Employment Law Blog

Working from Home and Electronic Monitoring Laws 

With so many people now working from home, it’s understandable to wonder how much of our remote work employers can monitor—and, of course, whether any privacy laws protect against electronic monitoring. The experienced attorneys at Ottinger Employment Lawyers are here to help guide you. Contact us for more information today. What Is Electronic Monitoring? Electronic monitoring means collecting information...

Continue Reading
Employment Law Blog

New York Expands Protections for Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers are essential for protecting the health and safety of the workplace and reporting fraud, waste, or corruption affecting the citizens of New York. However, without critical laws protecting those brave individuals, there is no question that individuals would face dangerous work conditions, retaliation, and more. The significance of whistleblower protections became even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic,...

Continue Reading
Employment Law Blog

How to Prove Age Discrimination at Work

In our youth-obsessed culture, age discrimination at work remains a persistent problem. The first question our clients often ask is, what is the age for an age discrimination claim? Surprisingly, the answer is only 40 years old. To prevent workplace age discrimination and promote the employment of older workers, Congress enacted the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)...

Continue Reading
Employment Law Blog

How to Prove Racial Discrimination in the Workplace

The sad reality is that in 2023, racial discrimination in the workplace remains a problem. Though some people encounter supervisors or coworkers making blatantly racist comments, more often racism is insidious or systemic. Whatever its form, federal and state laws strictly prohibit racism at work. Types of Racial Discrimination That Occur in the Workplace Racism at work can be...

Continue Reading
Employment Law Blog

What Are the Employment Background Check Laws in New York?

For many job-seekers, it feels like that one bad decision they made when they were young will follow them forever. Having to check yes on an application to the question, Have you ever been convicted of a crime? If so, this can mean the end of your chances of getting the job.  But New York has your back. Its...

Continue Reading
Employment Law Blog

California Medical Discrimination Laws

Suffering from a medical condition can take a toll on your life. You may not be physically able to do everything you would like to do. And treating your condition can bring both emotional and financial stress. On top of all this, you should not have to worry about how your condition will affect your employment. That’s why it...

Continue Reading
Employment Law Blog

Signs Your Employer Is Violating Your FMLA Rights in California

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) permits eligible employees unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. The FMLA allows qualifying employees approximately 12 weeks of unpaid time. During leave, the FMLA requires employers to continue the employee’s health insurance coverage. Employers must also allow employees to return to their jobs with no repercussions. Violations of FMLA...

Continue Reading
Employment Law Blog

Does California Have Gender Identity Discrimination Laws?

California gender identity discrimination laws are plentiful. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) in particular safeguards your right to work in an environment free from harassment. In California, your employer cannot fire, fail to hire, or unlawfully discriminate against you in any way because you are transgender, transitioning, or gender non-conforming.  If you believe you have been subjected...

Continue Reading
Employment Law Blog

California Minimum Wage Laws

Your time and labor are valuable, so it’s important to ensure your employer pays you what you’re worth. In most cases, you should be receiving the California minimum wage rate or more for your hard work. If you’re concerned your boss hasn’t been paying you what’s legally required under California minimum wage laws, you could be the victim of...

Continue Reading
Employment Law Blog

Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Employment in NY

It’s been a very long week. After five grueling twelve-hour days, you are ready for some rest. You are also ready for that overtime payment. However, when payday comes, you notice that you were paid at your regular rate for overtime hours. You think that this has to be a mistake, so you ask your employer. If your employer...

Continue Reading