The EEOC just released a publication on the rights of job applicants and employees with mental health conditions. Such applicants and employees are likely to be protected by state and federal laws protecting disabled persons, and may entitle them to reasonable accommodations. There are also privacy rights attached to any information about mental health conditions,Read More
News and Events
So No New DOL Rule or What?
As you may have heard, a federal judge in Texas blocked the federal Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) new federal overtime rule, issuing a “preliminary injunction.” This was the rule that would have raised the salary threshold for exemption from overtime pay from $23,660 to $47,476. One result is that employers do not have to comply withRead More
The New I-9 is Now Available!
The newest version of the Form I-9 is now available as announced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Employers may continue using the current version of Form I-9 until Jan. 21, 2017. After Jan. 21, 2017, all previous versions of the Form I-9 will be invalid. Go here for the new form: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9 Failure to Accommodate MayRead More
The Feds Talk Turkey: Business Resource Center on Federal Discrimination Laws
The Feds Talk Turkey: Business Resource Center on Federal Discrimination Laws Well in advance of Thanksgiving, the federal agency responsible for enforcing federal discrimination laws (the EEOC) launched not just some helpful articles but an entire resource center designed to help business owners comply with the discrimination laws enforced by the EEOC. Although labeled theRead More
Fluctuating Workweek: Don’t Think of it as a “Loophole”
As the summer air begins to chill, folks around the workplace are talking (and maybe worrying) about the DOL’s proposed increases to the minimum salary to get overtime. Beginning December 1, 2016, the DOL will double the minimum salary needed to qualify for a white collar exemption from overtime from the current $455 a week ($23,660Read More
Stephen B. Wade named Lawyer of the Year for Insurance Law
Skelton Taintor & Abbott attorney Stephen B. Wade was recently selected as 2016 “Lawyer of the Year” for Product Liability Litigation in the State of Maine. Product liability is the area of law focusing on injuries to people or property as the result of defective products, including such things as automobiles and medical devices. OnlyRead More
Celebrate August 2016 With a New Required Poster
Effective August 1, 2016, employers must put up new Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) postings. The federal Department of Labor has removed penalty amounts from the posters and has added a section about the rights of nursing mothers to the FLSA poster. And where can you find this posterRead More
EEOC Enters First Settlement in Sexual Orientation Case: How to React
On June 23rd, a large company (IFCO Systems) agreed to pay a landmark settlement in one of the EEOC’s first discrimination lawsuits on the basis on sexual orientation. For more information on the specifics of the settlement, click here. What does this mean for you? The EEOC has clearly decided that it is going to takeRead More
Cell Tower Decision Protects Municipal Appeals Processes
The prospect of having a new cell tower built in your town can stir a lot of emotions. For those who wish to avoid the construction of new towers, the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1966 (the “TCA”) presents many challenges because it can be difficult for a municipality to deny an application to construct aRead More
With Terminations, it’s All About Reducing Risk
I have to say, I love SHRM. They have lots to offer, from updates to forms to webinars, but they also have some great articles that I generally find to be quite practical. I recently saw a link on an email alert about an article on How to Fire Someone Without Getting Sued. This articleRead More
