Category: Employment Law

What are Common Legal Issues that Businesses Face?

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business law

Managing a successful small business can be a lot of work, especially in the early stages, when many difficult financial decisions must be made. The biggest ones pertain to what owners plan to spend their limited budget on. Given that resources can be tight, it is understandable why some elect to avoid some big-ticket items, like hiring a lawyer. While that may seem to make sense in the short-term, it could wind up costing the company much more in the long run. There are several common problems that impact all companies that a knowledgeable lawyer would be able to help the firm avoid.

Do I Have the Right Structure for My Business?

One of the first things that an entrepreneur and their partners must decide on is the structure of their business. This is extremely important because it could have serious tax liability issues. Establishing the correct structure will save a company several severe headaches going forward. Some of the different types of structures include:

  • Sole proprietorship
  • Partnership
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • C-Corporation
  • S-Corporation

Each one of these structures handles the liability and tax responsibilities of the owner in a different way. An LLC, for instance, separates the two and treats them as two different entities. Owners should research the different corporate structures thoroughly before deciding on which to choose.

What are Some Employee Issues I Need to Consider?

Even if the structure of the company is secure, another common problem that all companies deal with is managing employees. One of the biggest aspects of that is deciding how to classify them and verifying that their classification matches their level of responsibility. There are three main types of classifications, which are:

  • Full time employee: This type of employee is someone who works more than 30 hours a week. The company is obligated to offer health insurance, Workers’ Compensation, and other benefits.
  • Part time employee: These employees work a maximum of 30 hours a week and are usually not eligible for benefits, although a company can offer them if it elects to.
  • Independent contractor: This is a person who operates outside of the structure of a particular office and works independently. They are responsible for paying their own Medicare and other taxes, and are not eligible for some universal benefits, like Workers’ Compensation.

Deciding how to classify employees can be a tricky action, as misclassifying someone can lead to litigation later on. The best way to avoid any problems is to evaluate a job description ahead of time and decide what the hours and responsibilities will be, then classify the position based on the added costs of potentially paying for benefits.

If that position cannot be fully funded, the company may have to do without it until it can find the funding somewhere else to pay for that position. The legal costs further down the road are not worth cutting any corners with a person’s pay or benefits.

What Type of Paperwork Should I File on a Regular Basis?

Maintaining a business is more than just keeping employees and customers happy. There is a significant amount of paperwork that must be filed with both the state and the federal government on an ongoing basis. If a firm is publicly held, it could fall under the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the federal level and state regulators. Regardless, the company will be under an obligation to file certain documents, including:

  • Financial statements: These documents contain a snapshot of the firm’s financial status, including its income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flow.
  • Financial information: Any data that the company chooses to post about itself on its website.
  • Annual reports: These are issued to shareholders once a year.
  • Prospectus: A document that describes the investment offering for the public.

What Should I Do if I Have a Contract Dispute?

While contracts are supposed to be binding agreements between two or more parties, there can be disagreements between those parties over one’s actions. It may also be necessary to break a contract because the two sides no longer wish to work together anymore. To avoid a messy legal dispute, it is best to thoroughly review any contract before signing it. All parties should include language that grants them an easy escape should certain violations take place, or some other action occur, such as one of the two sides is arrested or has some other public embarrassment.

Philadelphia Business Lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. Help Small Businesses with Legal Matters

If you are facing legal hurdles within your small business and need help finding a legal remedy, reach out to the Philadelphia business lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. For an initial consultation, call us at 215-574-0600 or contact us online. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Can Employers Restrict Employee Holiday Travel Plans?

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driving in snow

As news outlets report on how COVID-19 cases are surging and hospital beds are filling up, experts are advising people to cut back on holiday celebrations. They are not the only ones urging caution though, as some employers are asking their workers to do so as well. Some have created corporate videos and sent out memos to remind workers to avoid extensive travel and large gatherings. Others have offered paid time off for possible post-holiday quarantines or asked their employees to sign pledges that they would avoid large celebrations.

As a general rule, companies cannot restrict employees from attending holiday gatherings or holiday travel. However, there should be proper protocols in place; otherwise, employers could be liable if outbreaks occur in their workplaces. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates employers to provide safe workplaces. This is why companies need to screen their employees and keep the lines of communication open.

Companies have legitimate concerns about their employees traveling and celebrating during the holiday season, as these activities can increase the risk of exposure, infection, and quarantine. It is a gray area, so it makes sense to first look at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines; these are updated regularly. For example, employers can make workers who travel to CDC Level 2 or 3 countries, or areas that have higher percentages of positive cases, self-quarantine for 14 days before coming back to work. This holds true even when employees show no symptoms.

Companies can require workers to get tested after travel, and this is in line with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines. It can take 14 days for infections to appear, so even if an employee tests negative, they could be positive afterward.

What About State Laws?

Though some companies may attempt to impose employee travel bans, it could be against the law in some states. As an example, some New York laws prohibit employers from taking adverse actions against employees who engage in lawful recreational activities outside of working hours, and this could apply to holiday gatherings or travel.

Employers can be uncertain about approaching the topic, since while attending large parties or traveling out of state might be risky, it is not thought to be illegal, unless there are state regulations in place. It is legal for employers to talk to workers about holiday plans, as long as the goal is to preserve the health and safety of everyone who workers there. These inquiries should be based on legitimate business concerns. Workers can also be given information about social distancing protocols; state, city, and county regulations; and travel advisories.

Companies may also ask employees to quarantine after the holidays, and they do have the right to do so. In some cases, employees can work from home when isolating, and this can be the best solution. There are laws such as the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that allow this to be considered paid time off, but only in certain circumstances.

Philadelphia Employment Lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. Help Clients with Various Employment Matters

If you are unsure about your rights as an employee this holiday season, get in touch with the knowledgeable Philadelphia employment lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. For a confidential consultation, call us at 215-574-0600 or complete our online form. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

How Important is Confidentiality in a Sexual Harassment Case?

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Confidentiality

When a person is victimized by sexual harassment at work, it can be an awkward and embarrassing situation for them. They might feel uncomfortable at work, but they might also feel scared. They might want to tell someone but are afraid to talk for fear of retaliation. There are options for them to tell their story and maintain their confidentiality. As for those that can be targets of sexual harassment claims in the office, the question of confidentiality can be an important one, especially if the accusation is false or made with ill intentions. A false claim can get out and haunt a person throughout their career.

Is My Case Confidential with a Lawyer?

For those who suffered from sexual harassment at work and found that their employers have not been responsive to their claims, they can turn to an employment lawyer for help in the matter. They can feel confident that their story will remain between them and their legal representative. Lawyers are obligated by client confidentiality, meaning that what is said between the two parties remains between them. This rule allows them to speak freely with a client and gather all the information necessary to properly build a case.

The privilege covers potential clients, as well as if someone meets with a lawyer during an initial consultation, they should feel comfortable sharing their story. Even if after that meeting, the two sides decide not to continue with their professional relationship, the lawyer cannot disclose the details of that conversation with a third party. When a lawyer decides to take on a sexual harassment case, they can file the case without disclosing the victim’s name in the court documents. The identity of the victim might still be known by others related to the case or inferred from co-workers due to circumstances. However, if others attempt to look up the case, the name and other specific details will not be included in the final report.

Confidentiality During an Investigation

When an employee comes forward with a sexual harassment claim, it is a serious accusation that the company must treat as such. Once an accusation is made, a full investigation will be conducted to look into the accusation to verify its validity. The supervisor will either appoint someone to conduct the inquiry or do it themselves. There will be two goals of the investigation. The first is to obtain all the facts about the situation and get to the truth. The second, is to prevent any future problems from taking place again or stopping the ongoing abuse.

During an investigation, the person conducting the investigation must try to maintain the highest level of confidentiality as possible and protect the identities of the alleged victim and accuser. The investigator will have to disclose to the alleged abuser about the accusation and where it comes from and disclose some information to the people that were questioned. However, if the facts of the situation get out before a full and proper investigation, either the alleged accuser or harasser could sue on a few grounds.

Philadelphia Employment Lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. Advocate for Victims of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

If you feel that you have been the subject of sexual harassment at work or you have been falsely accused of harassing someone at your workplace, contact the Philadelphia employment lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. We will investigate your case and determine the next best steps. Call us at 215-574-0600 or contact us online for an initial consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and South Jersey.

Equal Pay Lawsuits Filed by Female Professors

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Equal Pay

Equal pay is a constant fight for women in the workplace. Despite having similar or better credentials, women are still being paid less than their male counterparts. No matter the profession, gender discrimination happens in all workplaces, especially within those with a high population of older men. Women must work harder to prove themselves and may work their entire lives without being paid fairly in comparison to their male co-workers.

A law professor at the University of Texas School of Law recently filed an Equal Pay Act lawsuit due to the unfair pay she received in relation to her male co-workers. This complaint also alleges sex discrimination and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This is not the first time that the law professor complained to the university about unfair compensation and sexual discrimination. She speaks out frequently about the pay inequality at the university, despite the school’s verbal negative perceptions of her and her actions.

A Texas judge granted the university’s motion to partially dismiss the law professor’s lawsuit due to a failed causal connection between her pay complaints and receiving the lowest raise of any school faculty member. Her claims are still ongoing.

Ongoing Claims

This is not the first woman professor to bring a lawsuit to court. At least five other equal pay lawsuits have been filed by female professors from various universities since 2016. These lawsuits have been filed due to the way universities determine compensation. Law school deans often have significant say in pay decisions, which can be tainted by gender bias and because many men in the teaching field gain more respect for research and writing, despite their lack of quality and importance in relation to their female co-workers. This increases the dean’s overall opinion of male professors and allows them to raise their salaries.

Gender discrimination and pay gap issues often occur in the workplace. Many situations go unnoticed because women are afraid of the consequences if they mention it to their bosses. The female law professor has been described as poison after she confronted the appropriate parties. Other professors who filed lawsuits also stated that they were removed from important committee assignments and ignored in the workplace. Words and actions like these are why women are afraid to take a stand against pay inequality.

Although there are many obstacles that women face in the workplace, especially when it comes to pay gaps, it is important to fight for equal compensation. Fighting for equal pay is an ongoing battle and requires female workers to stand up for themselves when they feel as though they are being treated unfairly.

Philadelphia Employment Lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. Fight for Equal Compensation in the Workplace

If you feel as though your pay does not match your abilities and that you are not being fairly compensated, contact the Philadelphia employment lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. for help. Our dedicated team understands the pay gap frustration and will work hard to ensure you receive proper pay. Gender discrimination is a serious issue that will only get resolved if we continue to fight for the rights of female workers. Call us today at 215-574-0600 or contact us online. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

How Should Employees Return to the Workplace During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

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Employers who need employees to return to the workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic must have a solid plan in place to ensure safe and compliant workplaces. This plan should take into consideration the guidelines issued by various regulatory agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”). As regulations and guidelines change, employers must continue to remain compliant. Working with lawyers who fully know and understand compliance guidelines can help employers make a smooth, safe, and lawful return to work.

How Should Employers Develop a Return to the Workplace Plan?

The best way to start developing a plan is to become familiar with the guidelines, laws, and regulations that have been issued by health agencies and other governing bodies. Topics include the following:

  • OSHA guidelines pertaining to the three phases of reopening
  • CDC guidance on identifying potential exposure to COVID-19 and how to eliminate or lessen exposure
  • Medical monitoring of employees and employee self-reporting of health conditions
  • Confidentiality guidelines
  • Employer and employee rights
  • Safety protocols for visitors, guests, vendors, and job applicants

Another good strategy is to hire an employment lawyer to navigate the sheer volume of requirements and information available. A lawyer can also help employers make a compliant and safe transition back to the workplace.

What Should Employers Include in a Return to Work Plan?

At the minimum, a return to work plan should include the following three phases:

  • Telework accommodations, reduced business travel, and limited in-office work
  • Increased in-office personnel, increase in business travel
  • Unrestricted staffing at workplaces and work sites

Each phase of the plan must address these issues:

  • How to prevent, monitor, and respond to individual cases or a resurgence of COVID-19 in the workplace or community
  • Specific guidelines for hygiene, including mask wearing, handwashing, temperature monitoring, disinfecting, and cleaning the workplace
  • Social distancing plans and how to physically configure the workplace to comply with social distancing
  • Establishing and communicating new policies and procedures on employee travel, employee gatherings, and use of employer facilities, such as break rooms, restrooms, fitness centers, and meeting rooms
  • How to monitor employee health and isolate sick employees
  • Implementing sick leave or other policies to increase flexibility and reduce concerns during the pandemic
  • How to train employees on hygiene and new policies and procedures as a result of compliance with guidelines
  • Educating employees on how to stay safe and healthy outside of work, offering free resources to employees, including masks, hand sanitizer, and information
  • Ongoing workplace hazard assessment to reduce potential areas where the virus can live or spread
  • Clear guidelines for responding to employee concerns, OSHA complaints, and lawsuits

A good first step is to contact an employment lawyer who can counsel on the most appropriate, current, and legal resources available to a business or company.

Philadelphia Employment Lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. Help Businesses Lawfully Reopen and Return to Work

If your company needs direction with its plan to reopen successfully and legally, reach out to the Philadelphia employment lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. Our knowledgeable and dedicated attorneys know the COVID-19 guidelines, laws, and regulations issued by regulatory authorities. Fill out our online contact form or call us at 215-574-0600 today for an initial consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

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Does My Employer Have to Share If a Co-Worker has COVID?

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The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused confusion among companies, and employees are unsure about what information they need to share with their employer and what can stay private. COVID-19 is a very serious illness that can cause death, specifically in the elderly and those who have underlying conditions. To keep the virus under control, many businesses and government officials are urging employees to tell their employer if they contracted COVID-19. If a case is publically known, workers can be more wary of symptoms and health precautions in the workplace.

This pandemic has been difficult to control, and confusion still arises over the proper protocols to keep people safe. To help minimize exposure and potential risk, workers who do not feel good or have tested positive for the virus should stay home and report their situation to their immediate supervisors. Although it is recommended for an employee to tell their employer if they have COVID-19, it is not legally required. However, employers are expected to tell their employees if they have been in contact with someone who has the virus at work, but there is no specific rule on notifying employees in the workplace.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines ways to notify employees of a specific case and what to do when in contact with that person. Unfortunately, it is not necessary for an employer to name the specific worker who has been infected. The infected employee is protected by health privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employers have to report the infected employee to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Being an essential worker during the pandemic is a very challenging and stressful job. Now that more stores and companies are opening back up, it is up to essential workers to keep supplying our country with health services, food, and other necessities. These workers are putting their lives on the line to help others. To make their lives a bit easier, employers should encourage the sharing of information between workers to help control the spread of the virus and keep everyone safe. Although it is not legally required, it could benefit every worker if they know about a confirmed case in the workplace.

Maintaining Safe Work Environments

If a co-worker tested positive for COVID-19, it is important to maintain proper safety protocols to keep everyone else at the company from infection. Always remember to wear a mask, wash hands for 20 seconds, wear gloves when touching public amenities, and keep each workplace clean. To alleviate stress, employers should be actively checking in on their employees and providing them with enough personal protective equipment to keep them safe and healthy while at work. Employers can maintain confidentiality between co-workers, but it is recommended to inform workers of a positive case or outbreak.

Philadelphia Employment Lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. Advocate for Employees and Employers During the Pandemic

If you have been discriminated against or treated unfairly in the workplace due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, contact the Philadelphia employment lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. for legal help. Our dedicated and skilled attorneys are determined to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation. Contact us online or call us at 215-574-0600 for an initial consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

How Can I Prevent Workplace Discrimination?

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discrimination

Most employers understand that they have an obligation to provide their employees with a discrimination-free workplace. While the laws regarding discrimination may be complex, employers can readily implement important protections to avoid discriminatory practices and meet their obligations. The idea is to treat employees fairly and to provide them with unbiased access to employment and advancement.

It is in everyone’s best interests for workplaces to be free of discrimination. From the employee’s perspective, they can thrive if they are given equal opportunities to succeed at work, learn new skills, and compete for promotions. There is good reason for employers to be proactive in providing a discrimination-free workplace. Those with disabilities can contribute most effectively when provided with reasonable accommodations provided by employers. If a worker requires certain accommodations by an employer, the employer should comply.

Best practices have been developed over time and can be implemented in businesses of all sizes. In general, employment decisions, including hiring, firing, and promoting employees, should be based on objective criteria. Work assignments, access to training and education, and opportunities to compete for a promotion should be provided to employees without any particular group being singled out for differential treatment. This is important to remember during the hiring process. When hiring employees, employers should be sure to avoid using the following language:

  • Gender-specific titles and descriptions;
  • If a pre-employment screening test is to be used, make sure it is administered to all candidates;
  • When interviewing, avoid asking questions that seek information on a protected status, such as age, religion, or disability; and
  • Do not ask if a person is married, pregnant, or intends to start a family.

Workplace Policies Against Discrimination

Be proactive by establishing detailed protocols, including written criteria for hiring applicants and for firing and promoting employees. Write up protocols for how employee performance will be evaluated and follow these written protocols consistently.

Having a workplace handbook on the company’s policy against discrimination is a good idea. Work with an experienced employment lawyer when developing a handbook and training materials on maintaining a discrimination-free workplace. There are nuanced differences between federal and state laws, and both should be reflected in the handbook to be used as a reference for training employees on discrimination. Handbooks should also be frequently updated and reviewed.

Provide the handbook to each new hire and every employee. Many employers place anti-discrimination policy language into their general handbook that describes benefits, attendance requirements, and the like. Ask each employee to sign a form indicating they received the handbook. The handbook can be used to develop training for all managers and employees.

A policy against discrimination should also include a complaint processing component. State how employees are to lodge a complaint and explain how they will be handled, from investigation to disciplinary action. It is also very important that employers follow up with every complaint and be consistent with discipline. Federal law requires employers to post a notice explaining the federal laws prohibiting job discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, religion, age, equal pay, disability, or genetic information.

How Can Employers Effectively Communicate with Their Employees?

Communication between employers and employees should be consistent and non-accusatory when matters of discrimination are discussed. Creating a strong employer-employee relationship is very important to prevent discrimination. If an employee does not feel comfortable with their employer, they may not follow guidelines or report any suspected discrimination.

Feedback is vital to establish an anti-discrimination environment at work. Employers should regularly ask how they can improve their anti-discrimination policies, according to federal and local laws, and if employees are experiencing any wrongdoings, such as discrimination or even sexual harassment. When employers openly communicate with employees, it reassures workers that their best interests are being protected.

During conversations, employers should be mindful about their language. If an employer suspects a worker is being discriminatory, they should not start a conversation by accusing them. Employers must take complaints seriously and evidence of discrimination should be provided. Also, disciplinary action must always be incorporated if a worker is being biased, discriminatory, or is harassing other workers. Reports and disciplinary actions must be reported to the company’s Human Resources department.

When Should an Employee Hire a Lawyer?

If an employee feels that their concerns are not being heard, even after discussing discrimination with their employer, they may consider filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”), an organization that enforces anti-discrimination policies and makes certain that employers are accountable for their negligent actions.

When an employee wishes to file a complaint, they must notify their employer of the complaint. A Charge of Discrimination will be filed, then the EEOC will interview the employee about their complaint. It is important that employees be thorough with their story and provide evidence of discrimination, such as emails or other forms of written conversations. The EEOC will investigate the employer and determine the next course of action. Complaints should be filed within 180 days.

During this process, it is also extremely beneficial to hire a lawyer. Filing a complaint can be difficult, especially because these matters are often sensitive. An employment lawyer will correctly file a complaint with the EEOC. A lawyer will also construct a case against an employer based on evidence that is provided by the employee. An employment lawyer will know the process and steps to complete when discrimination occurs. They will also be knowledgeable about deadlines and what to do if a case is denied. Additionally, by hiring an employment lawyer, an employer will take the discrimination complaint seriously.

Philadelphia Employment Lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. Advocate for Those Suffering from Workplace Discrimination

If you were discriminated against in the workplace, the Philadelphia employment lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. can help. We will review your case and fight for the justice you deserve. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For an initial consultation, call us at 215-574-0600 or complete an online form today.

Are Rideshare Drivers Eligible for Unemployment?

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On July 24th, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that a rideshare driver was legally entitled to unemployment benefits, even though he was previously disqualified because he was considered self-employed. In a groundbreaking opinion, the Court held that because Uber controlled and directed the performance and services of a driver-for-hire, he was not establishing an independent business and therefore could not be considered self-employed. This case marks one of the few instances in which a higher court has closely examined the employer-employee relationship between a rideshare driver and the rideshare company.

Facts in the Case

Donald Lowman lost his job as a behavioral health specialist during the summer of 2015. While his application for unemployment compensation was pending, he signed a services agreement with Uber. He began using Uber on July 1, 2015, and thereafter earned between $15 and $22 per hour, bringing in approximately $350 per week. As required by Pennsylvania’s unemployment laws, he reported his earnings to the Unemployment Compensation Service Center. On August 17, 2015, the service center issued a Notice of Determination finding that Lowman’s driving rendered him ineligible for continued benefits because he was considered self-employed.

Lowman appealed the decision and was again denied benefits. He subsequently filed a petition for review in the Commonwealth Court in 2016. The Court reversed the previous decision, concluding that Lowman was not self-employed. The case moved on, eventually reaching the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which issued the final ruling.

The Court Examines the Definition of Self-Employment

An amendment added to Pennsylvania’s unemployment laws in 1959 states that an employee shall be ineligible for compensation for any week in which he is engaged in self-employment. In Lowman v. Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, the Court closely scrutinized the relationship that Uber had with its drivers to determine whether they were independent contractors. The wording of the opinion focused on the issue of control. Although Mr. Lowman used his own car and cellphone, and was responsible for his own maintenance, the Court found that he did not have control over his work for the following reasons:

  • Uber established the rates that drivers charged
  • Uber tracked the movements of its drivers using GPS technology
  • Uber closely monitored the work of its drivers

In essence, Uber controls its drivers much like a manager exerts control over employees in an office.

Partial Victory for Gig Workers

The Court’s ruling set the stage for further advancement for the rights of gig workers in Pennsylvania. Although it does not automatically make them eligible for unemployment, it does open the door for appeals if they are denied benefits. The ruling did not address larger issues, such as whether Uber drivers should be classified as full-fledged employees entitled to health insurance, Workers’ Compensation, minimum wage, overtime, and paid sick leave. However, this decision marks a turning point when viewed in context with other legal decisions, such as California’s recent law that made it more difficult for rideshare companies to classify their drivers as independent contractors.

Philadelphia Employment Lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. Continually Monitor Legal Cases Addressing Employer-Employee Relationships

Terminated workers who attempt to make ends meet by driving for rideshare companies may not know that this could disqualify them for unemployment benefits. The Philadelphia employment lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. continually monitor the evolving legal landscape of employment law to provide skilled counsel to workers and businesses. If you have an employment question, call us at 215-574-0600 or contact us online. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

U.S. Supreme Court Shields Religious Schools from Discrimination Lawsuits

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Discrimination

On July 8, 2020, the United States Supreme Court ruled that courts cannot intervene in employment disputes involving teachers at religious schools if those teachers have been entrusted to deliver religious instruction. The ruling has broad implications, potentially stripping away employment law protections from more than 300,000 teachers working at religious schools across the country. It may also impact other employees at Catholic hospitals, camps, and other religious workplaces.

The court reviewed two cases involving job bias claims filed by two Catholic schoolteachers in California. In Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru, the plaintiff alleged age discrimination bias because she was told days before her 65th birthday that her contract would not be renewed. In St. James School v. Biel, the teacher was terminated after she requested time off for surgery and chemotherapy treatment. Biel subsequently died of cancer, and her husband continued with the litigation on her behalf.

In writing the majority opinion, Justice Samuel Alito stated that the First Amendment protects the rights of religious institutions to decide for themselves, free from state interference and matters of church government, as well as those of faith and doctrine. The religion clauses in the First Amendment provide that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Alito referred back to a 2012 Supreme Court decision in Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. EEOC, where the Court ruled that teachers holding the title of minister could not sue for job bias. This ministerial exception bars employees from suing their religious school employers for discrimination.

Justice Alito stated that even though the Catholic schoolteachers in this case did not have the title of minister, their job functions were essentially the same because they were entrusted with providing religious instruction at least part of the week and prayed with the children. Prior to this case reaching the Supreme Court, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at San Francisco allowed the lawsuits after ruling that the teachers were secular, rather than religious, employees.

In a dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor noted that both teachers primarily taught secular subjects and were not required to be Catholic. Justice Sotomayor was joined in her dissent by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Implications for Future Employment Discrimination Cases

The ruling represents a win for Evangelical religious schools, as well as Catholic institutions. At the same time, it is a major setback for the LGBTQ community whose members gained protections against employment discrimination in a recent Supreme Court ruling. There are numerous state and federal laws protecting individuals from employment discrimination, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities in Employment Act. These laws and others make it illegal for employers to treat workers unfairly simply because of their race, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability. Regarding the cases of the two Catholic schoolteachers in California, there was evidence that age and disability discrimination occurred; however, that evidence was not in dispute. The issue was the constitutionality of applying employment law to religious institutions.

In her dissent, Justice Sotomayor noted that, with this ruling, so long as the employer determines that an employee’s duties are vital to carrying out the mission of the church, the employer can make employment decisions based on a person’s skin color, age, disability, sex, or any other protected trait for reasons having nothing to do with religion, permitting religious entities to discriminate widely and with impunity for reasons wholly unconnected to religious beliefs.

Philadelphia Employment Lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. Help Clients with Complex Legal Challenges

The recent Supreme Court ruling confirms that the field of employment law is continually being revised. In matters of discrimination, the employer-employee relationship can be extraordinarily complex. Our Philadelphia employment lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. can help with your employment matter. To arrange an initial consultation, contact us online or call us at 215-574-0600. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

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Is a Company’s Best Defense the Employee Handbook?

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Every business that maintains an office and team of employees exposes itself to the risk of harassment lawsuits, discrimination claims, and much more. When these claims do arise in the employment context, one of the most important pieces of evidence will be the employee handbook, should one exist. Even if a handbook already exists, they can quickly become outdated based on evolving law.

The employee handbook should be part of every employee’s onboarding process. New hires should be instructed to read the handbook and sign a document stating they have read and understand everything contained therein. Management should answer questions about handbook policies, but the handbook will speak for itself if there is a concern in the office.

How Does an Employee Handbook Handle Investigations?

The employee handbook should list every policy the company has from sick leave to office parties, travel expenses, and lunch breaks. In addition, a large portion of the handbook should explain what happens if misconduct is reported in the office. The handbook should explain that all incidents of harassment should be reported to an immediate supervisor and include that all reports are investigated regardless of merit.

Supervisors should have a handbook that tells them how to open an investigation, investigate claims, and/or report the claims to human resources. The company should investigate any claims of harassment, collect evidence, conduct interviews, and reach a well-documented conclusion.

Why Does it Matter?

If a company is sued by an employee who experienced harassment, management can point to the employee handbook since the company has laid out all the guidelines it uses to manage these cases. Employees who were terminated because of harassment claims should know they will be investigated and employees who do not report harassment are technically in violation of company policy. Management and employees must refer to the handbook for guidance. If a company does not have an established policy for workplace harassment, it can be sued easily because its employees do not know what to do if harassment occurs.

If management is not certain how to word the employee handbook, they may want a Philadelphia employment lawyer to review the document on their behalf. The company may also want the lawyer to craft a verification document that all employees must sign after reviewing any policies, such as a separate sexual harassment policy, fiduciary duties policy, and/or a drug use policy.

To be safe, management should review these documents every year with their staff. The company’s diligence ensures that employees know what is expected of them, and management can point to employees’ yearly reviews if a complaint is filed.

Philadelphia Employment Lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. Help Navigate Issues Related To Employee Handbooks For Both Employers And Employees

If you would like to find out more about employee handbooks or have a potential lawsuit against your employer involving an employee handbook, reach out to our Philadelphia employment lawyers at Sidkoff, Pincus & Green P.C. For an initial consultation, contact us online or call 215-574-0600 for assistance. We will review your case and discuss the next potential steps. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.