Nolo

2 weeks ago | nolo.com | Melora Garrison

In recent years, "captive audience" laws have emerged as a significant battleground in American labor relations. These laws address a common workplace dynamic where employers require employees to attend meetings about unionization, politics, or religious matters without allowing them to leave or express opposing views. Several states have passed laws prohibiting such meetings.

1 month ago | nolo.com | Melora Garrison

Workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have become increasingly controversial in recent years, with some employers rolling back their DEI initiatives due to increased scrutiny and others maintaining that DEI is essential to their business success. But what does the law say about DEI? Recent social and political debates aside, well-designed DEI programs have long been legal under federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

Jul 30, 2024 | nolo.com | Melora Garrison

Under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), California employees have long been able to file lawsuits against their employers on behalf of themselves, other employees, and the state for a wide range of labor and employment law violations. But the law, enacted in 2004, was always controversial. On the one hand, PAGA empowered employees to act as private attorneys general to pursue penalties without having to rely on state enforcement of labor laws.

Apr 30, 2024 | nolo.com | Melora Garrison

From toxic bosses and impossible deadlines to traumatic events like workplace shootings, your job can be hard on your mental health. While all work-related mental health issues deserve to be taken seriously, not all are covered by workers' compensation laws. As a general rule, workers' comp allows employees to recover lost income and medical expenses when they suffer an injury or illness stemming from their job.

Oct 31, 2023 | nolo.com | Melora Garrison

Remote work has well-recognized benefits (no commute) and drawbacks (disappearing boundaries between personal and professional life), but one little-commented side effect of the "WFH" lifestyle is the cost associated with being at home throughout the work week. From skyrocketing utility payments to additional costs for phone and internet use, many remote workers are now shouldering the expenses that their employers used to pay.