The Blog
Oakland County Employment Law Blog
$1.46M settlement in NMU gender discrimination lawsuit
Under the Equal Pay Act of 1963, employers cannot pay an employee less compensation than another employee based on gender. Generally, when determining whether a pay disparity constitutes as workplace gender discrimination, the court will consider whether the employees...
Know how to prove a hostile work environment
A lot of people have worked for a boss who is overly demanding, unreasonable, and just downright mean. This situation can make work unbearable, which might lead you to think that you’re in a hostile work environment. However, while legal action may be justified if you...
An unfair firing is not always wrongful termination
For many in Michigan, holding on to a job in this unpredictable environment is more critical than ever. Those fortunate enough to work in businesses that have survived the recent global crises may feel especially grateful to have a steady paycheck. To receive notice...
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...
