July 2015

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects employees from discrimination on the basis of an employee’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status. Further, the law prohibits retaliation against Read more

On May 21, 2015, Governor Rick Scott signed Bill 982 into a law, making it unlawful for employers to discriminate against individuals on the basis of pregnancy. Effective July 1, 2015, employers cannot discharge, refuse to hire, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of Read more

The topic of gender identity has been the subject of both media and legislative attention recently. In the workplace, discrimination is a major contributor to the especially high rates of unemployment and underemployment faced by transgender people. These workers are often fired, paid less or harassed because of who they are. So it is not Read more

There is great news for South Dakota employees’ sustaining a work-related injury and have more than one job. The South Dakota Supreme Court has recently determined that an employee’s wages from all jobs could be used to calculate his or her average weekly wage for purposes of workers’ compensation benefits. The decision comes after a Read more

The Virginia Employment Commission is promoting the use of its online services for unemployment insurance claims and moving away from the use of in-person services. Specifically, the department has released an updated Unemployment Insurance Notice to Workers. The new posting includes an updated web address for filing a claim for benefits online.  The posting also Read more

In 2014, Minnesota passed a new bill (H 2091) that will raise the minimum wage. Under the new law, the minimum wage is scheduled to increase in phases. Starting August 1, 2015, the new minimum wage rates are:   Large employers – $9.00 per hour Small employers – $7.25 per hour Training wage rate – Read more

Oregon is the fourth state to pass a statewide law (SB 454) requiring all employers to implement sick leave policies that give employees one week sick leave per year. The law applies to all state and private sector full-time, part-time, seasonal or temporary employees.   Sick Time Accrual & Benefit Employees generally must accrue sick Read more

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Labor Cabinet just announced that it will be holding free informational and training courses in the month of July. Courses will be held at the Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park in Gilbertsville from July 13 to July 16. The goal is to encourage a safe workplace by offering free safety Read more