Employment Law

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act protects certain employees through guaranteeing paid sick leave and expanding paid family and medical leave for those impacted by COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted Georgians, with lockdowns and health concerns that have limited the ability of many to work. If you’ve been denied employee benefits you believe you’re entitled to, please contact our office today for a free consultation.
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Did you know that federal and state laws protect workers from an employer failing to pay proper overtime wages. It’s true. The rules governing overtime pay in the State of Georgia include both state and federal laws. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), a federal law, protected and provides a minimum standard for employees across the U.S.

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Before you start a new job, you will likely need to review and complete a substantial amount of paperwork. While it can be tempting to rush through this process, both to get through the red tape and in the excitement at starting a new job, it is important to take your time to review the contents of these documents and the potential impact they can have on you and your future. For instance, you may be presented with a non-compete agreement your employer wants you to sign. Before you do so, look into what a non-compete agreement is and what it could mean for you.

What is a Non-Compete Agreement?

A non-compete agreement, also referred to as a noncompete clause, noncompete covenant, or covenant not to compete, is a legal contract between an employer and an employee that restricts the employee on his or her ability to enter into competition with the employer during or after the period of employment.

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Are employers required to test employees for coronavirus?

As businesses across the country start to reopen after over a month of being either partially or completely closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, employers have many questions and concerns. The coronavirus, a respiratory virus originating from China, has swept the nation, causing waves of infection and corresponding economic turmoil as businesses were forced to close to stop the spread of the virus. Now, as businesses reopen, many employers worry about their own liability should employees or customers contract the virus while at work. The issue is a developing one without clear cut answers, but some existing laws should guide employers in the right direction towards protecting themselves, employees, and others. Our Read more . . .

Can I be fired if I refuse to work without adequate personal protective gear?

While many of us have settled into the routine of working from home during the coronavirus pandemic, millions of other Americans continue to go to work everyday to ensure the medical, safety, and essential needs like food, electric, and water, are met around the country. Essential workers are everyday heroes during the pandemic, critical to our survival and well-being. As essential workers put themselves on the frontlines, they deserve to be protected in the best way possible. However, employees of some companies and industries are reporting that their safety is being compromised.

Alarming reports have emerged of workers being fired due to raising safety concerns.
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What are the new salary minimums for an employee to be exempt from overtime?

The year 2020 will welcome in several significant changes to the field of employment law. Employers across the nation will want to closely review the changes to some local, state, and federal laws to ensure their compliance. Failure to adapt to changes in the legal field could result in fines or fees along with other potential penalties for employers. Our Read more . . .

Many types of behavior that used to be acceptable in the workplace are now recognized as illegal as well as intolerable. Laughing at, bullying, or discriminating against those you work with is no longer considered an unavoidable aspect of some workplace environments. Today, a great many workers are rising up, with the assistance of committed, well-schooled employment discrimination attorneys, to defend themselves in court against the painful treatment they used to feel they had to endure in order to keep their jobs.

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What is the minimum wage in the state of Georgia?

As a Georgia employer, you must abide by a myriad of state and federal laws in managing and paying your employees. Failure to follow state and federal laws could result in tremendous fines, civil penalties, and other attendant consequences. It is imperative that employers in Georgia understand the state’s hour and wage laws, along with laws concerning tips, break time, vacations, and more. Our Read more . . .

What changes have developed concerning restrictive covenants?

The field of employment law is ever-shifting, and as a business owner it is imperative that you stay abreast of the latest legal developments. Your hiring, management of employees, firing, and more could be greatly affected by shifts in the employment law landscape. Not conforming with changes to the law could leave you out of compliance and potentially open to fines or even litigation. Our Read more . . .

Why is it important to periodically update your employee handbook?

With the new year approaching, now is a great time to review your employee handbook and make any necessary updates.  Your employee handbook serves as a vital guide to your employees.  A thorough handbook can prove essential in communicating your company’s mission and policies concerning employee behavior, compensation, and rights.  Your handbook can eliminate much confusion among employees, ward off ill behavior, and potentially even avoid litigation.  It is important to occasionally review your handbook to ensure it contains the most up-to-date information that you wish to convey to your workforce.
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Can an employee who was voluntarily paid after a dispute recover for attorney’s fees and costs in an FLSA action?

 

Employment law is an ever-shifting field, requiring both employers and employees alike stay abreast of recent case developments.  Looking back at 2018, two federal court decisions stand out as providing important guidance on wage and hour issues under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).  Both of these cases represent a positive outcome for employers.  Our Read more . . .