The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal on the issue of whether a witness may have an emotional support animal present while testifying at trial. In Commonwealth v. Purnell, the Superior Court of Pennsylvania upheld a trial court’s ruling that an...
In a recent press release, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) made it very clear: job postings conveying preference — for example, “recent graduate”, young”, “energetic”, is an example of a recruiting practice that may involve systemic age...
A national conversation on racism and injustice that received renewed attention last summer has permeated virtually all areas of American society, including Massachusetts workplaces. As employers consider their role in the conversation and the actions they should...
1. How does an overpayment happen? (or, why does DUA think that I owe them $)? An overpayment is caused when DUA (Division of Unemployment Assistance), the Board of Review or a court reverses a claim for unemployment benefits which had been approved. It can also occur...
Many Massachusetts employers are trying to convince thousands of their workers to take early retirement buyouts as they search for ways to cut costs in the face of still-weak demand. What's more, the pandemic-induced recession is likely to lead to a larger wave of...
Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Equal EmploymentOpportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued instructions, statements, and guidance to help Massachusetts employers navigate COVID-19's workplace impact.The ever-evolving guidance by the EEOC reflects the...
The recent, unprecedented changes to our country and its workforce due to the COVID-19 pandemic have upended the lives of millions. The economic fallout continues and in many instances, Massachusetts employers simply have no choice but to lay off large swaths of their...
The #MeToo movement is about giving sexual assault and harassment victims in Massachusetts the courage to speak up. And the recent conviction of former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein is an indication that those who speak up will be believed. But, despite these...
Today, many Massachusetts residents with even the most serious mental illnesses are capable of working in mainstream, competitive jobs. Thanks to a new generation of drugs, the acute symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression can be controlled...
How common is sexual harassment in Massachusetts state government and is it more prevalent in some agencies than in others? Through a public records request to the Massachusetts state Human Resources Division, the Republican/MassLive compiled a list of 117 complaints...