Business owners, executives, and directors do not like it when workers try to unionize. As a result, they tend to promote a number of myths about labor unions, in order to discourage workers from exercising their legal right to collectively organize. Here are just some of the most common myths people say about labor unions:
Author: Steven Mitchell Sack
Federal Court Denies Dismissal in Painkiller Discrimination Case
A federal court in Ohio has dismissed a motion for summary judgment in a case where a prospective employee was not hired after disclosing he used a prescription opioid painkiller. The case is a sign of the stigma that many people with chronic pain face as they seek employment in their respective fields. However, the plaintiff’s own motion for summary judgment was also defeated, meaning the case may have a long way to go before it is resolved.
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New York City Mandates Salary Range Disclosure Starting May 15
Starting on May 15, 2022, New York City will require all employers in the city with four or more employees to disclose the acceptable salary range for any position it advertises. This is meant to deal with a surprisingly common problem, where employers would advertise a position without also advertising the salary, leading to what many would consider deceptive business practices. This information can help potential job applicants to ensure they are making an amount of money appropriate to their position, rather than having to operate blind. Continue reading “New York City Mandates Salary Range Disclosure Starting May 15”
How Do Employers Use Performance Reviews Against Employees?
Performance reviews are a regular part of almost every job in existence, with employees evaluated based on their ability to adequately perform their job duties. In theory, these are innocuous, a sensible part of ensuring employees are on task and doing their jobs. In reality, however, performance reviews can be used as a tool to deprive employees of their pay and benefits, and to conceal potentially illegal labor practices. Continue reading “How Do Employers Use Performance Reviews Against Employees?”
When Can Employees Legally Go on Strike?
The tactic of going on strike is one of the oldest, and most famous, strategies used by the labor movement. Through careful organization, strikes have been used to secure better wages and working conditions for workers across the United States. However, striking is not always legal, and it is important to know when a strike is protected by the law, and when it is not. Continue reading “When Can Employees Legally Go on Strike?”
FTC Begins Review of Rule on Restrictive Covenants
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun the process of reviewing a potential change to federal regulations about the use of restrictive covenants in employment contracts. The goal of these changes is, ostensibly, to allow employees a greater degree of freedom to change employment without fear of legal retribution. Employers, however, are wary of these potential changes, which they say may make it easier for employees to personally benefit from trade secrets or other confidential information. Continue reading “FTC Begins Review of Rule on Restrictive Covenants”
New York Imposes Emergency Mask Mandate For All Indoor Public Places
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that, as of December 13, all public places in the state must require masks to allow people to enter. This mandate comes at the recommendation of the New York State Department of Health, which has noted a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations throughout the state. The mask mandate affects everyone over the age of two, although businesses may require proof of vaccination in lieu of a mask.
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NY Employers Now Required to Inform Employees of Electronic Monitoring
Under a new law set to take effect next May, employers in New York State would be required to inform employees in advance if they intend to engage in electronic monitoring of their workforce. This law, S2628, will have a substantial effect on employers that use various technologies to monitor their employees’ electronic communications, who currently do not need to tell their employees if they do so. Employers who violate this law may find themselves subject to investigation and fines by the New York Attorney General’s (AG’s) office.
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New EEOC Guidance Allows Employees to Sue For COVID-19 Retaliation
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has just issued guidance, clarifying that employees can seek a legal remedy in the event they suffer retaliation for reporting COVID-19 related violations. This means that anyone who suffers employment discrimination for reporting employers that violate COVID-19 labor protections can file a complaint with the EEOC or pursue litigation in court, as appropriate. This guidance has upset some employers, who fear a wave of lawsuits for alleged COVID-19 retaliation.
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Activision Blizzard Employees Walk Out Over Sexual Misconduct Claims
Employees at Activision Blizzard, a major game publisher, have staged a walkout in protest of sexual misconduct and other labor abuses alleged against the company. This walkout comes on the heels of a Washington Post article that reveals Activision Blizzard’s CEO not only knew about these abuses for years, but actively aided in covering them up and, in some cases, was himself a perpetrator. Now, employees are demanding radical changes at the company, including the resignation of the CEO himself.
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