Employment Law Case: Sexually Hostile Work Environment Claim Lacked Specifics
Despite exposure to obnoxious, unprofessional and inappropriate workplace conduct, an employee recently lost a sexually hostile work environment claim because she failed to prove enough specific instances of severe or pervasive conduct. On May 11, 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit held that conduct, which many would consider inappropriate and […]
Largest Wage Verdict in DOL History
Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that it won a hard-fought, long-running wage payment case against Berks County-based East Penn Manufacturing.
Biden Signs #MeToo Bill Into Law, Banning Mandatory Arbitration of Sexual Harassment Cases
by Jacob M. Sitman and Kendra L. Eden In recent years, employers have increasingly used mandatory arbitration agreements as a tool to manage the risk of various types of employment claims. Claims subject to those agreements are diverted to arbitration, rather than the courts, for resolution. Earlier this month, however, Congress passed a bill dubbed […]
Congress Passes #MeToo Bill Banning Mandatory Arbitration of Sexual Harassment Cases
by Jacob M. Sitman and Kendra L. Eden In recent years, employers have increasingly used mandatory arbitration agreements as a tool to manage the risk of various types of employment claims. Claims subject to those agreements are diverted to arbitration, rather than the courts, for resolution. Earlier this month, however, Congress passed a bill dubbed […]
Deflecting the Legal Ramifications of Cupid’s Arrow
The season of love, hearts, roses, and chocolate treats is upon us, again. And, again, we take this opportunity to remind employers of the need to consider and address the risks associated with “office romance”.
Vaccine May Be Required By Private Sector Employers with 100+ Employees
As part of President Biden’s six-pronged, comprehensive national strategy to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, he has announced the first ever federal vaccine mandate to apply to private employers. In the coming weeks, the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is likely to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard that would require all private […]
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Says Employees Must Be Paid for Just Standing in Line
On July 21, 2021, in the case of In Re: Amazon.com, Inc., the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ruled that employees must be paid for the time spent waiting to undergo and undergoing mandatory workplace security scre
enings under the state’s Minimum Wage Act (PMWA).
Stephanie A. Kobal Appointed to Cedar Crest College Board of Trustees
Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, P.C. is pleased to announce that Stephanie A. Kobal was recently elected to the Cedar Crest College Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2021. Ms. Kobal is an attorney and shareholder in the Firm’s Real Estate, Land Use & Development and Employment and Labor Law groups. “We are so excited that […]
Three FLB Shareholders Named to LVB Power 30 in Law List
FLB congratulates co-managing shareholder, Joseph A. Bubba, founder & shareholder Joseph A. Fitzpatrick, Jr., and shareholder Stephanie A. Kobal for being named to the “Power 30 in Law” list, which was curated by Lehigh Valley Business’ editorial staff. Joseph A. Bubba is a co-founder of FLB and has been the Firm’s managing shareholder since for […]
“To Vaccinate Or Not To Vaccinate”: Stephanie A. Kobal Discusses Issues Facing Employers in Lehigh Valley Business
Stephanie A. Kobal, shareholder in FLB’s Employment Law & Labor Relations Practice recently contributed to Lehigh Valley Business’ special COVID Recovery issue. The article, titled “To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate: Pressing Issues Facing Employers Related to the COVID-19 Vaccine,” provides guidance to employers on whether they can require employees to become vaccinated. Ms. Kobal […]