Breaking News: Michigan Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave Update

This October, we reported that the Michigan Legislature had enacted two citizen-initiated proposals that were originally scheduled to appear on the ballot in November: (1) a gradual increase for Michigan’s minimum wage; and (2) new requirements for… Read More
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Pot in the Workplace

Last Tuesday, Michigan voters approved a ballot initiative legalizing the sale and use of recreational marijuana. The next morning, my phone started ringing with calls from CFOs and HR Managers trying to figure out how the new law will impact existin… Read More
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Transgender Status a Protected Class

It is well-known that sex discrimination violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. What has been less clear is whether discrimination based on transgender status falls within the definition of “sex discrimination.” In other words, are M… Read More
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Opioids in the Workplace

While the United States grapples with staggering opioid abuse throughout the country, companies face a virtual minefield where their legitimate need to maintain a drug-free workplace collides with their employees’ right to use prescription drugs fo… Read More
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Supreme Court Employment Law Update

In what has been a consequential and controversial Term, the U.S. Supreme Court recently issued two opinions that may impact employer policies and practices. In Encino Motorcars v. Navarro, the Court ruled that service advisors (i.e., employees at ca… Read More
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Enough is Enough

If your company has more than fifty employees at any location within a 75-mile radius, you know that you need to extend 12 weeks of unpaid medical leave under the FMLA. But even if you are not subject to the FMLA, or if you have already provided the… Read More
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Sexual Harassment Training

In the wake of the #MeToo! movement, my phone has been ringing off the hook with requests for me to offer training sessions on preventing and reporting sexual and other unlawful harassment in the workplace. While most companies should have been doing… Read More
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FMLA Violations Can Make You a Target

Experienced HR managers know that the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) requires covered employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid qualifying leave per year to eligible employees. What is less commonly known is that company decision maker… Read More
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Beamer Leads Training at MDCR

Dirk Beamer recently lead a training workshop for the employees of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR). Titled Sexual Harassment Awareness in the #MeToo Moment, the workshop sought to educate participants on work place dos and don’ts, wh… Read More
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Don't Buy Exposure for Unpaid Wages

In December, the U.S. Department of Labor filed suit against metro Detroit grocer, Nino Salvaggio Fruit and Vegetable Market, Inc., alleging that the Troy, St. Clair Shores and Clinton Township stores violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”… Read More
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