It is illegal for an employer to treat its employees or applicants unfavorably because of a disability. This type of discrimination occurs when an employee or applicant has a disability, has a history of a disability, or is believed to have an impairment that is not transitory and minor and… read more →
Employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and/or genetic information is illegal. Additionally, retaliation against anyone who participates in a discrimination complaint, charge, investigation, or lawsuit is illegal. If you have experienced discrimination in the workplace and plan to file… read more →
Despite laws protecting employees, discrimination in the workplace still occurs sometimes. It is illegal to be discriminated against at work for the following: Race Color Religion Sex (including pregnancy) National origin Age (40 or older) Disability Genetic information If you have experienced workplace discrimination, you should file a Charge of… read more →
Before filing a retaliation complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), it is important to understand what retaliation is. In essence, retaliation occurs when an employer takes any adverse action against you because you engaged in a protected activity such as filing an employment discrimination claim or participating in an… read more →
There is no federal law prohibiting employers from asking about your criminal history. How they use this information, however, is regulated by law. A prior conviction can be reason enough to bar an applicant from employment in certain situations: Under Pennsylvania’s Criminal History Record Information Act (“CHRIA”) and by other… read more →
Overtime: The Basics A workweek, defined, is a period of 7 consecutive days, starting on any day the employer decides (e.g., Sunday). The typical workweek for a full-time employee consists of 40 hours. If you work more than 40 hours per week, you are working overtime. Overtime pay must be… read more →
An “overpayment” occurs when you receive unemployment compensation (“UC”) benefits that you are not entitled to. There are two types of overpayments: “fault” overpayments and “non-fault” overpayments. It is important to understand the overpayment you are dealing with in order to handle it appropriately. An employment lawyer can give you… read more →
You have been accused of willful misconduct Under Section 402(e) of the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Law (“Law”) you are ineligible for unemployment compensation (“UC”) benefits if you have been discharged from your employment due to willful misconduct. To determine whether you have committed willful misconduct, the UC Service Center typically… read more →
Section 402(b) of the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Law applies to those individuals who voluntarily quit their jobs. You, typically with the help of an employment attorney, can attempt to claim unemployment compensation (“UC”) benefits under 402(b) if you chose to quit your job. Criteria Necessary for Securing UC Eligibility under… read more →
You are somehow separated from your employment. Maybe you were terminated. Maybe you quit. Either way, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting your final paycheck. An employer cannot keep a final paycheck from you (the employee), or a group of employees, a labor organization,… read more →