The Blog
Oakland County Employment Law Blog
Studies find most cases of discrimination go unchecked
Workers today have a broader range of definitions available for calling out discrimination in the workplace than ever before, yet the prevalence of discrimination is far from being eliminated. The Washington Post reported that over a million complaints have been filed...
What does it mean to be part of a protected class?
When employers are guilty of committing workplace discrimination, they have violated a worker’s rights by treating them unequally on the basis of a class. Everyone is, in some way or another, part of a protected class. This is due to the fact that protected classes...
What is workplace retaliation in Michigan?
As it relates to the workplace, retaliation occurs when an employer responds negatively or takes direct action toward a person because that person made an official claim of violation or complaint against that employer. Note that you do not have to have been directly...
Experiment says witnesses are less likely to report sexual harassment than they claim
We all like to think we would do the right thing, no matter what. But sometimes, feelings of intimidation or a desire not to "get involved" can stop us from speaking up when we witness something at work that appears to be against the law, or at least makes us...
Retaliation, termination common among sexual harassment victims
Too many instances of workplace sexual harassment go unreported. If you are among those who never reported experiencing harassment, it may be because you have valid concerns about facing termination or retaliation. Unfortunately, many employees who choose to call...
Protection in Michigan for whistleblowers
If you witness illegal acts committed by your employer or organization, you may feel conflict about what to do next. There may be a moral conflict between wanting to alert the authorities and fearing the loss of your job. Fortunately, Michigan's whistleblower...
How does Michigan’s Paid Medical Leave act work?
Residents in Michigan may need to take time away from their jobs to attend to their own health needs or the health needs of a family member. Under the provisions of the federal government's Family and Medical Leave Act, employees may qualify for leave without pay. In...
What are MI’s paid annual leave laws?
Understanding your rights as a Michigan worker is paramount. Depending on your status at your company, your employer may have to provide you with a certain amount of annual leave at your initial hire for your immediate use. According to the state of Michigan, when a...
You might have a lawsuit if your employer terminated you
Most states, including Michigan, have at-will employment laws. In most cases, an employer can terminate workers' employment at any time, for any reason (or for no reason at all). There are exceptions to those laws, and it is important to know them. Common law...
Study finds most leaders don’t listen to discrimination concerns
In the past few weeks following the race-related tragedies, including the murder of George Floyd and countless other Black Americans, massive protests in the U.S. and across the globe have cropped up to demand swift action and social justice. Businesses in virtually...
