California passed the Equal Pay Act in 1949 in hopes of closing the wage gap between men and women. Unfortunately, the original law had significant loopholes. To strengthen the Equal Pay Act, California enacted the Fair Pay Act in 2015. This law, along with additional changes that came after it, significantly improved the chances of success for Californians pursuing...
Continue ReadingThe Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is the primary law that protects California employees from workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. And thanks to a fairly recent revision to the law, employees now have more time to file a FEHA complaint. For help, or questions about how the FEHA affects you in the workplace, contact the team at Ottinger...
Continue ReadingWith 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 ReadingWhistleblowers 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 ReadingIn 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 ReadingThe sad reality is that in 2022, 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 ReadingFor 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 ReadingThe laws regarding marijuana use are confusing and constantly changing. Because marijuana use is illegal under federal law, but legal in California, it can be difficult for California employers to know how to set policy. Employees are equally unsure of whether they can use marijuana without violating a workplace rule. Ottinger Employment Lawyers is here to answer some common...
Continue ReadingSuffering 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 ReadingThe 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...
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