We are increasingly becoming addicted to instant information with our smartphones and social media applications. Users cannot resist the urge to post updates at least once a day ranging from expressing frustration at sitting in road traffic or a socially unacceptable commentary on an individual, to uploading or tweeting a photograph of our family [...]
Jul
20
2011
20
2011
Jan
12
2011
12
2011
In A Recession, Increase in Worker Discrimination Complaints
Yesterday The New York Times reported a soar in employment discrimination claims filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Complaints include discrimination based upon race, sex, national origin, religion and color, among others. Complaints increased to 99,922 in 2010, ending September 2010, from 93,277 in the previous year. The article states: The largest increase was [...]
Oct
16
2010
16
2010
Washington State Increases Minimum Wage
Yesterday Washington State officials announced it will increase the State’s minimum wage by $0.12 to $8.67, effective January 1, 2011. Minimum wage is governed by three levels of law: federal, state and local (city). The federal minimum wage is $7.55. Each state has its own minimum wage. The nation’s states’ minimum wages can be found at [...]
Oct
15
2010
15
2010
EEOC Files Three Disability Discrimination Lawsuits
Changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides for three new lawsuits filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Press release from the EEOC’s website: WASHINGTON — Taking another step in its commitment to end disability discrimination in employment, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced the filing of three new disability discrimination [...]
Sep
16
2010
16
2010
Unemployment Falls in Washington State
Washington State experienced a decline in unemployment claims. Last month there were 3,000 fewer new claimants. For those who recently lost their job, follow my Step-By-Step Guide on Avvo: How To File For Unemployment Benefits in Washington State. Copyright © 2010 The Filutowski Law Firm, PLLC. This post is intended for general information purposes only [...]
Jul
20
2010
20
2010
“Paycheck Fairness Act” Ensures Women Earn Equal Wages As Men
Today President Obama urged the Senate to pass the “Paycheck Fairness Act,” an addition to the 1963 Equal Pay Act, which prohibits racial discrimination. Despite all advances women have made in the workforce, comprising over 50% of all workers, they continue to earn $.77 for every dollar a male counterpart earns. The Act was originally [...]
Jan
7
2010
7
2010
EEOC Finds Record-High Complaints of Discrimination
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has seen an increase among workers claiming discrimination based upon religion, national origin or disability. According to a press release issued by the EEOC, 93,277 discrimination claims were filed with the EEOC in 2009, resulting in $376 million in recovery for the victims. Majority of the claims were based [...]
Jan
1
2010
1
2010
Start 2010 Right: Is Your Non-Compete Enforceable?
As we enter a new decade, many are looking to hit the “reset” button in their career by either branching off on their own or joining a competing company. Before making such changes, many individuals have approached me with valid concerns over the enforceability of their non-compete agreements with their current employers. Governing Law In [...]
Dec
14
2009
14
2009
Employees’ Right to Privacy Extends to Texts & Emails in Workplace
The U.S. Supreme Court will decide shortly whether to hear the employer’s appeal of the matter, Quon v. Arch Wireless, wherein a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that employees have a constitutional right to privacy in their text messages, even those containing sexually explicit content sent to co-workers. The case concerned two police officers [...]
Dec
3
2009
3
2009
Hiring Unemployed Workers For Free May Be Illegal
The growing gaps in employment on resumes are inflicting panic. Job seekers are no longer so keen on a earning wage, but rather have become desperate to just maintain marketable skills by working for free. For those who have managed to side-step a lay-off so far, are instead being asked by their employers, like British [...]
