Articles Posted in Employees

The 6 Ways “Covfefe” Can Improve HR Compliance

June 5, 2017

@RealDonaldTrump on Twitter

It all began last week with a (possible) typographical error in a tweet from our 45th President, “Despite the constant negative press covfefe.”

At first, President Trump’s tweet confused us; “covfefe” even stumped a spelling bee champ while creating a spike in demand for novelty license plates.

But then President Trump doubled down on Twitter, “Who can figure out the true meaning of “covfefe” ??? Enjoy!” Well, his Press Secretary, Sean Spicer, told reporters, “The president and a small group of people know exactly what he meant.”

Folks, you’re in luck! As part of that small group of people, I know exactly what President Trump met. You see, “covfefe” is the solution to all of your HR-compliance problems.

Did Lyft violate Philly’s Ban the Box rules? And could this be the tip of the iceberg?

March 17, 2017

by Eric B. Meyer

Rideshare service, Lyft, Inc., allegedly violated Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Records Screening Standards Ordinance, also known as Ban the Box, according to this press release from the law firm Outten & Golden LLP. Continue reading

How much time is there left for “Just In Time” scheduling? Maybe, not much.

June 28, 2016

by Eric B. Meyer

Late last week, the District of Columbia advanced a bill aimed at ending “just in time” scheduling, where employers adjust employee work schedules for hourly workers — often within 24 hours or less — based on consumer demand.

The DOL may be slowing its roll on the new OT rules. But, you should act now.

November 17, 2015

by Eric B. Meyer

Yesterday, I snuck this little doozie onto The Employer Handbook Facebook Fan Page.

Another appellate court dropkicks the DOL’s unpaid-internship test

September 15, 2015

by Eric B. Meyer

“So, dynamic, Eric. Is there anything you can’t do?”

Oh, hey there. Didn’t see you come in. You probably didn’t come here to read about Law360 naming me one of the 20 attorneys who are killing it on Twitter. (You can follow me here).

No, you’re looking for some Fair Labor Standards Act goodies. Well, I’ve been known to “prolifically tweet[] about news and issues affecting labor and employment, from links to interesting articles to posting [my] personal take on developing stories.” In case you didn’t know. But, enough about my Twitter crown. Let’s keep it here at the award-winning The Employer Handbook, and talk about internships.

Third Circuit Employment Law 101: Independent Contractor or Employee

July 23, 2015

by Eric B. Meyer

Back when I first started this blog, when I believed that my blogging success would translate into Aston Martins and beach homes, rather than “Can you please email me a copy of your FMLA PowerPoint?”, I had a series of “Third Circuit Employment Law 101” posts. Well, I don’t think I’ve done a “101” post for nearly 5 years. Time to break that streak.

Oh, hold on a sec, I need to respond to another PowerPoint-request email…

If you thought you knew when to pay (or not pay) an intern, think again.

July 6, 2015

by Eric B. Meyer

A federal appellate court just blew up the U.S. Department of Labor’s spot. Allow me to explain in slightly less colloquial fashion.

Five ways for proactive employers to prepare now for the new OT rules

July 1, 2015

by Eric B. Meyer

Hey lawyer! Drop the selfie stick and slowly back away…

Somewhere between the time that I took this selfie at the start of my FMLA/ADA session at the 2015 SHRM Annual Conference, and a few minutes later when the laptop with my PPT lost power (so, right when my ~~bowels gave out~~ heart sank and I openly wept), the US Department of Labor decided it was time to propose some new overtime rules.

What can I say? The gods of good timing really pissed in my Cheerios yesterday.

(Special shout-out to the SHRM IT support team that had me up and running again with a minute, and to the awesome SHRM audience that never lost faith in the kid).

Here’s a brief recap of the proposed OT rule change: Continue reading

Just how nervous should companies be about FLSA lawsuits over employee smartphone use? (Hint: very)

May 22, 2015

by Eric B. Meyer

“Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. Three times is enemy action.”

(I’m pretty sure that was from Ferris Bueller)

Yesterday, in the Wall Street Journal, I read Lauren Weber’s article “Can You Sue the Boss for Making You Answer Late-Night Email?” And the answer is yes, provided that you are a non-exempt employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the time you spend answering that email is more than a few minutes a week. It’s no different than when an employee checks company email at work. Work is work. Employees get paid to work. Continue reading

Eric B. Meyer You know that scientist in the action movie who has all the right answers if only the government would just pay attention? If you want a nerdy employment-lawyer brain to help you solve HR-compliance issues proactively before the action sequence, as a Partner of a national law firm, FisherBroyles, LLP, I’m here to help. I'm not only an EEOC-approved trainer, I offer day-to-day employment counseling, workplace audits and investigations, and other prophylactic measures to keep your workplace working while you focus on running your business. And for those employers in the midst of conflict, I bring all of my know-how to bear as your zealous advocate. I’m a trial-tested, experienced litigator that has represented companies of all sizes in a veritable alphabet soup of employment law claims, such as the ADA, ADEA, CEPA, FMLA, FLSA, NJLAD, PHRA, Title VII, and USERRA. I also help clients litigate disputes involving restrictive covenants such as non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, as well as conflicts over use of trade secrets and other confidential information. For more about me, my practice, and my firm, click on my full bio.