The Employment and Social Security Disability Blog

Michigan families that have undergone significant changes may find that they need to take some time off from work to adjust to their new life. This is where knowledge of employment law and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can be useful. The decision to invoke FMLA can be a difficult one for families to make, as they will have to decide how many weeks, if any, they can manage without pay.

A black prison lieutenant at a Michigan correctional facility recently filed a legal claim against the Michigan Department of Corrections (DOC) and a captain at the facility, alleging retaliation and discrimination. According to the lieutenant's claim, officials at the facility retaliated against him after he complained that a co-worker called him the "n" word.

The lieutenant apparently worked at the DOC for 13 years and was moving up the employment ladder, until he heard about a conversation that took place between two white captains at the prison Christmas party. One captain apparently told the other captain that he did not want a "n" word for a boss. According to the complaint, the other captain was interviewing for a position at another prison, and the captain's comment was made on the assumption that if the other captain left, the lieutenant would be promoted to deputy warden.

Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are important employment law contracts. A Michigan resident may be asked to sign an NDA when they start a new job or are promoted into a position of authority. Generally, NDAs are used to protect information, trade secrets and other sensitive data that is proprietary to an organization. When a person breaks the terms of their NDA, they may face termination from their job or other penalties.

Not long ago the media company NBC announced that it would release former employees from their NDAs with regard to information that they may have concerning sexual harassment. Several prominent media and news figures have been accused of varying forms of sexual harassment against fellow colleagues but some potential victims may have hesitated to come forward due to their standing NDA agreements. An NDA can survive a person's tenure with an organization.

Every workplace has its benefits and drawbacks. A Michigan resident may love the work that they do for their employer, but may find it difficult to work with all of their co-workers. Alternatively, an individual may adore the people that share their workspace, but may find their on-the-job tasks to be tedious. However, no matter where a person works or what they do for a living, they should not have to endure harassment or discrimination when they do their job.

Discrimination and harassment are prohibited employment actions in for many different employers and types of workplaces. Individuals may not be treated differently at work because of their race or religion, gender or sexual orientation. They may not be subjected to adverse employment actions, like demotions, loss of responsibilities or terminations because of their inclusion in these and other protected classes.