Faith Gets a Fair Shake: Supreme Court Bolsters Protections for Religious Accommodations in the Workplace
In a unanimous decision on June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court in Groff v. DeJoy, Postmaster General, No. 22-174, overturned lower court decisions and reiterated what it means for an employer to experience “undue hardship” when asked to provide religious accommodations.
A Worker’s Right to Mobility: Unpacking the NLRB Memo on Non-Compete Agreements
On May 30, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), a government agency vested with safeguarding employees’ rights, issued a crucial memorandum targeting a long-standing thorn in the side of workers: non-compete agreements. In this article, Sinapi Law unpacks what this memo means and why it could potentially alter the landscape for workers’ rights in the United States.
Religious Accommodations: What is a Sincerely Held Religious Belief and Common Issues
Religious accommodation and exemptions have been in the news a lot recently, with both very good and very inaccurate information being thrown around. While there is a great deal of litigation and new legislation on the topic, we thought it may be helpful to share some of what we know. While the issue of religion and the law is vast, this piece focuses on one of our firm’s primary practice areas: accommodation in the workplace.
Rhode Island’s New Pay Equity Act: The Essentials
We recently learned that some employers are telling their workers that Rhode Island’s new pay equity law does not apply to them, and even that it does not affect wages at all. While we cannot know everyone’s precise situation, it struck us that it would be helpful for employees to have the essentials of the new law available to them. While the act does many things, the highlights for workers are summarized here.
Wage Theft: If You’re Not Getting Paid, You’re Getting Played
Wage theft is a pervasive problem in the United States, affecting millions of workers every year. It occurs when an employer fails to pay employees the wages they are legally owed, including minimum wage, overtime, and commissions.
According to a study by the National Employment Law Project, over two-thirds of low-wage workers in the United States have experienced wage theft in the past week. This equates to over $50 billion in lost wages each year. The study also found that wage theft was most prevalent in industries such as hospitality, agriculture, and retail, where workers are often paid low wages and have limited access to legal protections. Here are some tips for workers to protect themselves from wage theft.
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING: The Importance of Documenting Complaints, Interactions, and Events in Employment Discrimination and Retaliation Cases
Documentation is a crucial aspect in employment discrimination and retaliation cases. It helps to provide evidence of any discriminatory or retaliatory behavior, which can then be used to support a complaint or lawsuit. In many cases of discrimination or retaliation, it can be difficult to prove that it actually took place. This is where documentation comes in. Keeping a record of all interactions, events, and communications related to the discrimination or retaliation can be incredibly helpful in building a case. This includes notes of any incidents, copies of emails, and any relevant documents or recordings.
Employment Law Tip: Do Not Sign Severance Agreements Without First Contacting An Employment Law Attorney
With all the layoffs going on, here’s some friendly advice to employees. DO NOT BLINDLY SIGN A SEVERANCE AGREEMENT.
The terms are usually completely one-sided and require you to agree to, among others, 1) release/waive any claims/lawsuits you have against the employer (and any other entity or individual even remotely associated with the employer), 2) overbroad and one-sided confidentiality and non-disparagement, and 3) restrictive covenants (promise not to compete, etc.).
RI Employee Rights: Common Questions and Answers
Attorneys Richard Sinapi and Danilo Borgas were recently featured in Providence Monthly and SO Rhode Island magazines’ financial planning guides with answers to common questions asked by employees regarding their workplace rights in Rhode Island.
Sinapi Law Wins Over $2 Million Jury Trial Verdict for Wage and Hour Clients
The victory totaling over $2 million was in favor of seven cable installers who were misclassified as independent contractors and deprived of minimum wages, minimum shift pay, and overtime pay during their employment.
Rhode Island Increases Minimum Wage to $12.25 as of January 1, 2022
On May 20, 2021, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed legislation into law raising the minimum wage in Rhode Island from $11.50 per hour to $15 per hour over four years. As of January 1, 2022, the minimum wage in Rhode Island is now $12.25. The law includes additional increases of the minimum wage to $13 per hour on January 1, 2023; $14 per hour on January 1, 2024 and $15 per hour on January 1, 2025. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training estimates that the new law will raise wages for approximately 70,000 workers by 2022 and 140,000 workers by 2025.