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Category: Pre-Hiring Issues

Pre-Hiring Issues explained by New York Employment Lawyer Steven Mitchell Sack

Beware of Signing Employment Contracts with Restrictive Covenants

Restrictive covenants are provisions in employment agreements that prohibit a person from working for a competitor after leaving his or her employer. The effect of such clauses varies greatly. In addition from limiting a former employee’s job opportunities, a restrictive covenant allows an employer to restrict the former employee from starting a business or forming a venture with others that competes against the former employer; contacting or soliciting former or current customers or employees of the former employer; and using confidential knowledge, trade secrets and other privileged information learned while working for the former employer. Many employers also place time and geographical restrictions in these covenants.

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How Should Potential Employees’ Criminal Record be Considered?

It is increasingly difficult for potential employees to find job positions after they have been arrested or convicted of a crime. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 defines parameters of the hiring process to avoid discrimination, including whether to conduct a criminal background check and how to weigh those applicants who have an arrest or conviction record. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers to discriminate based on an applicant’s race, color, natural origin, sex, or religion. It is important to adhere to these guidelines in order to be an equal opportunity employer.

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Investigation of Employee’s Social Network Sites

In today’s technology driven society, almost everyone has some type of social media account.  While most young people think nothing of the reflection your page might have regarding prospective employment, it is estimated that three-quarters of employers look at applicants’ Facebook presence to see what they’re doing outside of work.  While CareerBuilder.com estimates approximately 1 in 10 young people have been denied jobs based off their Facebook postings, there are laws that protect a worker’s privacy when it comes to what these employers may take into account when selecting a new hire.

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New Bill to Tighten Restrictions on Employer Inquiry into Applicant Criminal Record

A new NYC Council bill proposes barring employers from asking job candidates if they have a criminal record, or have ever been convicted of a crime, and is expected to become law in New York City very soon.

The ‘Ban the Box’ bill would will essentially prohibit the widely used “check boxes” on job applications that ask about past convictions. Furthermore, the new legislation would prohibit employers from inquiring about an applicant’s criminal record until a conditional job offer has been offered.

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Bed Bath & Beyond Fined for Discriminating Against Job Applicants

It is no surprise that individuals convicted of a crime experience hardships when looking for employment. However, can an employer deny an applicant simply based on the fact that the applicant is an ex-con? Earlier this April, New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman reminded mega-store Bed Bath & Beyond that those types of discriminatory hiring practices are illegal in New York.

During the investigation, Schneiderman’s office found Bed Bath & Beyond automatically disqualified job applicants with felony convictions without evaluating their criminal records individually, as required by state law.

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FDNY Settles Claims of Racial Discrimination

For years, New Yorkers and individuals around the country have been aware of the ongoing lawsuit that alleged racial discrimination against one of the most notable fire departments in the nation, the FDNY. However, in early March, Mayor Bill de Blasio and his administration have finally brought the lawsuit to an end.

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NYC Earned Sick Time Act May Be Expanding

Mayor Bill de Blasio and incoming Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito announced that the New York City Council will look to expand the Earned Sick Time Act within the year.

According to the Mayor, the updated law would: (i) protect an additional 500,000 City employees, including those in the manufacturing sector, by expanding the paid leave requirement to employers with 5 or more employees starting in April 2014; (ii) expand the definition of family members so that employees could use sick leave to care for grandparents, grandchildren and siblings; and (iii) allow employees to use sick time as they accrue it rather than wait 120 days after they started working.

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New Jersey Limits Employer Access to Employees’ Social Media Accounts

A new law which took effect on December 1, 2013 makes New Jersey the latest of a growing number of states – including Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington – that prohibit employers from requesting access to the social media accounts of current or prospective employees. The law also prohibits employers from retaliating or discriminating against any such individual who either refuses to provide such access or who complains about what he or she believes to be a violation of the law.

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Can You Trust A Potential Employer? Here Are Some Tips!

Finding a job is hard enough without having to worry about the integrity of your employer. However, the amount of scams out there is numerous and if a potential employee is not careful, they can be the victim of one that can have major consequences for their career. It is vital to get informed and know what to ask and look for in a potential employer.

Here’s a section of my book “The Employee Rights Handbook” that deals with tips an employee should know before taking any position at a company. Get informed and know your rights to see how these laws may affect you!

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The Employer’s Responsibilities Regarding Immigration

The Employer’s Responsibilities Regarding Immigration

Immigration is a controversial topic, especially in the last ten years. And no matter what side of the spectrum you are on, there is one thing for sure: the law is the law.

Here’s a section of my book “The Employee Rights Handbook” that discusses inspections and employer’s immigration law requirements.

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    Katlinna Zhao
    Katlinna Zhao
    I had a great experience working with Steven Sack during my recent job separation. He was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about achieving the best outcome for me. Thanks to his expertise, we were able to secure additional benefits beyond my original severance package, for which I am truly grateful. Steven guided me through the entire process with clear communication and support, making a challenging situation much easier. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a dedicated and effective advocate!
    Gabriela Miller
    Gabriela Miller
    Highly professional and a wonderful attorney. Thank you.
    Chris MacMurray
    Chris MacMurray
    Steve was amazing to work with. He is always available and follows up on email or phone calls immediately The process was fast and painless, and he helped me understand a number of things that I did not. I would recommend him highly, and he will be my sole source for employment law going forward. Thank You Steve!
    Sandy James
    Sandy James
    Steven was reliable, straightforward, empathetic, honest, dependable and pushed for what I asked for in my agreement with my employer. I thought his prices were reasonable. I felt like I was in good hands throughout a terrible work situation. Highly recommend his services!
    Abraham Truzman
    Abraham Truzman
    My experience with Steven Sack was similar to those that many others have had with him before. Honest, caring, communicative, and exceedingly knowledgeable. My legal troubles caused me a few sleepless nights and he was a Godsend in resolving my legal matter. He was my advocate through and through. If you are dealing with any issues regarding employment law, go to Steven!
    Dee
    Dee
    Amazing lawyer, an even better person. He is straight and to the point, looking for the best for his clients. If you don't hire him, you're making a mistake
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