Review of PA DOH Order Directing Public Health Safety Measures for Businesses
Since Governor Tom Wolf ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses to close on March 19, 2020, businesses that have been permitted to keep their physical locations open have been searching for guidance from the government as to how to ensure the safety of their employees and customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, on April 15, 2020, […]
COVID-19 and Unemployment Compensation: An Overview for Employers
The disruption to the economy caused by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has left many employers with difficult choices. Many businesses have been ordered to close, while others have seen a substantial decline in business. The results have included layoffs, furloughs and employee terminations. Congress has answered in several ways to help businesses and their employees. […]
Guidance for Employers – Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) (March 28)
(Updated March 28, 2020) On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) into law. We understand employers are trying to stay abreast of the changing legal landscape in the face of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and have many questions regarding what this new federal law means for their workforce. Below we […]
FLB Wins Dismissal of Wrongful and Retaliatory Employment Discharge Claim
Following an extensive discovery process and a multi-day arbitration hearing, Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba won dismissal of a wrongful and retaliatory discharge claim by the former controller of our client, a Pennsylvania-based startup company. The former employee claimed that the company fired her in retaliation for objecting to the company’s alleged fraudulent submissions to a […]
A New Rule: Who Is Entitled To Overtime Pay?
by Juan P. Camacho and Jacob M. Sitman On September 24, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule concerning overtime pay requirements, something that has not happened since 2004. You can find highlights of the final rule from the DOL here. Under the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), covered nonexempt […]
Register Today – Avoiding Common Legal Pitfalls During the Employment Lifecycle
Business owners, corporate executives and managers are often focused on promoting a great work culture while keeping employees committed and productive. However, at every stage of an employee’s engagement, there are legal pitfalls that could derail an employer’s efforts. Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba’s Employment Law team of Jacob M. Sitman, Stephanie A. Koenig and Juan P. Camacho can help guide you through […]
Interns – Are They Really Employees?
Each summer, thousands of college students look to advance their careers by landing the perfect internship. For a variety of reasons, many local employers can only offer these students an unpaid internship. Presumably, this is a win for both sides: the student gains valuable experience and the employer does not have to budget for an […]
FLB Wins Dismissal of Employment Discrimination and Retaliation Claims Against Lehigh University
A former development research analyst for Lehigh University sued the school in state court for employment discrimination, alleging that after almost 13 years of employment, the school harassed her and terminated her employment based on her age, disabilities (fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and sleep apnea), and retaliated against her for requesting leave to address her […]
Jacob Sitman Discusses Legal Considerations Employers Should Take Into Account During a Potential Measles Outbreak
Jacob M. Sitman, Shareholder and Chair of the Firm’s Employment Law and Labor Relations Department, was recently interviewed by Lehigh Valley Business. The resulting article, titled “If measles clocks in, is your company prepared?” examines what Lehigh Valley employers should consider and do in the face of a potential measles outbreak. Mr. Sitman specifically reminds […]
The Overtime Fear of 2016: It’s Back, But With Less of a Bite
by Stephanie A. Koenig and Jacob M. Sitman On March 7, 2019, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) unveiled a proposal to make more workers eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The DOL has requested public comments on the proposed rule, and hopes to publish a final rule before the […]