Employers may require that employees leave a two-week notice before quitting. Additionally, most companies have progressive disciplinary procedures that lead up to being fired. Disciplinary policies could include; verbal warnings, written warnings, probation,...
Pittsburgh Legal Blog
How companies should handle reports of sexual harassment
Most workers don't think about sexual harassment policies after they signed paperwork when their employer hires them. Rules against harassment and company policy about how to report certain issues may seem unimportant to you until the moment you indoor mistreatment on...
What is national origin discrimination?
There are a variety of reasons someone may face discrimination in the workplace -- and none of them are good. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) laws and their state equivalents prohibit discrimination for a variety of reasons, including one’s...
Is the pension fund for Pennsylvania teachers in trouble?
In early April of this year, the state treasurer confirmed that the Pennsylvania School Employees Retirement System (PSERS) is being investigated by federal authorities for improprieties. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is reportedly looking into the way the...
Can a school require you to dress a certain way when you teach?
When you’re teaching, you want to be comfortable. You like your hair styled the way you want and to have clothing that fits the circumstances in your classroom. Schools do have a right to ask teachers to dress within a specific dress code, but that is not to say that...
Can off-color jokes be workplace discrimination?
Some comments that are made in the workplace are clearly discriminatory. If a supervisor says that you have to take on a task that no one else wants because that’s what people of your race are supposed to do, that’s not only highly offensive, but it’s also clearly...
Can your employer enforce a noncompete agreement after you quit?
Many skilled professionals and even blue-collar workers change jobs frequently to continue developing their careers. Long gone are the days when someone stayed at the same place where they got their first job until they retired. Companies don't always promote from...
Can you lose your job as a teacher for your religious beliefs?
Freedom of religion is one of the most crucial civil liberties for those living in the United States. Your right to your faith has protection under the First Amendment. Many times, people take for granted their right to believe what they want and to worship how they...
Can your college withhold copies of your transcript due to unpaid bills?
College is an investment of at least tens of thousands of dollars, all with the goal of securing a better career or higher income later in life. Students have to pay for tuition, books and often for additional costs assessed by their college or university to secure...
Know your rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act
Many employees worry about what will happen to them and their job position if they fall ill or have to take care of a family member who has gotten sick. The Family and Medical Leave Act provides certain employees with protections if this occurs. Employees who think...