HR Law 101 Ep. 9: How Does USERRA Apply To Your Company?
In December 2024, a U.S. Army Reservist and professional chef filed a lawsuit against filmmaker Woody Allen, his wife, Soon-Yi Previn, and their house manager, alleging that he was fired due to his complaints of improper...more
There are more than 8 million employed veterans, or about one out of every 20 U.S. civilian workers (Bureau of Labor Statistics). We have discussed in previous Vets to Ventures articles why veterans become valuable employees...more
This year, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) turns 30 years old. Although this law, prohibiting employers from discriminating and retaliating against employees or applicants because of...more
With Veterans Day recently passed, it seems like a good time to remind employers of a federal law with teeth that protects employed servicemembers. It behooves employers not to overlook USERRA, the “Uniformed Services...more
The United States celebrated Veterans Day on November 11, 2023, a holiday meant to honor military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Employers may want to take this as an opportunity to consider the ways they can...more
Thanks to a recent ruling by the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada and Arizona), Alaska Airlines now faces a jury trial in a class action claim that it...more
So misunderstood! NOTE FROM ROBIN: Earlier this year, I began a series of very basic explanations of the federal laws that govern the workplace. The first installment covered discrimination in general, and the second...more
When it comes to considering potential employment issues that could arise in your brewery, the list of possibilities may seem neverending. One issue that tends to come up less frequently than others is employee leave and...more
Hurricane season is only half over, with Hurricane Ida leaving a trail of damage across Louisiana and beyond, and Hurricane Larry swirling in the Atlantic Ocean, although the storm is not expected to threaten the U.S....more
Q: Are employers required to pay wages to employees who are absent due to military service, similar to how they would be paid for jury duty or to attend a funeral? ...more
Among other provisions, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (“USERRA”) mandates that covered employers generally must provide employees on USERRA leave with the same “rights and benefits”...more
This article addresses many employment-related issues facing employers in the wake of hurricane-related disasters; consequently, in addition to federal laws, we also focus on certain state laws, especially those in the areas...more
Many businesses have likely had one or more employees who serve in the National Guard or Reserves activated to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. This often happens in times of emergencies; citizen-soldiers are activated...more
1. Treating Voluntary Uniformed Service Differently than Involuntary Service - The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) prohibits employers of all types and sizes from discriminating against...more
Veterans Day is a good time to refresh employers on the federal rights entitled to their employees who serve our country in the uniformed services. U.S. employees who take leave from their civilian jobs to serve in the armed...more
The tradition of annually recognizing the courage and contribution of our veterans dates back to November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. November 11th became a national holiday in 1938; employers...more
Under the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), employers are prohibited from taking adverse employment actions against employees because they are servicemembers or are obligated to...more
The Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, also known as USERRA, has multiple responsibilities for employers and employees. In this episode of HR Law 101, attorney Tawny Alvarez will highlight a few...more
In preparation for the 2019 launch of its veteran hiring initiative, the Department of Labor announced a list of award recipients for its pilot “HIRE VETS Medallion Program Demonstration Award” on Wednesday, December 19. ...more
Last week, the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit revived an employee's challenge that the employer failed to re-employ him when he returned from protected leave. ...more
In this episode, Nickolas Spiliotis discusses employer responsibilities when a natural disaster hits. He covers wage and hour issues, employee protections, and tips for employers. ...more
With Memorial Day around the corner, it is an appropriate time for employers to review their management of employees who are members of the military....more
Trial Court Erroneously Granted Bill Cosby's Anti-SLAPP Motion - Dickinson v. Cosby, 17 Cal. App. 5th 655 (2017) - After Janice Dickinson went public with her accusations of rape against Bill Cosby, Cosby's attorney...more
Seyfarth Synopsis: Countless California employers have found that veterans make outstanding employees. As we approach the Veterans Day holiday, read on for a list of the benefits of hiring veterans, as well as helpful...more
This is the second hypothetical in our series showing how well-intentioned employers can violate unfamiliar state laws. Scenario #2 - A manager of a Chicago, Illinois restaurant calls you regarding a long-term employee...more