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The recent spate of employee terminations resulting from social media posts after the killing of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk raises questions about what liability such terminations might have for employers. The amount of an employer’s potential liability will be based on whether they are a private or public employer. Background While employees have been fired […]
For the third consecutive legislative session, Massachusetts state representative Tram T. Nguyen has proposed a bill to establish a private right of action by employees on behalf of themselves, their fellow employees and the Commonwealth for employers’ alleged wage and hour violations. For the first time, however, Rep. Nguyen has some support from the other chamber: Several state senators have […]
The U.S. Supreme Court opened its new term facing a challenging docket and a distrustful public. The most watched cases all require the Court to more fully articulate the boundaries, if any, of its precedential ruling in Trump v. US, giving the president untrammeled authority over the executive branch, including the unrestricted right to terminate […]
Cell phones are a quintessential tool in modern society, including within the realm of employment. Many employers use various data networks that allow employees to access and store the employer’s data on their own personal cell phones or other personal devices under “bring your own device” (BYOD) practices. Allowing employees access to employer data from […]
Weight is not a protected characteristic in most civil rights laws, meaning workplace discrimination based on weight is largely permitted. There is some momentum to include weight as a protected category in civil rights laws, however, given the growing body of research on the impact of weight bias. Employees who have high body weight may […]
Employee leave management has become an increasingly complex aspect of human resources, requiring a solid understanding of intersecting federal laws and company policies. From accommodating medical needs to maintaining operational continuity, employers must navigate leave issues with care, consistency, and legal awareness. Read on for a high-level overview of key leave laws and best practices […]
Employers may recall that earlier this year, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) limiting the recognition of gender to male and female. Texas Governor Greg Abbott then passed a similar directive shortly after and has also signed a bill into law that could affect how employers should address their employees. However, employers shouldn’t neglect […]
Political discussions between employees at work become heated, negative political social media posts go viral, off-duty employees are photographed participating in off-duty protests, or workers show up at work wearing pins, buttons, or shirts emblazoned with political slogans. It seems these things are happening more frequently, and third parties are more willing to complain to […]
One of the central facets of the unitary executive theory is that the executive branch of government should operate as a single, fully coordinated entity, with all decisions (major and minor) and all appointees (major and minor) reflecting the policies of the executive— e.g., the president, the sole person elected by a vote of all […]
When budgets tighten—whether because of a federal government shutdown, grant cuts, manufacturing slowdowns, or a dip in tourism—some employers face the difficult decision to reduce staff. If layoffs are on the table, approach them with empathy, clarity, and legal diligence. Key considerations Consider these factors in connection with potential layoffs: Confirm layoffs are a last […]