I recently chaired a panel presentation on the impact of the Black Lives Matter Movement (BLM) on race discrimination litigation against employers. This presentation occurred on May 25, 2021, exactly one year after George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin. A great deal has changed in that year but so much more progress can be achieved, which we discussed in this presentation and I summarize … [Read more...]
Why Doesn’t the U.S. Expand Parental Leave – Like the Rest of the World?
The question posed above emphasizes a concern that is a constant undercurrent of stress for many Americans. While Americans are guaranteed twelve weeks of unpaid leave without losing their employment, too many Americans cannot take advantage of this leave due to financial constraints. While most Americans would agree that paid leave would drastically improve their lives by allowing them to take care of their families, disagreements as to how this … [Read more...]
MN Court Affirms Validity of Minneapolis Sick Leave Ordinance
In May 2016, the Minneapolis City Council unanimously passed the Sick and Safe Time Ordinance, which is codified in Chapter 40 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances. As a result of this ordinance, an additional 100,000 workers in Minneapolis began to earn paid sick time. Additionally, individuals employed in Minneapolis who work for a business who employs 6 or more employees must earn at least one hour of sick and safe time for every 30 hours … [Read more...]
What Health Insurance Options do I Have After Losing My Job?
For many individuals, losing employer-sponsored health insurance is a particularly scary and confusing aspect of job loss. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many right now, as a recent study shows a record-breaking loss of health insurance by nonelderly adults due to pandemic-related job loss. Luckily, there are several options to maintain health insurance coverage if your job ends. COBRA If your job has ended, you may have already … [Read more...]
What Protection is There for Employees Reluctant to Return to Work During the Pandemic?
COVID 19 is still very much with us, but like the rest of the country, Minnesota has decided the risk has subsided enough for the economy to pretty much reopen. Many employees will happily, albeit cautiously, go back to work. Some people, however, may want to stay away, and they worry whether they’ll lose their jobs if they do, and whether they can still receive unemployment insurance benefits. Federal Emergency Legislation Provides Limited … [Read more...]
