United States Representative Derek Kilmer, from Gig Harbor, Washington, submitted a bill to congress that would provide anti-discrimination protections to military veterans. Tacoma-based The News Tribune reports that the protections would be similar to those provided to other protected classes such as race, religion, or gender. Senator Blumenthal from Connecticut proposed the same legislation in… 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.
Whistleblowing Retaliation Claim Reversed by Court
A High-Profile Topic Whistleblowing has been a hot topic in the news in the past year, since the Wikileaks case, and the conviction of Chelsea E. Manning. However, there are many more lower-profilewhistleblower retaliation cases that pop up in the news, highlighting the plight many employees face when they decide to come forward with information… Read More
Trader Joe's Part-Time Employees to Join Public Insurance Marketplace
A Seattle Times article describes a change in Trader Joe’s health insurance benefit policies. Trader Joe’s has decided to stop offering health insurance benefits to its part-time employees, those working less than 30 hours a week. Instead, Trader Joe’s will provide its part-time employees with $500 to help cover the employee’s costs for an insurance… Read More
Washington Law Protects Employers' Trade Secrets
Washington law protects an employer’s confidential business information from being stolen or wrongfully disclosed. The Washington Uniform Trade Secrets Act prohibits the misappropriation of trade secrets and provides remedies to businesses whose trade secrets have been wrongfully acquired or disclosed. It is important for employers to understand the Trade Secrets Act in order to protect… Read More
Washington Court Reverses Firefighter's Favorable Jury Verdict
A federal judge in the Eastern District of Washington reversed a jury verdict and award in favor of a group of firefighters who had sued the city of Pullman, Washington for employment discrimination. In his opinion, the district judge reversed the jury’s decision that the firefighters had faced retaliation for defending a fire captain who… Read More
Kitsap County Women Receive Jury Award in Sexual Harassment Suit against Employer
When a person gets his or her first job it can be an exciting time. A paycheck, a uniform, new duties and responsibilities can be rewarding and fulfilling. However, after the honeymoon period ends, and coworkers and supervisors get more comfortable working together, a terrible pattern can emerge. Many workers can become exploited when asked… Read More
EEOC Uses Wage and Hour Laws to Combat Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a term for a person or group holding another person for compelled service. Related common terms include involuntary servitude and forced labor. Human trafficking is a serious problem in almost every country in the world and the United States is no exception. The Trafficking in Persons Report of 2011 published by the… Read More
Unpaid Interns in Vulnerable Position Due to Lack of Protections Under Employment Laws
Most undergrads and graduate students face an uphill battle, even after graduation. With the job market less than welcoming, and a constant barrage of mentors and advisors preaching morosely on the employment climate, grads often feel that they must sacrifice pay, or their dreams, in their first jobs. An internship always seems like a safe… Read More
Fast Food Workers Seek to Raise Minimum Wage in Washington and Across United States
Fast food work can often be a thankless job. It seems like everyone goes to fast food restaurants, but hardly anyone appreciates the hard work, long hours, and relatively low wages that fast food workers must put up with every day. In addition, fast food restaurants have often been under the microscope for employment law… Read More
Lack of Protections for Oregon Employees Who Use Medical Marijuana
ue to the enactment of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act (OMMA) in 1998, Oregon is one 20 states plus the District of Columbia to pass legislation legalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The laws under OMMA, ORS 475.300-ORS 475.346, protect citizens with debilitating medical conditions from criminal liability for the use of small… Read More