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Pennsylvania

What is a ‘public body’ for whistleblowing purposes?

03/15/2019
Pennsylvania employees are protected from retaliation for whistleblowing involving a “public body” under the Pennsylvania Whistleblower Law. But what about private employers that receive state or federal funding?

Resist temptation to act on presumptions about pregnant employees’ abilities

03/15/2019
Some managers continue to hold outdated views on pregnancy and the capacity for a woman to work while awaiting the birth of her child. Being vocal about these views—and especially acting on them—is almost certain to provoke a lawsuit.

Lawsuit alert: Beware disciplining for infractions of seldom-enforced rules

03/15/2019
Sometimes, supervisors get frustrated with workers they consider trouble makers because they complain all the time. Those bosses need to think twice before they retaliate by strictly enforcing work rules—especially if they have often ignored those rules in the past.

Most self-medication with marijuana remains illegal, and is grounds for discharge

03/15/2019
A federal court has ruled that a worker’s self-administration of an illegal drug for pain relief was grounds for discharge under an employer’s drug policy.

Accommodate lactation needs of new mothers

03/15/2019
Employers that prohibit necessary lactation breaks or who retaliate against women for trying to take breaks may violate the sex discrimination provisions of Title VII.

Carefully document customer complaints if they might be used to justify termination

03/12/2019
If your employees can be terminated because of customer complaints, make sure you have a reliable method for tracking those complaints. Be sure to include as many details as possible.

Workplace fight? OK to punish based on severity of injuries

02/22/2019
If two workers fight, employers are free to issue harsher punishment to the worker who inflicts the most severe injuries. Just make sure you document exactly why you believe the more aggressive worker deserves greater punishment.

No-fighting rule? Punish combatants equally

02/22/2019
You probably have a rule against any form of violence in the workplace. Make sure you uniformly discipline everyone involved in any altercation.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court tightens data security requirements

02/13/2019
A recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision makes it easier for employees to sue for damages resulting from data breaches of employer data systems.

Joint employer liability for Lansdale, Pa. firm, temp agencies

02/13/2019
Fox Bindery in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and various temporary agencies it engaged violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by not paying workers at least the federal minimum wage and proper overtime.