New Standard for Religious Accommodations in the Workplace
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 gives employees and job applicants protection from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has responsibility to enforce this federal law. For many years, the Act has required that most employers reasonably accommodate their employees’ sincerely held […]
Use of Dash Cams in Work Vehicles and the NLRA
These days, businesses use video cameras for many purposes such as to enhance security. In previous blogs, we’ve discussed the legality of employers using cameras for monitoring employees in the workplace and the surveillance of employees working remotely. But what about when the workplace is a company-owned vehicle? Are employers allowed to use dashboard-mounted cameras […]
How Does the NLRA Affect Texas Businesses?
Labor unions may not be as common here in Texas as they are in other states, but they do exist here. And regardless of the existence of a labor union, the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) applies to almost all employers in our state. So even though Texas is a right-to-work state, employers still need […]
Are Salaried Employees Entitled to Overtime Pay?
One common misconception employers hold concerning wage and hour laws is that the FLSA’s overtime rule does not apply to salaried employees. When thinking about overtime pay, many people think this only applies to workers who are paid by the hour. But it is important to note that salaried employees can be entitled to overtime […]
Unpaid Internships: Exploring the Debate | Why Are They Still Around?
Internships have long been touted as a great way for college students to gain invaluable experience in their desired industry. However, many internships out there require the student to work without any type of payment or compensation. This leaves many wondering why unpaid internships are still an option when faced with legal consequences, the potential […]
What Employers Need to Know About Employment Verifications
Employment arrangements do not last forever. You will continue to hire new employees and will want to verify their employment histories. Similarly, you will be asked to provide employment verification for your former employees. This sounds simple enough, but what if your former employee left on bad terms? What if they were terminated? What are […]
What is the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act?
There are many employment laws that can affect your business. Most employers are aware of the federal laws that prohibit discrimination and harassment against employees. Under federal and Texas state law, for example, employees cannot face discrimination or harassment based on protected classes, such as pregnancy. Federal law is about ready to take things a […]
4 Reasons Why You Should Consider Forming an LLC
Are you ready to take the plunge and form your own business? Becoming an independent business owner can be both empowering and daunting. But when it comes down to making sure that you have created the best structure for long-term success, there’s one entity that often rises above the rest: a Limited Liability Company (LLC). […]
FMLA Eligibility Review: Are All Your Employees Eligible?
How strong is your knowledge of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? FMLA allows employees to take unpaid time off for certain family or medical reasons. Many employers misapply the FMLA in their workplace because they do not fully understand its eligibility requirements. Below, we review FMLA eligibility guidelines so you can ensure you […]
Most Common Workplace Lawsuits and How to Minimize Their Impact
Employment-related lawsuits are common and employees may sue employers for a variety of reasons. Sometimes even the most buttoned-up organization may find itself charged with an employment law violation that ends in a courtroom. A lawsuit can be costly and inconvenient for an employer, so the best way to minimize legal damages is to take […]