A U.S. District Judge declared a mistrial last Thursday in a retaliation case against a state agency after the jury announced it was unable to agree on a verdict. A verdict must be unanimous. In this case, the eight… Read More ›
bad job references
Fired Just Before Vesting In Your Employer’s Retirement Plan?
It is illegal for employers to fire (or lay off) employees just because the employees are about to “vest” – to become legally-entitled to the employer’s retirement benefits. An employee usually “vests” by staying employed for a specific period. Some employers try… Read More ›
BREAKING: Florida Prison Chief Imposes Severe Personal-Conduct Standard on Employees
The Florida Department of Corrections’ Secretary, Michael D. Crews, sent a memo today to “DCAll”- the designation for a mass email to all 23,000 employees – announcing a new, take-no-prisoners policy on employee conduct. Crews says that,… Read More ›
Employer Sets Possible Speed Record For Firing Employee Returning From FMLA Leave
Congress made it illegal for employers to retaliate against an employee who’s used leave under the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Here’s a good example why that’s important. I currently represent a woman who was fired from her job… Read More ›
Some Employers Stop Posting Job Ads In War Against Automated “Application Avalanches,” Encouraging Applicants To Use More Personal Touch
Two years ago, in May 2012, I wrote a column titled “The Permanent Job Search.” I wrote that job-hunting has changed, from something you only do when you’re unemployed to something you need to do now, in a… Read More ›
Whistleblower Is Entitled To Trial On Claim of Retaliation for Complaining of Workplace Hazards, Federal Judge Rules Today
A Florida federal judge ruled this afternoon that my client, who objected to what he believed were dangerous conditions on the job and then saw his scheduled work hours slashed to zero, is entitled to present his case to a… Read More ›
Bad References: Can Former Employers Legally Bad-Mouth You?
I get many questions about bad job references. Can my former employer badmouth me? Can my old boss talk bad about me? Aren’t employers limited to disclosing my dates of employment, salary and job title? Employees want to stop former… Read More ›
Blowing The Golden Whistle: Becoming A Qui Tam Whistleblower
I am often asked by clients how they can qualify as a qui-tam (“key-TAMM”) whistleblower. Easy. Be the first to report an organization or person for cheating the government. Rewards can be huge. People who qualify as qui tam whistleblowers… Read More ›
Employers Engaging In “IRS Form 1099” Scams Deserve To Be Punished
Some employers cut labor costs by falsely treating employees as independent contractors, issuing them an IRS Form 1099 instead of a W-2. The effect? The boss saves big on taxes and insurance. But the employee pays more in taxes, won’t… Read More ›
New Year, New Career: 22 Points To Ponder Before Leaving Your Job
This time of year I am often asked about the things a departing employee should think about, or do, just before leaving their current employer. I’ve listed some of the key things that come to mind without having a specific… Read More ›
Jim Garrity, Esq. - Employee Rights Lawyer 