Apr 01, 2020
COVID-19 and Discrimination in the Workplace
The way we work, socialize, and entertain ourselves has drastically changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these changes, it is important to remember that the anti-discrimination laws have not. There are numerous state and federal legal protections that protect vulnerable classes from discrimination, and these protections are still in place even given this historic period of the coronavirus. Discrimination in the current climate could arise in relation to worker protections, paid time off, job protections, reasonable accommodations, or harassment.
Mar 19, 2020
Coronavirus Employment Rights & FMLA: New Workplace Laws Protect Employees, Offer Paid Leave
On March 18, 2020, Congress passed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which is aimed at reducing the financial impact on employees in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. If you are an employee impacted by COVID-19, it is important to have a clear understanding of your coronavirus employment rights.Feb 20, 2020
Women’s Protections in the Minnesota Workplace
February 20, 2020 – Despite a rising trend of women holding more positions and even gaining traction in higher level positions, they continue to suffer from inequalities in the workplace. Fortunately, there are many legal protections for women in Minnesota and nationwide.Jan 24, 2020
Overtime and Wage Law Changes Effective January 2020
January 24, 2020 – Minnesota employees and employers should be aware of new changes to federal overtime and state wage laws that went into effect this month. While employers want to remain in compliance, employees should be aware of their rights and be prepared to assert their rights in the event that they are being underpaid.Dec 10, 2019
Sexual Harassment Claims in the #MeToo Era
December 10, 2019 – The #MeToo movement has certainly shed light on the extent of sexual harassment in the lives of women in the workplace—putting an end to abuse and holding aggressors and employers accountable raises another set of issues. What rights do women have in the face of powerful institutions and public personalities? What is a proper remedy in the case of sexual harassment? Can women ever be free from the threat of retaliation?
Oct 31, 2019
Does a Whistleblower Have Protections Against Retaliation?
October 31, 2019 – In recent developments regarding the whistleblower complaint by an anonymous CIA officer against actions by President Donald Trump, a common concern has arisen around whistleblower protections. Is the whistleblower in this case in danger of retaliation? What protections does the whistleblower have related to privacy and anonymity? How does this case compare to protections for whistleblowers under Minnesota law?
Sep 19, 2019
Massie Presents on Marijuana in the Workplace to MSBA
September 19, 2019 – Firm attorney Dustin Massie will present to members of the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Law Section on September 25, 2019.
Aug 27, 2019
Wage Theft: How Are You Protected?
August 27, 2019 – Each year, nearly 40,000 Minnesotans lose about $12 million in unpaid wages. Oftentimes, this wage theft occurs in the form of unpaid overtime, withholding paychecks and misclassifying workers as independent contractors. With newly enacted and strengthened laws in place, more employers will be held accountable.