An employer may exclude those with Covid-19, or symptoms associated with the virus, from the workplace because “their presence would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others.” Most employees are willing to do their part, staying home to prevent the spread of the virus, but wonder what will happen when a… Read More »
Additional Paid Leave for Parents During the Pandemic
In Iowa, most businesses are operating and schools are beginning to reopen either on an in person, virtual or hybrid fashion, helping families who lack child care get back to work during the pandemic. However, with the Governor recently ordering the temporary closure of certain business – bars and nightclubs – in a handful of… Read More »
Family Medical Leave Act Violations: What To look For
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides employees with job-protected and unpaid leave for qualified medical and family reasons with a continuation of group health insurance coverage. FMLA enables workers to balance the demands of work and family without having to choose between keeping their job and caring for themselves or loved ones. An… Read More »
Fear of Retaliation – Unreported Work Injuries
A complaint about employer retaliation posted on the Des Moines Register’s Readers Watchdog in November has shaken things up at Des Moines Public Works. The tip posted by an unnamed employee said workers were not reporting on-the-job injuries for fear of being ‘written up’ prompting an investigation by Iowa OSHA. Research reveals that work place… Read More »
Employer Retaliation & Wrongful Termination
The Waukee Community School District and its chief operating officer have come under fire for wrongful termination and violating the state’s whistle blower statute. In a lawsuit filed earlier this week, a former administrative assistant alleges that she was forced from her job after reporting her supervisor’s misconduct. More specifically, she alleges that her boss… Read More »
Denied FMLA
The federal Family Medical Leave Act and similar state laws are designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities by allowing them to take reasonable time off. Under federal FMLA eligible employees may take up to 12 weeks of leave for serious health conditions, bonding with a new child, exigencies related to a… Read More »
Joint Employers for Temps and Contracted Workers
Many of the fastest growing industries utilize subcontracted or non-standard work structures to get the job done – outsourcing is king in today’s economy. The expanded use of contractors leaves many workers lacking the traditional benefits of being categorized as an employee, saving many companies across the U.S. millions. In a recent decision by the… Read More »
