PITTSBURGH and PHILADELPHIA, PA – William Pietragallo, II, founding partner of the law firm of Pietragallo Gordon Alfano Bosick & Raspanti, LLP was selected as a Pittsburgh Top 50 Lawyer by Super Lawyers 2014. Mr. Pietragallo was recognized for his work in Business Litigation. Marc S. Raspanti, name partner in the firm, was selected as… Read more »
Recently, the EEOC and the FTC issued joint guidance to employers, employees, and applicants on the use of background checks. The pinnacle consideration is to ensure that specific individuals or groups are not unfairly targeted. Prior to conducting a background check, an employer must receive the employee’s or applicant’s written permission. The employer must reveal… Read more »
A recent decision by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals supports employers in reducing their litigation exposure when they have properly crafted and enforced safety policies. In Coleman v. Pennsylvania State Police, No. 13-3255, 2014 WL 1064379 (3d Cir. Mar. 20, 2014), the court affirmed a ruling in favor of the Pennsylvania State Police (“PSP”) against… Read more »
Daniel J. McGravey and Sarah R. Lavelle will present “Managing Employees’ Bad Habits and Crafting Effective Wellness Programs” at PBI’s Employment Law Institute on April 25, 2014 in Philadelphia, PA.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), multiple corporations may be considered a worker’s joint employer. A joint employer relationship can exist where one employer controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the other employer. In such situations, each joint employer may be held liable for the other’s violations of the FLSA…. Read more »
Daniel J. McGravey and Sarah R. Lavelle will be presenting at PBI’s Health Law Institute on “Current Employment Issues and Developments Facing the Healthcare Provider Community” in Philadelphia, PA on March 13-14, 2014.
As the topics of workplace bullying, gossip, and harassment have garnered attention, employers must be precise in enacting protective policies. In Laurus Technical Institute and Joslyn Henderson, a National Labor Relations Board Judge rejected a “No Gossip Policy” that prohibited discussing a person’s personal life when they were not present, discussing a person’s professional life without… Read more »
In Sandifer v. U.S. Steel Corp., the Supreme Court held that time spent donning and doffing workplace gear by a class of U.S. Steel unionized employees was not compensable under the terms of the parties’ collective bargaining agreement. Sandifer and others filed a collective action under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), seeking backpay for time… Read more »
Proving the adage “no good deed goes unpunished,” the Sixth Circuit recently held that a voluntary transfer can be an adverse employment action. In Deleon v. Kalamazoo County Road Commission, et al., No. 12-2377 (6th Cir. Jan. 14, 2014), a superintendent of road maintenance with twenty-eight years of experience, applied for a vacant office position. Although not… Read more »
Substance and alcohol abuse is a serious workforce issue confronting employers. Ramifications range from absenteeism and reduced productivity to increased health care costs, workplace injuries and accidents. To combat substance abuse, employers should consider establishing a drug and alcohol-free workplace with a written policy. Employers also should consider utilizing return-to-work agreements. Under such agreements, an… Read more »