Job?
People quit their jobs for all sorts of reasons – better opportunities, shifting priorities, or the need to escape from uninspiring, frustrating or miserable situations. Whatever motivates workers to move to greener pastures, they typically want to leave with as little drama or animosity as possible. They also want to depart with as much financial …
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Recent Minnesota Supreme Court Case Clarifies Proof Needed for Age Discrimination and Constructive Discharge Claims
Age discrimination in the workplace is rarely open and obvious. An employer that wants to push an older worker out the door likely won’t come out and say, “We’re letting you go because you’re too old.” Instead, the employer may devise pretexts for termination, such as unjustified poor performance reviews. Alternatively, an employer may make …
Top 5 Questions to Ask When Offered a Severance as Part of a RIF
If your employer has offered you a severance package as part of a Reduction in Force or RIF, you first need to understand that companies typically claim that RIFS are necessary for supposed financial reasons. In truth, though, RIFS are often used to get rid of older, more expensive employees and may constitute age discrimination. …
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COVID-19 – IS WORKING FROM HOME A “REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION” UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT?
For the better part of the last 15 months, employees across the country have been required to work remotely as the world has struggled with the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Now, though, restrictions are starting to lift, and employers are beginning to ask, or, in some instances, insist, that their workers come back …
Morrie’s 394 Hyundai found liable for retaliation against employee; must pay $200,000
Jury finds company guilty of violating Minnesota Human Rights Act and Parenting Leave and Accommodations Act. MINNEAPOLIS (OCTOBER 13, 2020): On Friday, October 9th, a jury found Morrie’s 394 Hyundai, LLC, liable for retaliation against former employee Victoria McVey and awarded her $200,000 in damages. The jury found two kinds of retaliation: for reporting gender …