Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Will Florida Employees Have Social Media Privacy Protection In 2016?
A great number of people in Florida–and across the country–have some type of social media presence. Whether they choose to have profiles on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, Youtube, or other similar sites, social media can be an important tool to stay in touch and to share your ideas, opinions, photos, and videos. However, in… Read More »
Religious Harassment and Discrimination In The Workplace
Religion has become a hot button issue in 2016, especially with the escalating presidential race. Many people in the United States have spoken up and shown intolerance of certain religions both online and in protest. However, no matter how tense religious relations may become, an employer should never allow such tensions to enter the… Read More »
Discrimination in Hiring Against Individuals With Disabilities
Employment discrimination occurs for many different reasons, including race, gender, religion, and more. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate, harass, or retaliate against individuals due to a disability, and this includes during the hiring process. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2014 rate of… Read More »
Florida Immigrant Discrimination Case Settled
A case involving potentially widespread employment discrimination has been settled in Florida. Last year, the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) began investigating into the potential rights violations of many individuals by the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, which is the largest school system in the state of Florida and… Read More »
Fair Pay for Cheerleaders Discussed Across the U.S.
Cheerleaders on the sidelines and dancing at halftime are an integral part of the professional football and basketball experience. The squads of cheerleaders have strict schedules for rehearsals, learn multiple routines, perform at numerous games throughout the season, attend charity and promotional events, and adhere to strict guidelines for their appearance. Despite all of… Read More »
Do Federal Protections for Transgender Employees Exist?
Even after the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was struck down in 2013 and the nationwide legalization of gay marriage in June 2015, LGBT individuals still do not have equal rights on the federal level. This is largely due to the lack of federal protections against employment discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on sexual… Read More »
Will Hiring Discrimination Against Ex-Cons Be Outlawed?
For many job-seekers, getting to the part of an application that asks whether they have had any prior criminal convictions is extremely stressful. In many situations, an applicant may be aware that, by truthfully checking the “yes” box, they are significantly limiting their chances of getting hired for that position. This is because many… Read More »
Discrimination Unveiled In The Restaurant Industry
The restaurant industry is highly important for the U.S. economy and employment. From fast food to fast casual to fine dining, the industry provides jobs for an estimated 11 million individuals in the United States. However, while restaurants try to keep up with all of the new dining and culinary trends, many restaurants are… Read More »
DOL Changes May Provide Overtime Payments for Many Florida Employees
In addition to a minimum hourly wage, employers are required to pay employees time-and-a-half of their regular wage for all overtime hours worked. Overtime regulations are complicated, however, as the law provides many exemptions from the overtime requirement. Some employers take advantage of these exemptions or misinterpret them in order to avoid paying deserving… Read More »
Florida Business Owner Owes $365,000 for Racial Discrimination and Retaliation
A recent case in Florida demonstrates that penalties can be severe for employers who violate federal and state discrimination laws and that victims of discrimination and retaliation can receive substantial compensation. The owner of the Florida-based company, Southeast Showclubs, LLC, which ran the Bliss Cabaret and other adult entertainment clubs, allegedly fired an African-American… Read More »
Robert S. Norell, Esq. became a member of the Florida Bar in 1994 and has represented hundreds of clients in all types of employment law cases for the past 20+ years.