The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is an agency that plays an important role in enforcing federal laws that prohibit employment discrimination. Understanding the basic ins and outs of the EEOC can empower workers to recognize if/when their rights are...
Employees’ Rights
You can face illegal harassment, discrimination by subordinates
People typically associate workplace discrimination and harassment with situations wherein the perpetrator is higher up on the chain of command than the victim – or at least at the same level. It would seem that if someone exhibited this behavior toward a manager,...
Recognizing promotion discrimination in the workplace
Employees look forward to promotions as a way of advancing their careers and being recognized for their hard work and dedication. However, promotion discrimination is often a concerning issue in the workplace that compromises this understandable approach. Knowing when...
What does 401(k) vesting mean?
Retirement plans are a common benefit that employers offer. Some employers offer matching contributions for some of these plans. Employees should ensure they understand how those contributions work because they aren’t of any use to the employee until they’re vested....
Could the expansion of Michigan’s prevailing wage law affect you?
Starting in March of this year, non-union construction workers in Michigan who work on publicly funded projects for the state or a locality must receive the same pay and benefits as their co-workers who belong to unions. This is called the “prevailing wage.” The law...
What is weight discrimination in the workplace?
Weight discrimination involves treating individuals unfairly based on their weight, often resulting in negative consequences for their employment status or opportunities. This form of bias can manifest in various ways, from hiring decisions to workplace policies....
3 things to know about Michigan’s CROWN Act
Michigan has followed some other states in providing specific protections for employees and students from discrimination based on their hair type and hairstyles. The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act, which is better known as the CROWN Act...
Could downsizing be a form of discrimination?
Downsizing is when a company lets employees go as a cost-cutting measure. Perhaps revenue has fallen and the owner knows they just can’t afford all of the employees they have on staff. It is legal for them to terminate some of these positions as they try to redo their...
Does at-will employment affect someone’s severance pay rights?
Many of the best jobs in Michigan are highly competitive, yet, the fact that many individuals seek to fill these roles doesn’t mean that they’re compensated well. As a result, some of the most successful professionals in Southeastern Michigan do not have enough in...
Can your employer use comp time instead of overtime pay?
Many employers in Michigan do not want to pay overtime wages. They may need extra work from their employees, but they are hesitant to pay time and a half because it can put such a strain on their operating budget. An employee who normally makes $20 an hour would make...