Sinapi Law Associates, Ltd. Blog
Insights & News
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.
Congratulations to Danilo Borgas and Joshua Xavier on their appointment to the Rhode Island Federal Court’s “Court Advisory Council.”
Congratulations to attorneys Danilo Borgas and Joshua Xavier on their recent appointment to the newly formed, “Court Advisory Council” to the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island.
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 and ACLU Settle Suit With City of Pawtucket Over Political Sign Restrictions
The ACLU of Rhode Island today announced the settlement of a lawsuit over a Pawtucket ordinance banning the posting of political signs on residential property more than 30 days before an election. The lawsuit, filed last July by attorney Richard A. Sinapi, was filed on behalf of two candidates who were running in primaries for state legislative office in the city, Cherie Cruz (House District 58) and Jennifer Stewart (House District 59), and who both have since won their primary elections.
Attorney Richard Sinapi Quoted in Lawyers Weekly Qualified Immunity Article
Attorney Richard Sinapi was recently quoted in RI Lawyers Weekly regarding a recent 1st Circuit Court of Appeal’s qualified immunity decision and its impact on the right to basic discovery (the pre-trial process where litigants gather and exchange potential evidence in preparation for trial) ordinarily available in lawsuits.
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.
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