Labor & Employment Law Update - Feb. 2009
| IN THIS ISSUE:
The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act Signed into Law by President Obama
By Chris M. Heffelbower and Jay Reding*
On January 29, 2009, President Obama signed his first bill into law: The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. The law broadens the scope of potential damages for employers who engage in discrimination based upon wages, benefits or other compensation. The Act overturns a controversial 2007 Supreme Court decision, Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber, 550 U.S. 618 (2007).
New and Pending Regulations on Hold for Further Review by the New Administration
By Chris M. Heffelbower
Taking quick action that was widely expected, President Obama directed that federal agencies and executive departments place a temporary hold on new or pending regulations initiated by the Bush Administration.
U.S. Supreme Court Broadens Protections for Employees Under Title VII in the Crawford Decision. By Sejal K. Desai Winkelman
On January 26, 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Crawford v. Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, No. 06-1595, the last in a series of retaliation cases considered by the Court during its 2008 term. By unanimous opinion, the Court further solidified its refusal to narrowly construe anti-retaliation provisions, holding instead that an employee who answers a question about another employee’s improper conduct during an internal sexual harassment investigation is engaging in “protected activity” under the retaliation clause of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As a result of this ruling, employers likely will face more retaliation claims.
An Overview of The Employee Free Choice Act By Bruce J. Douglas and Steven M. Cerny*
The change in political composition in Washington D.C. after the recent election will certainly result in alterations within different areas of law. Labor and employment law is one such area that could face a significant change if the Employee Free Choice Act (“EFCA”) is passed by the new Congress and signed by the President.
What Your Company Needs to Know about Former Employees’ Right to Access to Personnel Files and Right to “Service Letters”
By Chris M. Heffelbower and Britta L. Orr*
Minnesota employees have specific rights with respect to personnel files and service letters when they are discharged. It may be time for your Company to review its procedures to ensure that a request by a former employee for access to personnel files or a request for a “service letter” are properly handled.
How to Prepare When Faced with Laying Off Employees
By Chris M. Heffelbower
It is never an easy decision to layoff employees. However, careful planning, good judgment, and awareness of the legal implications can ease some of stress for those employees being laid-off and for those remaining employed.
The Larkin Hoffman employment law team identifies and resolves workplace issues in this rapidly evolving and highly regulated area. Our attorneys provide counsel and advice to employers. We represent employers in state and federal courts and administrative agencies including the EEOC, MHRA, NLRB, OSHA and DOL.
Contact our Labor & Employment Attorneys:
Email 952.896.3275
Email 952.896.3312
Bruce J Douglas
Email 952.896.1569
Email 952.896.3288
Chris M Heffelbower
Email 952.896.1543
Sejal Desai Winkelman
Email 952.896.3325
Carrie L Zochert
Email 952.896.3353
Julia H Halbach
Email 952.896.3264
Peter A.T. Carlson
Email 952.896.3239
1500 Wells Fargo Plaza 7900 Xerxes Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55431-1194
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