Seattle’s King5.com recently reported on the firing of a Broncos fan in Tacoma. Nathaniel Wentz, 17, worked for Odyssey1 until he wore his Broncos jersey to work. Employees were invited to show their team spirit if they were working on game day. Wentz, a long-time football and Broncos fan, wore his jersey to work. He… Read More
Employment Blog
Here you can find the most recent employment law news and commentary on cases around the country. If you need assistance with employment law, don't hesitate to call us.
Flu Season and Seattle Paid Sick Leave
Flu season is in full swing and a recent Seattle Times story urges people to get flu shots and, if they have the flu, to stay home. Staying home allows for faster healing by making it easier to get rest, hydration, and medications, and helps prevent the spread of the flu, or any illness for… Read More
Layoffs: Employees should Know their Rights
There is one word that usually fills employees across the country with dread: layoffs. When a company decides to close stores or plants, downsize, restructure, merge, or file for bankruptcy, many employees usually lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Layoffs have especially been in the news lately, as the following companies have… Read More
“Love Clause” Raises Eyebrows in Employment Contract
Employers are generally not supposed to concern themselves with the legal activities of employees after work hours. For example, employees are allowed to drink, smoke, or gamble (where it is legal) during off-hours. Furthermore, employees are allowed to join whatever church, temple, or other organization they choose, and are allowed to complain about their jobs… Read More
Worker Classification is a Hot Topic for 2014
When a company hires someone, it must decide whether that person will be classified as an employee or as an independent contractor. Some of the factors used in making this determination include: -Employee: – Employer decides required hours of employment – Employer dictates working conditions and policies – The employer supplies necessary tools and materials… Read More
Whistleblowers Do not Have Free Reign to Take Company Documents
A whistleblower is an employee who reports alleged misconduct within the company, either internally or to external authorities. The misconduct reported usually entails the violation of a regulation or law, such as labor law or health code violations, or other types of fraud or corruption that may affect the public. Both federal and Oregon state… Read More
Seattle Family “Traps” Immigrant To Be Their Maid
The Seattle Times recently reported on a 73-year-old Seattle man’s probation sentencing. Romulo Almeda Sr. was sentenced to probation for hiding and underpaying his live-in Filipina maid for four years. Probation seems rather lenient considering he underpaid her more than $90,000 over the four years she’s worked for him and his family; however, at the… Read More
Metro Worker Wins Back Job
Karen Rispoli has her job as a Metro light-rail operator back after an arbitrator ruled in her favor. Rispoli was initially terminated from her light-rail position after failing to close the train doors and carrying passengers for two miles. King County Metro, according to a Seattle Times story, felt her actions were major infractions, and… Read More
University Adds “Love Clause” To New President’s Contract
Alabama State University’s first female president created almost as many headlines as her contract. Gwedolyn Boyd is a reverend, single, and the university’s first female president. She is not the University’s first single president, though. As president she will receive $300,000 a year, and will be able to live in the president’s house on campus…. Read More
Walla Walla County Sheriff Settles Retaliation Claim
A Tri-City Herald article announced a settlement agreement between Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office and one of its former employees early this year. The Sheriff’s Office was accused of ongoing discrimination and retaliation against Lucille Poirier. In the settlement, Poirier will receive $235,000, roughly a third of what she sought in her lawsuit, and significantly… Read More