Tag: Employment law

The First Amendment and Burping

At the beginning of one episode of The Simpsons, Bart is seen writing “The First Amendment does not cover burping” on the blackboard. Although the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that “Congress shall make no law abridging” freedom of speech, more than two centuries of practical application have taught us that even the […]

Vaccine

Belief That Vaccines Are Harmful Does Not Equal Religious Belief

The antivaccination movement has been gaining traction in the United States for several years, much to the chagrin of safety-minded employers. While businesses offer ever-broader benefits to limit the business impact of nationwide pandemics, including on-site flu clinics, many employees refuse to participate and lower the efficacy of vaccinations for those who do.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: a Female Comic Finds Her Voice on Gender Politics in a “Be Pretty” Society

Amazon’s hit show, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, follows the life and struggles of Miriam “Midge” Maisel (played by Rachel Brosnahan), a Jewish housewife living in the Big Apple in the 1950s. As the show begins, Midge seems to be leading a charmed life with a beautiful home, adorable children, and a successful husband (Joel, played […]

Don’t Let an Offhanded Comment Bring About a Lawsuit

Performance reviews, when done correctly, can fulfill a critical role in managing employees’ performance and boosting productivity to higher levels. But more often than not, performance evaluations are viewed as a necessary evil by the managers required to complete evaluations and approached with trepidation by the employees receiving them. The problem with approaching the performance […]

Does Giztoob Get it Right?

In a recent episode of “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” Kimmy settles into a new job in management / human resources at a small tech startup company, Giztoob.  Her boss orders her to fire an employee because he’s always late.  Kimmy agrees that this particular employee “does a bad job” and needs to be fired, but […]

Minimum Wage Hike and Paid Leave Program Coming to Massachusetts

A new law will soon take effect in Massachusetts, where employees will be eligible for paid family and medical leave and will also see an increase in the minimum wage. Governor Charlie Baker signed the bill on June 28, which will require all private employers in the state to offer paid family and medical leave […]

Fire Department Still Has to Pay $545K in Front-Pay

Sticks and stones may break some bones, but harassment can hurt forever.” So begins the appellate opinion of Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson in Franchina v. City of Providence. In elegant though shocking prose, the judge recounts the trial court’s disturbing findings regarding the harassing conduct the employee in this case was subjected to during her […]

Consider Including These Key Terms in Your Well-Drafted Employment Agreements

You’ve found your ideal job candidate. The person has the skills and qualifications to perform well in the position you’re hiring him for, and he fits the mold and culture of your company. You’ve sent this person an offer of employment, and he has accepted. The offer may have provided a few details regarding the […]