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Pennsylvania

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Harrisburg, Pa., Mayor Eric Papenfuse touted his business experience when running for mayor in 2013, but outdated accounting software may have led him to violate the Fair Labor Standards Act.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

Watch out for retaliation after employee has complained about bias or harassment

08/26/2016
Sure it’s frustrating when an employee gripes about general workplace problems. Don’t let that frustration spill over into retaliation. If the worker is making a good-faith complaint about alleged discrimination or harassment, he’s protected from retaliation.

Joint employer enforcement snares Philly-area jeweler

08/26/2016

A Melrose Park, Pa., jewelry distributor for several major department stores and the temp agency that provides its workers have agreed to settle allegations that as joint employers they violated the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Federal contractors must comply with new rules on sex bias

08/09/2016
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs’ revised rules take effect today.

Wage suit against Friendly’s claims it’s a joint employer

08/09/2016
A ruling by a federal judge in the Middle District of Pennsylvania will allow a class-action lawsuit to proceed against Friendly’s Ice Cream stores and its franchisees. According to the complaint, the restaurant chain requires servers to perform work off-the-clock during unpaid meal breaks and after clocking out following their shifts.