In Detroit, the hub of the auto industry in the United States -- if not the world -- automobile-related jobs are a huge economic factor. People who work in the industry rely on their wages and overtime to provide for themselves, their families and to make ends meet. Often, because of economic conditions, the extra income that overtime pay offers is an incentive for workers to remain in a position, even if (or because) it means extra hours.
Sexual harassment bad for business, bottom line
In the last year, workplace sexual harassment has garnered much attention from the public and the press. Hollywood scandals and the #metoo movement fueled press coverage and at the same time emboldened victims of harassment to come forward. Companies on the wrong side of such employment law cases have learned quickly that protecting those who engage in sexual harassment can drive away customers and paying out claims to victims eats away at the bottom line.
The nuances of tipping laws
Many Detroit, Michigan, residents frequent restaurants when they do not have time to cook, or they just want to go out and have a good time. At the end of the meal, they will probably leave a tip.
How we can help workers with FMLA issues
As previous posts have discussed, federal law gives workers in Detroit, Michigan, the right to take an unpaid leave when they need to stay home from work to recover from a medical condition or after they have a child. They also have the same rights when they need to care for relatives.
What is sexual harassment?
More and more employees are coming forward each day about their difficult experiences with sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment allegations by employees at CBS and Fox News are currently in the headlines and numerous television and movie stars have opened up about their own experiences.
What medical conditions would qualify for unpaid leave?
The federal Family Medical Leave Act, or FMLA, requires employers of a certain size to hold their employees' jobs open. But, only in the event that employees take off of work for an extended period of time due to certain types of medical conditions. The purpose of this act is to allow Detroit, Michigan, residents and others to keep their jobs when they face a difficult life circumstances, like a significant illness.
Overview of overtime exemption rules
As in other cases, the federal government establishes minimum standards when it comes to paying employees in the Detroit are or elsewhere overtime compensation, and states are free to go above and beyond these standards when writing their own wage and hour laws.
If I am a victim of sexual harassment, whom do I have to tell?
Many Detroit area employees who have been the target of unwanted sexual advances, lewd jokes and the like may not really want to talk about their experience with anyone, much less someone whom they see as having more power and authority than themselves.
What would make me a whistleblower under Michigan law?
Michigan employment law protects many different types of workers. One of the groups of workers the law protects is people who are both commonly and in legal parlance called whistleblowers. Generally speaking, a whistleblower is one who blows the whistle on his or her employer by reporting the employer's illegal conduct.
Review of the Family Medical Leave Act
Many workers in Detroit, Michigan, from time to time have emergencies or other special situations come up that could require that they be away from work for an extended period of time. For example, a Detroit resident may need a few weeks off while recovering from a surgery or other medical problem. In other cases, a new parent will want to take off so he or she can be with his or her new child.
