Tag: Employment law

Alcoholism and how USC may have violated ADA by firing Steve Sarkisian

On October 12, 2015, Steve Sarkisian was fired as  head coach of the University of Southern California (USC) football team. While USC contends Sarkisian was fired for “cause,” there is no question that his alcohol-related behavior led to his termination. Whether the termination was or was not properly for “cause” is relevant, in part, because […]

Minimum salary requirements key to analysis of proposed FLSA overtime regs

by Robert P. Tinnin, Jr. Under the newly proposed overtime regulations for the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the most significant changes are to the minimum salary threshold that must be met for an employee to qualify as exempt. It’s important to understand what types of compensation are included in determining whether “minimum threshold salary” […]

Late time cards a headache but no reason to withhold pay

You’d think employees would be eager enough for their paychecks that they would make sure to turn in time sheets promptly. But that’s not always the case, and employers may be tempted to withhold pay as a not-so-gentle reminder for workers to submit their hours on time. That’s temptation best avoided, though, according to attorneys […]

American Horror Story: Hotel—Gaga for this deliciously terrifying workplace

The latest installment of American Horror Story was off to a screaming start with the premiere of Hotel. If you missed it, proceed with caution as this article contains some minor spoilers on the first episode. This season is set in a sprawling art deco hotel that manages to be both beautiful and frightening at the same […]

New penalties in Canada’s temporary foreign worker regime

by Isabelle Dongier Last year, Canada’s federal government introduced changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The changes were intended to encourage employers to put more effort into hiring Canadian workers by making it more difficult and expensive for them to hire temporary foreign workers. The changes have done just that. Adding to that […]

Moving toward the latest trend in office design? Don’t forget legal concerns

Office workers want to be comfortable and productive at work, and they all have different ideas on how to accomplish that goal. Some want to sit. Others want to stand. Some want privacy for focused work. Others want open space for collaborative work. Still others want comfy-cozy nooks where they can curl up with a […]

EEOC ‘cause’ finding may be harmful but doesn’t mean an automatic loss

by Deanna L. Forbush Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) investigations typically end when the EEOC issues a notice of dismissal and right-to-sue letter granting the charging party 90 days to file a lawsuit under one or more of the federal statutes the agency enforces—Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination […]

#damonsplaining — Matt Damon can do it, but you can’t

Actor Matt Damon sure has had an up and down past few weeks. First, Damon made some questionable comments on HBO’s Project Greenlight, a documentary developed by Damon himself (along with some famous friends including buddy Ben Affleck) focusing on first-time filmmakers being given the chance to direct a feature film. When African-American producer Effie […]

Project manager convicted of criminal negligence

by Norm Keith and Shane D. Todd As another reminder of the importance of health and safety in all workplaces all across Canada, we report on the continuing legal saga involving the December 2009 fatalities at Metron Construction. On June 26, 2015, Vadim Kazenelson, the project manager overseeing a construction project for Metron, was found […]