Companies of all sizes in Pennsylvania and around the country turn to staffing agencies when they need workers with specialized skills or to provide additional staff during busy periods. These agencies sometimes handle administrative tasks such as organizing payroll,...
Minimizing Risk. Resolving Disputes. Protecting Your Business.
Year: 2020
Wage and hour disputes are on the rise
Businesses in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania, in general, are seeing a surge in employee complaints seeking relief under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The FLSA, a long-existing federal law, establishes guidelines for minimum wage, overtime pay...
Why an offer letter in Pennsylvania isn’t a contract
A court has ruled that a company didn't commit a breach of contract by firing an employee less than a year after he was hired. According to the former employee, the company gave him an offer letter that said the company "anticipated" employing him for at least five...
How to craft a valid noncompete agreement
Although noncompete agreements have come under scrutiny in recent years, they can be effective tools for Pennsylvania companies that are looking to protect their interests. Generally speaking, this type of agreement forbids an employee from working for a direct...
Potential business liabilities are wide-ranging
Two types of liability that commonly affect businesses are personal injury accidents and issues with hiring and employment practices. Fortunately, commercial liability insurance can help manage such risks by covering the costs of damages in legitimate cases, but it...
Can a company enforce a noncompete clause due to unemployment?
Businesses frequently face personnel changes. Business partnerships may not last forever, and valued employees may choose to depart the company. The separations might even occur on good terms. Regardless, questions could arise regarding a noncompete contract....
Fifth Circuit panel rules on bonuses and FLSA overtime calculations
In September, a case involving employee bonus pay was heard by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. A Fifth Circuit panel ruled that it is the employee's responsibility to establish that their bonus pay is non-discretionary and therefore should be included in the...
The importance of correctly classifying your company’s workers
As the gig economy keeps growing, employers in Pennsylvania need to remain aware of the what requirements they must adhere to when classifying workers as employees or independent contractors. You must correctly categorize all workers or face stiff fines. What the ABC...
Pennsylvania sexual harassment policy guide
The #MeToo movement has rocked the entertainment industry with multiple claims of sexual harassment dating back decades. It even affects small business owners in Pennsylvania and across the country by making workers feel more comfortable bringing these claims out in...
Feds nix double wage penalties for Pennsylvania employers
Under Pres. Barack Obama, the Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA) doubled the penalties job providers paid when on the losing end of wage disputes. The recent economic chaos caused by Covid-19 has caused officials at the U.S. Dept. of Labor (DOL) to reconsider the...