News

Last month, we told you about a federal appeals case that ruled that an employer may not be liable for third-party sexual harassment that occurs off-premises even if the harasser is a client or customer. Now, another federal court has ruled that an employer isn’t liable for third-party harassment on the premises, either.

We have an employee who is off work recovering from a work-related injury (workers’ comp). They won’t be cleared for work at the time of our holiday party, but are asking to attend. Is it appropriate to let them? We’d love for them to come but are wondering about further injury/liability.

The New York City Council amended its Earned Safe and Sick Time Act in late October to provide workers with new time-off benefits. This includes 32 hours of unpaid safe and sick time for eligible employees for an expanded number of reasons.

Age, sex, religion, disability and marital status are just some of the characteristics commonly revealed by the most cursory—or even accidental—social media search. But just because you can access sensitive information easily doesn’t mean you should. Here are some suggestions for a social media policy that makes sense and avoids legal problems.

Is an employee allowed to keep their vacation and then take FMLA, or does the employee need to take their hours of vacation first before FMLA?

A recent 11th Circuit decision highlights that offering reassignment instead of extending medical leave can be a reasonable accommodation under the ADA when the reassignment fits the employee’s restrictions and the circumstances. The court said the employer acted lawfully by offering another available position rather than more leave, which the employee declined.

States across the country are moving toward mandatory written violence prevention plans, regular risk assessments, employee training and anti-retaliation protections. Because the legal landscape is rapidly evolving, employers should review and update their workplace violence policies at least annually and confirm compliance with their state’s most current requirements.

Sometimes, the best thing to do when faced with a possible wrongful termination is rehire the employee. Doubling down and refusing to consider the fired employee for open positions she’s qualified to perform can add to the damages.

Eventually, the federal government shutdown will end, but bringing federal agencies back online will take time. That means employers will have to exercise patience as they look for guidance. Here’s how the reopening is expected to roll out and what it means for employers.

Effective Oct. 30, USCIS is no longer granting automatic extensions. That means your employees can no longer legally work unless they submitted their renewal requests by Oct. 30.