What you write and post on social media can have serious consequences. You need look no further than the recent firing of a CBS executive who posted about the Las Vegas shootings on her Facebook page. Her post was not related to her employer or her employment with CBS. But many employers have social media […]
Your Company’s Confidentiality Policy May Violate Federal Law
T-Mobile’s Confidentiality Agreement is called into question Some companies have policies that prohibit employees from discussing internal investigations. Such policies are meant to protect employers. But they may violate employee rights outlined by federal law. The National Labor Relations Board recently said T-Mobile should not have required employees to sign a confidentiality agreement that prohibited […]
Lawmakers propose bill to protect LGBT workers across Florida
Florida Competitive Workforce Act would raise state employment standards For the seventh time, Florida lawmakers are trying to pass a bill that would make it illegal to fire someone based on his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. Some cities and counties already prohibit such discrimination, but statewide, it is still permitted. The bill […]
Under FLSA You’re Probably an Employee, not an Independent Contractor
What’s the Law? Are You an Independent Contractor or Employee? It’s estimated that by 2020, 40 percent of the U.S. labor force will be freelancing. With freelancing and independent contractor status comes a world of freedoms for the employee, but this might also trigger employment law issues and violations of your rights. According to the […]
Have You Signed Your Employee Rights Away
Protect Your Employee Rights Before Entering into Arbitration There’s a disturbing trend occurring with employee rights. Employees are signing away their rights to a court hearing in favor of arbitration, largely because they don’t understand the ramifications of doing so. Have you signed away your employee rights? Here’s what that could mean: What is Arbitration? […]
Have you Been 1099d? Issues with Employee Misclassification Continue to Grow
Federal authorities work to curb growing problem of employee misclassification The United States is undergoing a shift in the way business operates. Some call it the rise of the “1099 economy,” named for the tax form freelancers receive. Instead of classifying their workers as traditional “employees,” companies such as Uber, Lyft, and Homejoy have classified […]
Putting Employees in the Driver’s Seat
Uber and the Battle over Contractors One of the biggest questions in employment law currently is the difference between an employee and a contractor. It’s an important question for many companies because it determines employee benefits and protections. Often the hiring of independent contractors saves companies an enormous amount of money because they don’t have […]
10 Things You Want to Know Before Hiring an Employment Lawyer
If you think you need an employment lawyer, there are several things you should think about before hiring one. Employment lawyers, and their skills in representing you, are not all equal. Some are more tenacious than others. Some are more experienced. Take the time to speak with several of them and ask the following: How […]
I Just Got Fired. Now What?
Getting terminated from a job is very stressful. Not only do you have financial concerns but your pride suffers as well. It hurts to be told, “this just isn’t working out”. While Florida is an at-will state, and you can be fired at any time, there are several reasons employers can’t fire you. Knowing these […]
What Can I Do if My Employer Violates My Employment Contract?
If you have an agreement with your employer – written or verbal (albeit verbal is harder to prove) – that has been broken, you have several courses of action. If the employment/employee contract is a union contract, speak with your union representative first. If not, then you can: Speak with the Human Resources Department While […]