The Employer Handbook Blog

Are you confident — “defending-a-class-action-lawsuit” confident — that you’re protecting electronic employee data?

November 26, 2018 | by Eric B. Meyer

jaydeep_ [CC0 or CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

It’s Cyber Monday. And, since you could’ve rested your deal-finding, typing fingers anywhere. I appreciate that you’re resting them with me before rejoining the masses for some holiday shopping online.

Unfortunately, if you came here looking for links to big savings, I can’t help you. But, what I can do for you on this Cyber Monday is offer your business some different cyber tips. It’s the type of information that could save you thousands, or even millions of dollars if your business stores employee data electronically. Continue reading

Ranking turkey and the 19 best side dishes that you can serve on Thanksgiving – 2018 Edition

November 20, 2018 | by Eric B. Meyer

Image Credit: http://maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com

Like last year, this year’s list is not up for debate. Don’t @ me. Continue reading

FMLA and attendance awards, how does that work?

November 19, 2018 | by Eric B. Meyer

Photo By: AR Division, ARH Branch, ARHM Section (https://www.hqmc.marines.mil/Photos/igphoto/202494/)

So, glad you asked. I think I can help. Continue reading

Employer sees something wrong with a little bump n’ grind, defeats sexual harassment lawsuit

November 16, 2018 | by Eric B. Meyer

Allgamenab at English Wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Eat your heart out, R. Kelly. Continue reading

From wonky to wonkier, why your arbitration agreement may not be worth the paper on which it is printed?

November 15, 2018 | by Eric B. Meyer

Image Credit: Pixabay.com (https://pixabay.com/en/printer-fire-flames-broken-38027/)

Yesterday, I successfully alienated every reader that doesn’t work in the restaurant industry or otherwise nerd out on Fair Labor Standards Act minutiae.

Today, I double down with idiosyncratic arbitration agreements, specifically those possibly used by New Jersey employers. I promise to get back to something more universal tomorrow. Perhaps, Nova Scotian paid sick leave legislation. Continue reading

Fair Labor Standards Act Obituaries: The 80/20 Rule

November 14, 2018 | by Eric B. Meyer

Image Credit: Photofunia.com (http://photofunia.com/results/5beb885c846d785f4e8b456d)

The 80/20 rule passed away peacefully on November 8, 2018, when the U.S. Department of Labor issued this Opinion Letter. Continue reading

Your 11-month employee just requested FMLA leave. Can you fire her before leave begins in the 12th month?

November 13, 2018 | by Eric B. Meyer

By J.J. at the English language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

You’re not seriously considering doing this, are you? Continue reading

Google ends forced arbitration of sexual harassment claims. Should you? Then what?

November 12, 2018 | by Eric B. Meyer

Google Inc. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The last month for Google has been big for tech and employment law nerds alike. And I just happen to check both boxes.

A reporter sought an interview with a Senate candidate, but said a little bit more — TMI — after she thought she had hung up the phone.

November 9, 2018 | by Eric B. Meyer

Image Credit: FreeStockPhotos.biz (http://res.freestockphotos.biz/originals/14/14328-illustration-of-a-telephone-or.png)

Spoiler alert: She got fired.

What if the general release in your severance agreement isn’t as “general” as you think it is? What then?

November 8, 2018 | by Eric B. Meyer

Image Credit: Pixabay.com (https://pixabay.com/en/checkbook-coupon-fill-check-688352/)

On Tuesday, I wrote about severance agreements. Specifically, I suggested that employers benefit from: (1) drafting easy-to-understand agreements; and (2) giving former employees a reasonable amount of time to read the agreement and decide whether to sign.

Generally, if you check those boxes, you’ve got yourself an enforceable agreement in which the former employee has released all claims.

Well, there may be at least one exception. Continue reading