Category: Labor and Employment

​​As many Americans know, wage and hour laws help govern the wage rates an employer can pay and the hours for which an employer must compensate its employees. The most well-known wage and hour regulations apply to minimum wage laws and overtime laws. Though one would think these laws and regulations are fairly standard across the board for any industry, the burgeoning legalization of marijuana has led to a substantial grey area when it comes to proper wage regulations. Recently, however, a U.S. Appeals Court affirmed a decision that would make the wage and hour law applicable to the marijuana industry moving forward.

​​An African American owned media company sued Comcast and Charter cable systems for racial discrimination after they decided not to carry these networks. The Supreme Court has decided it will hear the case.

​​The #MeToo movement has been pivotal in exposing the abuses many people suffer both in and out of the workplace. The rise of the movement has helped expose areas where companies failed to implement protocols and training that could prevent and immediately address instances of reported sexual harassment. As the movement continues to help people find the courage to speak up, companies of all sizes need to proactively work to prevent instances of sexual harassment in the workplace as well as ensure protocols are in place if and when a situation arises.

​​In light of the #MeToo movement, many victims now have the confidence to come forward with sexual harassment allegations. Though individuals stepping forward is positive, the complaints can prove to be a serious source of liability for many companies, which is why all companies should consider steps for sexual harassment prevention.

​​While many businesses operate smoothly, disputes commonly arise regarding wage and hour violations. These types of claims can snowball out of control quickly, and for larger companies these disputes could involve thousands of employees. Wage and hour claims in the hospitality industry have the potential to cost companies millions, therefore, it’s important that all such disputes are reported immediately to management so the company and/or its in house lawyers begin working with an experienced employment lawyer.