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Pennsylvania

Reviews ran behind schedule? That’s not enough to justify a lawsuit

10/07/2016
Some employees seem to think they are owed a workplace that is perfectly fair and equitable all the time. Sadly, perfection isn’t possible.

Employee alleges bias against customers? Treat it like every other discrimination complaint

10/07/2016
When an employee is disciplined or otherwise punished for complaining that her employer is discriminating against certain customers, she can sue—and quite possibly win a large financial award.

Ensure early-out incentives are equitable

10/07/2016
Often before an employer implements a reduction in force, it may try to encourage employees to resign or retire by offering early-out incentives.

Compare planned discipline with previous incidents

09/16/2016
When it comes to discipline, the key is equitable enforcement. Otherwise, someone might sue.

Is it legal to dock nonexempts’ pay if they clock in late after breaks?

08/26/2016
Q. We give employees the choice of using two 10-minute breaks each day or combining them into one 20-minute lunch break. The employees are required to punch out and in for these breaks. Now, we have a policy that docks employees 15 minutes’ pay if they’re four or more minutes late returning from a break. Is this legal?

What are the legal risks of layoffs?

08/26/2016
Q. In recent months, a sharp decline in revenue has forced us to consider downsizing. What are the legal risks associated with a layoff, and how can we minimize them?

Judge reinstates fired teacher despite drug conviction

08/26/2016
A judge has ordered the New Kensington-Arnold School District in Pa. to reinstate a fired music teacher even though he was convicted of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Harrisburg, Pa., mayor’s bookstore settles overtime complaint

08/26/2016

Harrisburg, Pa., Mayor Eric Papenfuse touted his business experience when running for mayor in 2013, but outdated accounting software may have led him to violate the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Fired Pittsburgh TV anchor sues station for race bias

08/26/2016
A former Pittsburgh news anchor whose social media post led to community outrage and her eventual firing is suing the TV station where she worked.

Known rules broken? Then no unemployment comp

08/26/2016
If employees know the rules but are fired for breaking them anyway, they may not be eligible for unemployment compensation.