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The Employer Handbook BlogThis ADA Case Is a Checklist of What Not to Do
A machine operator with osteoarthritis tried to return to work with restrictions. Instead, he got terminated. Now his ADA case is headed for trial. Continue reading
Articles Posted in Pennsylvania
Burned by the ADA: When Legal Weed Gets You Fired
Turns out a medical marijuana card can’t cure everything—especially if what you’ve got is a bad case of ADA expectations. Here’s a lesson in what happens when federal law refuses to roll with the times. Continue reading
Deviation, Documentation, and the Door: When Honest Belief Meets FMLA Misuse
When employees stretch their FMLA leave beyond what’s certified, courts look closely at how employers respond. A recent case shows how solid documentation and a clear-eyed review of the facts can support a defensible termination.
From Drug Test to Lawsuit: A Medical Marijuana Case Every Employer Should Know
If The Dude from The Big Lebowski applied for a job today—with a medical marijuana card in hand and nothing but good vibes—what legal rights would he actually have? A recent federal court decision from Pennsylvania offers a reality check for employers navigating job offers, drug tests, and lawful cannabis use. Continue reading
This University Was Sued Over Antiracism Training—Here’s Why the Court Dismissed It
About a year ago, a federal judge greenlit the lawsuit of a former university professor who alleged that his employer created a racially hostile work environment through various discussions and initiatives focused on antiracism and racial justice. Continue reading
No Laughing Matter: How a Comedian’s Racist and Sexist Jokes Led to a CFO’s Retaliation Claim
I just had to write about a federal court decision from earlier in 2024 that I finally got around to reading. It serves as a critical reminder for employers: All complaints about a hostile work environment must be taken seriously—even when they involve a comedian hired to entertain at a company event. Continue reading
Can out-of-state remote workers handpick the most favorable state employment laws for a lawsuit?
In the evolving landscape of remote work, many employees believe they are shielded by the laws of the state they reside in. However, a recent decision from the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey — of all places !!! — reveals a harsh reality: working remotely from another state does not necessarily entitle employees to the protections of that state’s laws. This case serves as a critical reminder of the complexities surrounding jurisdiction in employment law. Continue reading
When employees publicize their own confidential health information it’s no longer confidential.
I’ll go ahead and file this one under “duh.” Continue reading
What should employers do if they doubt the sincerity of an employee’s religious beliefs? NOT THIS!
Suppose an employee, an adherent of a religion you’ve never heard of, requests time off from work on certain religious observance days.