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Employment Law

Age bias: Prepare to justify every termination

02/03/2016
If you decide to terminate an older employee and hire a younger replacement, assume that you will be sued for age discrimination.

Can you rein in political speech at work?

02/02/2016
Most employers would prefer employees focus on work and not the state of the world when they are on the clock. So how can you quell political arguments in the workplace? You must balance employees’ interest in speaking freely with your interest in maintaining order and productivity:

Beware blanket ban on religious expression

02/02/2016
Employees have a right to reasonable accommodation of their religious practices. That means employers must try to find ways for employees to exercise their beliefs unless doing so would be an undue burden.

Final OT rule due in July, effective 60 days later

02/01/2016
If you’ve put off planning for the big overtime law changes, it’s time to take action. The final version of the DOL’s revisions to the white-collar exemption rules will be released in July.

Supreme Court skeptical about required union dues

02/01/2016
Organized labor had what appeared to be a bad day in court Jan. 11 when the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that asked whether government employees can be required to pay union dues if they object to the union’s political activities.

Whistleblower lawyer says company dodged taxes

01/29/2016
An attorney who once worked for Valley Forge, Pa.-based investment firm Vanguard claims the company charges its affiliates artificially low management fees, which illegally reduces its own tax burden.

EEOC: Popeye’s franchise wouldn’t hire older veterans

01/29/2016
A Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen franchisee in Chester County faces an EEOC lawsuit for allegedly refusing to hire three applicants because of their age.

Pennsylvania State Office of Open Records accused of age discrimination

01/29/2016
An attorney with long experience working for Pennsylvania state agencies has filed an EEOC complaint alleging that the state’s Office of Open Records refused to hire him because of his age.

Federal court: Bullying isn’t grounds for lawsuit

01/29/2016
A federal court has refused to expand possible reasons for employment lawsuits to include so-called “bullying” claims.

Pennsylvania Whistleblower Act requires verdict from judge, not jury

01/29/2016

Here’s a bit of good news that may prevent a big jury verdict: An employment-related whistleblower claim must be heard and decided by a judge, not a jury.