Broad vaccine mandates by federal and state governments, large employers, and the health care industry have led to vigorous opposition from some employees claiming a sincerely held religious belief justifies exempting them from any vaccine requirement. A cottage industry has emerged in the form of religious leaders providing written support for the exemption, often for a fee. Employers are therefore required, in a manner never … [Read more...]
What Rights Do Minnesota Employees Have to Examine and Contest Their Employment Personnel File?
Minnesota law enforces certain requirements on employers relating to employee personnel files. The Minnesota Personnel Record Review and Access Act (“MPRRAA”) sets forth employees’ rights to examine and contest the information contained in their personnel files. The MPRRAA defines employer as “a person who has 20 or more employees” and applies to personnel files “to the extent maintained by an employer.” Employees’ Rights Under the … [Read more...]
Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Family Leave Tax Credits Under the American Rescue Plan Act
The American Rescue Plan Act allows employers to voluntarily extend emergency paid sick leave (EPSL) and emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLEA) provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) to employees and receive tax credits through Sept. 30. While employers are not required to provide this type of leave, this tax credit will provide a benefit to employers who do so. EPSLA Guidelines Under the EPSLA, … [Read more...]
Should I Resign or Wait to be Fired?
While most employees begin a new job with a positive outlook and high expectations, it’s not unusual for the employment relationship to take a wrong turn. It may be that the employee has been placed on a Performance Improvement Plan or is under an internal investigation. Or, the employee might be experiencing an intolerable working environment that she or he can no longer endure. In any event, whether an employee decides to voluntarily resign … [Read more...]
Discrimination Based on Religion is On the Rise
Discrimination based on religion has been prohibited by Title VII since its passage in 1964. Most states, including Minnesota, contain specific protections against religious discrimination. This includes protecting atheists or secular humanists from discrimination, as lack of religious faith has been interpreted to be protected against discrimination in the same manner as active faith. This protection extends to the Establishment Clause and … [Read more...]
