Tag Archives: Florida Employment Attorney
Non-Compete Clauses in Florida & Worker Protection
When employers and employees talk about employment being “at will,” it generally means that the employment relationship can be terminated by either party at any time, for any reason. However, that termination can become more complicated if there is a “non-compete clause” involved. Very broadly, non-compete clauses bar you from going to work for… Read More »
The Gender Pay Gap & Stigma of Motherhood
For years we’ve been hearing about the gender pay gap and how wrong it is, but the more difficult question to answer is: when does it show up, and why? One recent New York Times article purports to answer that question, and the answer may not be what you think. According to the research… Read More »
2017: Important Changes in Florida’s Workplaces
Many changes are set to take place in Florida workplaces in 2017. For example, in November, Florida voters legalized the use of medical marijuana for those suffering from specific conditions—such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, etc. In addition, Florida also increased its minimum wage, up to $8.10 as of January 1st. It is… Read More »
Florida Labor Complaint Moves Forward
In September, the Public Employees Relation Commission (PERC) ruled that a complaint filed by Gulf District School officials via the Gulf County Education Association (GCEA) alleging unfair labor practices can move forward. Specifically, PERC found that there was enough evidence such that a factual decision could be made to address whether or not there… Read More »
Maternity Leave Rights in Florida
Many states have set out laws that provide a certain number of weeks of family and medical leave for a new mother without fear of losing her job. California, Rhode Island, and New Jersey even provide for paid maternity leave and New York will provide paid leave effective in 2018. Florida, however, has no… Read More »
U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Files Wage Discrimination Claim
In the summer of 2015, the U.S. watched as the Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) won the World Cup, largely considered the most significant international soccer tournament. U.S. soccer fans then looked forward to seeing this team of impressively talented athletes again defeat the world in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, as the USWNT… Read More »
Protections For Employees Struggling With Addiction
Many different federal and state laws protect individuals from discrimination in the workplace based on a variety of factors. Specifically, the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Florida Civil Rights Act prohibit employment discrimination against anyone based on an actual or assumed physical or mental disability. This means that if a person can perform… Read More »
EEOC: Discrimination Based On Sexual Orientation Is A Form Of Sex Discrimination
Though the Florida Legislature has not yet passed a state law protecting individuals from employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, a recent case out of Florida shows that employers may be prohibited from such discrimination under federal law. Though Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not expressly… Read More »
Court Upholds Wrongful Termination Finding of Two Employees
Florida law recognizes “at-will” employment, which means that an employer can terminate an employee without a good reason at any time unless there was an employment contract signed. However, employers cannot terminate an employee for reasons that violate public policy or due to unlawful discrimination or retaliation. The Court of Appeals for the 11th… 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 »
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.