The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit recently upheld a decision awarding $22.25 million in backpay to nearly 12,000 employees of East Penn Manufacturing. A federal jury previously found the Pennsylvania-based company violated the Fair Labor Standards Act...
Washington, DC Employment Law Blog
5 common employer myths surrounding workers with disabilities
The federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), along with comparable state and local anti-discrimination laws, safeguard the rights of workers with disabilities, promoting their inclusion in the workforce. These laws prohibit discrimination by covered employers in...
What is wrongful constructive discharge?
Have you ever felt forced to quit your job due to unbearable working conditions? For some, this situation might be more than just a bad work experience – it could be what is known as "constructive discharge." This occurs when an employee feels compelled to resign due...
Can your employer demote you after an FMLA leave?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and comparable laws in Washington, D.C. and in many states, bar employers from retaliating against employees for taking their FMLA leave, and that includes demotion. When you take leave, you should be able to expect to return...
Experienced workers shouldn’t face age discrimination
There are many factors that employers can consider when deciding who to fire, hire or promote. There are a wide range of few characteristics that should have no bearing on employment decisions. Workers should not have to worry about their race, sex, or religion...
Are you being forced to retire? It might be age discrimination
Are you an older worker feeling pressured to retire early? You are not alone. Many employees face this challenge, often wondering if it is legal or fair. Let us explore your rights and options. What is age discrimination? The federal Age Discrimination in Employment...
How should employers respond to sexual harassment incidents?
Sexual harassment can be overwhelming and traumatizing, especially when it happens in the workplace. If you become a victim or witness to these incidents, you should seek help by reporting it to your employer. Whether it happened one time or repeatedly over a period...
How can Washington, D.C.’s family leave policies support caregivers of aging parents?
Caring for aging parents or grandparents while working full-time can be overwhelming. Many professionals in Washington, D.C., struggle to balance their parents' growing needs with career demands. Luckily, Washington, D.C., offers family leave policies designed to help...
Examples of reasonable accommodations for different disabilities
Working with a disability can be challenging, but knowing your rights can help. In Washington, D.C., laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the D.C. Human Rights Act protect many disabled workers. Reasonable changes at work can make things easier for...
How does the expanded DCHRA protect against workplace discrimination?
Employment is a human right. It is fundamental to human dignity and social inclusion. The impacts of an unjust job action or unfavorable working conditions can be so severe that laws to prevent them need to be updated. In Washington, D.C., most employees (other than...