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Employment Law: Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that was enacted in 1990 to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. The purpose of the ADA is to provide equal opportunities and protections for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life, including the workplace. It is important for employees to understand their…
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Employment Law: NEW LAW regarding Pregnancy Discrimination
Pregnancy Discrimination in the workplace is a serious issue that affects many women in the United States. Despite laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, many employers continue to discriminate against pregnant women, either by not hiring them or by not accommodating them when needed. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of…
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Employment Law: Discrimination based on Military Service is prohibited
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) is the primary federal statute prohibiting employment discrimination based on past, present, or prospective military service. In addition to its anti-discrimination provision, USERRA requires employers to reemploy those who have taken military leave under designated services and governs employee benefit plans for employees on military leave.…
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Employee Polygraph Protection Act aka “lie detector test”
Under the federal Employee Polygraph Protection Act, private employers* are not allowed to directly, or indirectly, require, request, suggest, or cause any employee or prospective employee to take or submit to any lie detector test. And if the employee refuses the test, the Employer is also prohibited from terminating, disciplining, discriminating, or even threaten to…
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Texas Expanded protections for Employees in regards to Sexual Harassment Claims
Two new laws passed by Texas Legislature taking effect as of September 1, 2021 will change Sexual Harassment Claims in the State of Texas. These changes brought more protection to employees whom may be the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace Expanded Definition of “Employer” Under Senate Bill 45, which Governor Greg Abbott…
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Employment Law: Taking time off from work to go Vote
With the first day of Early Voting on February 14, 2022 and extending through February 25, 2022, I thought it would be a good idea to let people know that they need to talk with their employer about allowing them to go vote. In the State of Texas, Employers must permit their employee’s absence from…
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Employment Law: Religious Discrimination, Harassment, Segregation, or Failure to Accomodate
Both federal and Texas laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of an employee’s religious practices or beliefs: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and Texas Labor Code respectively. As with other forms of discrimination, it is illegal for an employer to hire, fire, or affect an employee’s terms or conditions of employment because of the…
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Employment Law Claims During Covid-19 Pandemic
An Employers Deliberate Failure to Protect Workers from Coronavirus Exposure may be Actionable. Whether or not you were an essential employee during shelter in place orders or returned to the workplace after those orders were lifted, you might have faced an unreasonable risk of COVID-19 exposure if your employer failed to take reasonable steps to…
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Family Medical Leave Act amidst COVID 19
Now’s the time to find out if you are covered or your employer is subject to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that lets covered employees take extended time away from work, to handle certain family or medical needs. Many states have…
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A Message to our Clients Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
In response to COVID-19 Pandemic, there have been numerous Orders from various governmental entities that affect the practice of law here in Hidalgo County and throughout the State of Texas. To comply with these Orders, ensure the safety of our clients and employees, and to do our part to help flattening the curve, we are…
