Dec 09, 2022
Mass Layoffs: What is the WARN Act and how does it protect employees?
Employers often conduct layoffs, or "reductions in force," to maximize the efficiency of their operations. For example, the organization might be under financial stress or seeking to reduce redundancy. The unfortunate effect is that a large number of workers may find themselves jobless through no fault of their own.
Jun 07, 2022
Minnesota Frontline Worker Bonus Pay
Over a half a million workers in Minnesota are on the “frontlines” of the COVID-19 pandemic.1 A study evaluating workers’ COVID-19 positivity rates between September 2020 and March 2021 found that frontline workers were 21% more likely to have tested positive for COVID-19, compared to non-frontline workers.2 ; To “compensate[e] workers for working in conditions that, in many cases, exceeded what was originally contemplated in their employment agreement to ensure our state was able to continue functioning during th
Mar 25, 2022
Workplace Whistleblower Protection for Reporting Low Quality Healthcare
The Minnesota Whistleblower Act protects employees from retaliation for reporting illegal—and in some cases unethical—activity in the workplace. But it also specifically protects employees who report substandard or low-quality healthcare services. This is true whether the standard is established by law or by a nationally recognized clinical or ethical standard.
Mar 10, 2022
The End of Forced Arbitration for Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Claims
The #MeToo Movement, a phrase initially coined by Tarana Burke in 2006 to empower women of color to speak out about experiences of sexual violence, gained traction at the end of 2017 when Alyssa Milano encouraged the use of the #MeToo hashtag to promote awareness of the widespread and ongoing issue of sexual assault and harassment.[1] Since then, a number of states have passed legislation meant to combat workplace sexual harassment.
Feb 21, 2022
New MN Pregnancy Accommodation and Nursing Mother Rights Take Effect
Minnesota law provides protections for expectant and new parents in the workplace. One such law is the Women’s Economic Security Act (“WESA”). Last year, Governor Tim Walz signed legislation that expanded some of the protections included in WESA. On January 1, 2022, these new protections went into effect.
Dec 13, 2021
Lepage/Flowers Foods Settlement in Maine
Current and former Lepage Bakeries distributors have sued Flowers Foods, Inc., CK Sales, and Lepage Bakeries (collectively “Defendants”) alleging that Defendants misclassified them as independent contractors and violated federal as well as Maine wage laws. The Defendants deny those allegations, but have agreed to settle the lawsuit.
Nov 09, 2021
Associational Discrimination: Can I Be Fired for Associating with Someone of a Protected Status?
Federal and state laws prohibit “associational discrimination” in employment. What this means is no employer may retaliate against you on the basis of your relationship with a person based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or other protected classification. This article will explain the basics of this infrequently litigated legal claim and help you to identify potential cases in your workplace.
Oct 19, 2021
I’m Pregnant. Can I Be Fired From My Job?
Short answer, yes. Long answer, yes, but take a careful look at the facts and circumstances.