tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7985771444661617422024-03-12T20:04:30.125-07:00Rhode Island Employment Law BlogBlog Author: Gary W. Flanagan >>>
email: gwflanagan1@gmail.comGary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-4443095441797390202013-07-30T13:11:00.000-07:002013-07-30T13:11:28.520-07:00How much do you tip for a $900,000 "lunch"?<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRyZd3zeyZjjwIb0SwDsO5_d7hhGbwlckoB3_H8Xa6xJ9W-k5xJ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;"><img border="0" class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRyZd3zeyZjjwIb0SwDsO5_d7hhGbwlckoB3_H8Xa6xJ9W-k5xJ" data-sz="f" name="b-buWdd5shjl3M:" sb_id="ms__id879" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRyZd3zeyZjjwIb0SwDsO5_d7hhGbwlckoB3_H8Xa6xJ9W-k5xJ" style="cursor: move; height: 168px; margin-top: 0px; width: 243px;" unselectable="on" /></a><br />
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It's Just Lunch, a company that provides matchmaking services nationwide, has agreed to settle a sex discrimination lawsuit filed by the EEOC. The Agency charged in its suit that "It's Just Lunch" (IJL) refused to hire men as dating directors and inside sales representatives.<br />
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According to the terms of the consent decree settling the suit, IJL will pay more than $900,000 to settle the suit.<br />
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As the director of the Miami EEOC office stated, "Employers cannot refuse to hire applicants based on unfounded sex stereotypes. Moreover, employees who raise legitimate concerns about their employer's employment practices must be able to raise those concerns without fear of unlawful retaliation."<br />
<img height="66" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRyZd3zeyZjjwIb0SwDsO5_d7hhGbwlckoB3_H8Xa6xJ9W-k5xJ" style="left: 278px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 192px;" width="96" />Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-23915189091642351012013-07-21T19:11:00.002-07:002013-07-21T19:11:29.724-07:00Biweekly pay legislation signed into law <img height="192" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/images/fs54Img1.gif" style="margin-top: 106px;" width="640" /><br />
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Governor Chafee has signed legislation to allow Rhode Island businesses to pay employees on a biweekly basis if their average payroll exceeds 200 percent of minimum wage. The legislation is aimed at addressing businesses’ concerns that Rhode Island’s current law requiring weekly paychecks is burdensome, but also addresses the needs of workers living paycheck-to-paycheck. Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-10566919498462791552013-07-21T18:32:00.001-07:002013-07-21T18:32:19.841-07:00Caregivers’ TDI expansion signed into law<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Legislation sponsored by Sen. Gayle Goldin and Rep. Elaine Coderre has been signed into law, expanding temporary disability insurance to employees who must take time out of work to care for a family member or bond with a new child in their home. Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-80129395267757687862013-07-21T18:17:00.000-07:002013-07-21T18:17:01.526-07:00$8.00 will be the New Minimum Wage in Rhode Island<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=TOScX78tMWBf9M&tbnid=dhsuUcG81MtMPM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fair.org%2Fblog%2F2013%2F02%2F13%2Fthe-politically-divisive-minimum-wage%2F&ei=oYfsUfT4BfT94APljICYBA&bvm=bv.49478099,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNE1A9y4UfflUe7VTqVAIV6XOLnDKg&ust=1374542065146066" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="364" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.fair.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Chicago-Raise-the-Min-Wage-Rally.jpg" style="margin-top: 32px;" width="577" /></a><br />
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The Rhode Island General Assembly has approved and Gov. Lincoln Chafee has signed into law legislation to increase Rhode Island’s minimum wage to $8 per hour, beginning January 1, 2014. <br />
Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-27230444804393430742013-07-21T17:56:00.001-07:002013-07-21T17:56:25.019-07:00What a Difference a Year MakesA little over a year ago we wrote about DOMA and the impact it would have on same-sex marriages in Rhode Island.<br />
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Of course, that was before the United States Supreme Court weighed in with its June 26, 2013 decision in <u>United States v. Windsor</u>. In that case, the highest court in the land declared that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional.<br />
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Amendments to Rhode Island's laws will enable couples, as of August 1, 2013, to marry any other eligible person regardless of gender. In addition, Rhode Island has declared that it will recognize valid same-sex marriages from other states.<br />
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Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-67888346698246323232013-07-21T15:36:00.004-07:002013-07-21T17:01:34.143-07:00"Ban the Box" becomes the law in Rhode IslandAmong the newest laws enacted in Rhode Island is one that will prohibit prospective employers from including questions on job applications regarding arrests, charges or criminal convictions. Legislation passed by the General Assembly and signed into law this week by Gov. Lincoln Chafee provides that potential employers would only be allowed to probe a job applicant’s criminal background at the first personal interview following the application process, and any time thereafter. The so-called “ban the box” law applies to employers with at least four employees. <a data-ved="0CAgQjRwwAA" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=wZ2sRjmQ4f20tM&tbnid=mULkGl5MvmeccM:&ved=0CAgQjRwwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gsgg.org%2FEx-Offender-Program.html&ei=tXTsUZHVMMW44APBl4H4CA&psig=AFQjCNEQLRewIE1W8gk3UwT2IuEro5qrWg&ust=1374537269854027" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="368" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.gsgg.org/Slide1.JPG" style="margin-top: 133px;" width="634" /></a>Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-8378318165584763402012-05-18T08:46:00.001-07:002012-05-18T11:02:29.103-07:00Ocean State Friday Fun Facts<br />
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Consistent with its small size, Rhode Island's State Motto, "Hope," is the shortest of any of the states.</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Most Americans know that Rhode Island is the smallest state in the Union (OK, maybe the good folks in Delaware don't know that). However, do you know just how small Rhode Island is in comparison to Alaska? Believe it or not, you could fit 424 Rhode Islands within the state of Alaska.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Did you know that The Industrial Revolution started in Rhode Island? It all began with the development and construction in 1790 of Samuel Slater's water-powered cotton mill in Pawtucket.</span></li>
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT83y8vgIQbox_NdkGMBi0LsiifJ4bEiPoJR1e5ZmVq_cVPKLft1A" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT83y8vgIQbox_NdkGMBi0LsiifJ4bEiPoJR1e5ZmVq_cVPKLft1A" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.cottontimes.co.uk/cottonpix/Slater%20Samuel%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cottontimes.co.uk/cottonpix/Slater%20Samuel%202.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span>Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-62394544346303721352012-05-17T13:16:00.001-07:002012-05-17T13:37:06.570-07:00What's DOMA Got To Do With It?<br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQyCSaakk91gKWE4fkmUmsu1v4HBXUDj3hI7Zol2YOjhqLmrSBP" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQyCSaakk91gKWE4fkmUmsu1v4HBXUDj3hI7Zol2YOjhqLmrSBP" width="180" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">At the Rhode Island Employment Law Blog we <u><i><b>LOVE</b></i></u> feedback from our readers. Typically, we receive feedback through our LinkedIn connection to the Blog. In addition, you can write your questions or comments right at the bottom of each Blog post. </span><br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQKs7-ip9kD6qPClQA4mrR2uajDX_qd0h59Rov7X95ZfkgfqC10UQ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQKs7-ip9kD6qPClQA4mrR2uajDX_qd0h59Rov7X95ZfkgfqC10UQ" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRkv6hdUziI_jTlC253IpPJ-gjbmqTY9XGd4WxSI3kW3ltbGdfE" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRkv6hdUziI_jTlC253IpPJ-gjbmqTY9XGd4WxSI3kW3ltbGdfE" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Today's great feedback question comes from Bill Klocek (thanks Bill!) who wanted to know why DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) did not trump Rhode Island Governor Chafee's executive order recognizing same-sex marriages from other states. GREAT QUESTION!</span><br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT08cr7j-juVoeVBapTqH_fwgY6IxbeFSX3gHWrOIGy641N4AZNdA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT08cr7j-juVoeVBapTqH_fwgY6IxbeFSX3gHWrOIGy641N4AZNdA" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">First, a little background. D.O.M.A. is a federal law, enacted in 1996, that denies federal recognition of same-sex marriages and <u>authorizes</u> states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages licensed in other states. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution (Article IV, Section 1), states are expected to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. Congress was alarmed at the prospect of a lesbian or gay couple being married in one state and then going to another state and expecting that state to recognize them as legally married. Congress did not want to grant same-sex couples the same federal benefits that are given to heterosexual couples who are legally married.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In order to prevent this from happening, Congress passed DOMA.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The kinds of federal laws in which marital status is a factor include: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Social Security and Related Programs, Housing, and Food Stamps</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Veterans' Benefits</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Taxation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Federal Civilian and Military Service Benefits</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Employment Benefits and Related Laws</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Immigration, Naturalization, and Aliens</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Native Americans</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Trade, Commerce, and Intellectual Property</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Financial Disclosure and Conflict of Interest</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Crimes and Family Violence</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Loans, Guarantees, and Payments in Agriculture</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Federal Natural Resources and Related Laws</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The text of DOMA is very brief and contains only two provisions: (1) No state, territory, or Indian tribe shall be required to legally recognize a "relationship between persons of the same sex that is treated as a marriage under the laws of another state, territory or Indian tribe." In other words, the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Constitution has no application to same-sex marriages. (2) The federal government is to follow a definition of the word "marriage" that means only "a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, to answer Bill's question, DOMA bars <u><b><i>federal</i></b></u> recognition of same-sex marriages. DOMA permits states to ignore same-sex marriage recognition from other states, but it does not prevent a state from recognizing same-sex marriages in other states.</span></div>
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<br />Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-1394098739266423982012-05-15T11:57:00.001-07:002012-05-16T21:39:18.314-07:00Rhode Island Governor Chafee Signs an Executive Order Recognizing Out-of-State Gay Marriages.<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT3d6sRb5PwkuPjL354fs0-6shPMsfR7APoswwI7_NwYllBian6" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT3d6sRb5PwkuPjL354fs0-6shPMsfR7APoswwI7_NwYllBian6" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">On Monday, May 14, 2012, Rhode Island Governor Chafee signed an executive order recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states. Governor Chafee claimed that his executive order came in response to confusion and inconsistency within the Rhode Island State Department and Rhode Island agencies on how to treat out-of-state gay marriages.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The executive order requires state departments and agencies under the executive branch to recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Executive order covers:</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insurance.</b> Insurance companies conducting business in Rhode Island must extend insurance to same-sex couples on the same terms as to married couples. This includes automobile, life and health insurance policies.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Parental Rights.</b> When a child is born to a same-sex couple, birth certificate will list mother and spouse.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Property and Other Rights.</b> Surviving spouse will be listed on death certificate of a married decedent. Same-sex spouse will be exempt from sales tax for transfers of property between the.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQYYgpQpIuJif_Ge8c6MR8igIFBKYKU3FnUma9m5u58CHNCcUDmxw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQYYgpQpIuJif_Ge8c6MR8igIFBKYKU3FnUma9m5u58CHNCcUDmxw" width="200" /></a></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><b><br /></b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><b>The Executive Order Does Not Cover:</b></b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Divorce.</b> Rhode Island Family Court will not conduct divorce proceedings for same-sex couples.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Income Tax.</b> Same-sex married couples will not be eligible to file state taxes jointly.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Estate Tax.</b> In gay marriages, the surviving spouse will not be eligible for the marital deduction under the Rhode Island estate tax.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-32468287674687700392012-05-14T15:06:00.001-07:002012-05-14T17:14:49.421-07:00Trends in Rhode Island Employer-Provided Health Care Benefits<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS5yX9Cg33jqO3uKBUkernhMc4nXehkwI2fDO6QoFTc-vU3TERFVA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS5yX9Cg33jqO3uKBUkernhMc4nXehkwI2fDO6QoFTc-vU3TERFVA" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Consistent with the declining economy, the trends of employer-provided health care benefits have been in decline. According to the results from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training's Benefits Survey, employer provided access to health care benefits for Rhode Island full-time workers has decreased from 79% in 2005 and 2007 to 73% in 2009 and 2011. Moreover, the percentage of employers offering health benefits to part-time workers has decreased from 18% in 2005 to 13% in 2011.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">According to the Survey, smaller companies (employers with less than 20 employees) are less likely to to offer health insurance to their full-time employees than larger companies. The share of small employers who offer health insurance has declined from 75% in 2007 to 65% in 2011.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQfehvjVuv4EfY7OorUzcTJ2gPme4sjJ_4IUg6RrnDknhbeBNo-" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQfehvjVuv4EfY7OorUzcTJ2gPme4sjJ_4IUg6RrnDknhbeBNo-" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">The percentage of employers who pay 100% of their employees' health insurance premiums has declined as well. As recently as 2009, 25% of Rhode Island employers paid the full cost of health care premiums for the family plans offered to their full-time workers. However, in 2011 the survey revealed that less than 15% of employers now pay full costs associated with a family plan.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Monthly premiums for health insurance in Rhode Island have increased for both family and individual plans. Employers reported the monthly costs associated with the individual plan offered to their workers increased from $424 in 2007 to $520 in 2011.</span>Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-61927714805774492392012-05-11T19:28:00.002-07:002012-05-15T14:22:35.591-07:00Rhode Island "Homeless Bill of Rights" passed by the Senate<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSbQsB1z1v2CExhLBNmHTj7pkj3CZvgFMVscYrzr9rATq4i8Njq" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSbQsB1z1v2CExhLBNmHTj7pkj3CZvgFMVscYrzr9rATq4i8Njq" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">By an overwhelming margin (33 - 2), the State Senate of Rhode Island approved legislation that would give greater protections against discrimination to homeless people. If the Senate's legislation eventually becomes law, Rhode Island would be the first state in the United States to provide protections against discrimination of homeless people.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">According to a report by WPRI.com, the bill would include at least eight fundamental rights for homeless people including:</span><br />
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<ul>
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT8cEq1McSqpHgSYR_E0NrMRhghZeC_4GDuh38PJILgNa83CMPS" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT8cEq1McSqpHgSYR_E0NrMRhghZeC_4GDuh38PJILgNa83CMPS" /></a>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The right to emergency medical care</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The right to be free from searches and detention</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The right to reasonable expectation of privacy of personal property</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The right to protection from disclosure to law enforcement agencies</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The right not to face discrimination while seeking or maintaining employment due to lack of a permanent mailing address</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The right to confidentiality of personal records and information</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The right not to be criminally sanctioned for unobtrusively sleeping in a public place</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<a href="http://www.rihomeless.org/Portals/0/logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://www.rihomeless.org/Portals/0/logo.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless reported that approximately 4,400 people in Rhode Island experienced homelessness at some point in 2010.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, what do you think? Do the Homeless in Rhode Island need their own Bill of Rights? Do you agree that the Homeless should be entitled to the proposed "rights" set forth above? If you do not agree with some or all of the proposed rights, what suggestions do you have to modify the proposed legislation? </span></div>
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<br />Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-82441665280300431602012-05-03T16:04:00.003-07:002012-05-03T16:10:16.410-07:00Flying to Orlando. Guest Speaker (Employment Law) at the Annual Convention of the Independent Armored Car Operators Association<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQEKWEJl4a4St7RxGB5TMknxOHTPCGDaJ7xwciiA_JETiLApJcaOw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRI7dbBi-8wbi3hqMDdRFR9aHPCFFUVIucHZXHeIqW_7NntYKGt" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRI7dbBi-8wbi3hqMDdRFR9aHPCFFUVIucHZXHeIqW_7NntYKGt" width="190" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.iacoa.com/images/convention.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.iacoa.com/images/convention.png" width="154" /></a><br />
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</div>Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-3944477777708491112012-05-01T14:12:00.001-07:002012-05-01T15:53:12.946-07:00Rhode Island & Religion: Origins, Demographics and Discrimination<a href="http://cdn.dipity.com/uploads/events/1f51e25c128922b980402b58fefd1973_1M.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cdn.dipity.com/uploads/events/1f51e25c128922b980402b58fefd1973_1M.png" width="156" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">From its origin to the present, religion has been an important part of Rhode Island. Clergyman, Roger Williams founded the present state capital, Providence, after being exiled by the Massachusetts Bay Colony Puritans in 1636. Other religious exiles founded Pocasset (now known as Portsmouth) in 1638 and Newport in 1639.</span><br />
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<a href="http://wp.patheos.com.s3.amazonaws.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/files/2010/11/CranstonBanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://wp.patheos.com.s3.amazonaws.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/files/2010/11/CranstonBanner.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Despite its religious origins, or perhaps because of its rebellious, authority-defying nature, Rhode Island is one of the least religious states in the country. According to a recent Gallup survey, only 32% of Rhode Islanders are "very religious," which places Rhode Island tied with New York as the 10th least religious state in the union. Nonreligious residents comprise 37% of Rhode Island population and 31% are moderately religious. With 63% of its residents either very or moderately religious, Rhode Island is lower than 68% of all Americans who are religious. Nevertheless, Rhode Islanders are more religious than the residents of other New England states (CT 57%, MA 53%, ME 52%, NH 48%, and VT 43%).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR0Ocj-3e_ygXCsLdi-8tHBIP9LOa8vLC3WRiDzkrxGEZkz05_K" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR0Ocj-3e_ygXCsLdi-8tHBIP9LOa8vLC3WRiDzkrxGEZkz05_K" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">In such a mix of religious and non-religious beliefs, employers should be mindful of religious discrimination in the workplace. For example, employers must face the somewhat paradoxical decision of taking into account an employee's religion when making certain workplace decisions (accommodations) while at other times ignoring an employee's religion (e.g. hiring decisions).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">With only a few exceptions, an employer may not fire, demote, terminate, or otherwise take actions against an employee because of her religion. The rare exception to this general rule is a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ), such as hiring a Catholic man to be a priest in a Catholic church.</span>Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-30112197016734059692012-04-30T16:51:00.001-07:002012-05-01T10:28:38.680-07:00Is the U.S. 40-Hour Work Week "Just Right"?<a href="http://www.thingsyoungerthanmccain.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/40-234x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.thingsyoungerthanmccain.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/40-234x300.jpg" width="156" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In a recent article in Time.com, author Geoffrey James noted that the COO of Facebook routinely leaves the office at 5:30 p.m. to be with her children. However, for years she felt the need to hide this fact before "coming out of the closet."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDGC7We4W_s/TZMuZtJE8-I/AAAAAAAAAM4/ktOQQ8HTK78/s1600/debating-4-hour-work-week.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDGC7We4W_s/TZMuZtJE8-I/AAAAAAAAAM4/ktOQQ8HTK78/s200/debating-4-hour-work-week.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Almost a century ago Ford Motor Company ran dozens of tests and discovered that the "sweet spot" was 40 hours per week for optimum productivity. In six of the Top 10 most competitive countries in the world (Sweden, the U.K., Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, and Denmark) it is illegal to demand more than 48 hours of work per week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So, what do you think? Is the "standard" 40-hours per week in the U.S. too much, too little, or "just right"? Would you prefer to work 10 hours per day in a 4-day work week?</span>Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-42928170794774379972012-04-27T21:09:00.003-07:002012-05-01T10:29:24.737-07:00Ocean State Friday Fun Facts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://coachjanelee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/blockislandmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://coachjanelee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/blockislandmap.jpg" width="193" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In 1524 the Florentine navigator Giovanni da Verrazano, while sailing for France, was the first European to explore Rhode Island. By comparing Block Island with the Mediterranean island Rhodes, he accidentally gave it its name.</span></span>Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-62021183949191872472012-04-27T20:09:00.001-07:002012-04-27T20:35:27.943-07:00Rhode Island Employment Law Re: Use of Applicant's Criminal Records: Arrests, Charges and Expungement.<a href="http://pmaahr.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/arrested.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://pmaahr.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/arrested.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In the wake of the EEOC's recent pronouncement regarding the use of criminal arrests and convictions in the employment law setting, a brief review of Rhode Island laws regarding criminal records as part of a job application. In Rhode Island it is illegal for any employer to include on any application for employment (except for law enforcement positions)a question inquiring whether the applicant has ever been arrested or charged with a crime. However, employers may inquire whether the applicant has ever been <u>convicted</u> of a crime.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSVBOA_rTb1bJz3y6WeAwf--FO_Sbk9JqE8jmHGiITCpGV8_cT1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSVBOA_rTb1bJz3y6WeAwf--FO_Sbk9JqE8jmHGiITCpGV8_cT1" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Similarly, in Rhode Island, any person whose criminal records have been </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">expunged</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> shall be released from all penalties and disabilities from the crime of which he had been convicted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In any application for employment, a person whose conviction of a crime has been expunged may state that he has never been convicted of a crime.</span>Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-20699797948246224362012-04-27T10:07:00.001-07:002012-04-27T14:09:52.593-07:00Rhode Island Recognized Transgender Non-Discrimination Eleven Years Before the EEOC Prohibited Transgender Discrimination<br />
<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Google-ChromeScreenSnapz561.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thinkprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Google-ChromeScreenSnapz561.png" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Eleven years after Rhode Island became the second state in the nation to adopt a law prohibiting discrimination against transgender people in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations, the EEOC issued its own rule prohibiting discrimination against transgender employees or job applicants. According to the EEOC's new rule, transgender discrimination is prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. </span><br />
<a href="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.436935!/img/httpImage/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.436935!/img/httpImage/image.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Of course, the EEOC's ruling is NOT binding on the courts, but it will influence how the EEOC and state agencies enforce Title VII.</span><br />
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<br />Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-21579939200615138472012-04-22T12:54:00.000-07:002012-04-27T20:17:04.468-07:00In Rhode Island and throughout the United States, Title Inflation Can Cause Problems for the Worker and the Employer.<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Which job titles actually mean something in the work world?</span> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"> When done right, a nontraditional job title can describe a person's skills with greater specificity, making that person's role at a company clearer and enhancing his or her marketability.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-97z2BSgbzsE/Thbh10qnzcI/AAAAAAAAABg/F6CiZcAM3-U/s1600/ip071241-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-97z2BSgbzsE/Thbh10qnzcI/AAAAAAAAABg/F6CiZcAM3-U/s320/ip071241-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Some companies are also adding a little humor or edginess to titles, a reasonable idea but one that may not help the employee in the long run. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Title inflation can cause problems for the worker and the employer.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRQBUbsiA7hGJkBusAJUUQZvBHd9PCrGA4_UVo_hVm_UlLWrm3C" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRQBUbsiA7hGJkBusAJUUQZvBHd9PCrGA4_UVo_hVm_UlLWrm3C" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">If the worker is seeking another job, an inflated title might land him an interview for a job for which he is wildly underqualified. And networking sites </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">make it easy for potential employers to figure out a person's place in a company, regardless of title. No recruiter's going to be impressed by someone carrying a title that overstates his or her abilities.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.hrcapitalist.com/images/2007/06/07/bob1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.hrcapitalist.com/images/2007/06/07/bob1a.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">For the employer, inflating employee job titles can lead to legal problems, especially if the employee's title does not match his job duties. C</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">ompanies can be audited by the state or federal labor department and can get in trouble if they have people working under titles that don't line up with their duties — particularly if the trumped-up titles are being used to skirt state and federal wage and hour laws.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"> </span></span>Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-2916815843651681212012-04-22T12:40:00.001-07:002012-04-27T14:12:39.017-07:00Rhode Island Unemployment Rate Rose to 11.1% in March 2012<br />
<div style="color: #010101; line-height: 22px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://drpinna.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/unemployment-999992.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://drpinna.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/unemployment-999992.bmp" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Rhode Island lost 600 jobs between February and March 2012. Unemployment in the state is up slightly to 11.1 percent for March, from 11.0 percent in February. Rhode Island's unemployment rate is now nearly three percentage points higher than the national unemployment rate of 8.2 percent.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HI3zawoQ4iA/TkwiGr16u4I/AAAAAAAAAb8/9nvdqP7Fsm8/s1600/great_depression.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HI3zawoQ4iA/TkwiGr16u4I/AAAAAAAAAb8/9nvdqP7Fsm8/s200/great_depression.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">State officials, backed by a local economist questioned whether the monthly jobs report accurately captured the nuances of the local economy -- specifically the number of jobs that exist in the state.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #010101; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">DLT Director Charles J. Fogarty commented, "No one is suggesting we're in a robust recovery, but we do want to give people some measure of hope, and we see some signs that the recovery is under way slowly."</span></div>Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-73895580169284364232012-04-11T14:29:00.000-07:002012-04-27T12:25:33.349-07:00Rhode Island is ‘Tough on Retirees’<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Rhode Island is “particularly tough on retirees” according to a report by business forecast and personal finance publication Kiplinger.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/retirement-planning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/retirement-planning.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The Ocean State taxes up to 85 percent of Social Security benefits similar to the way the federal government does and it taxes “virtually all other sources of retirement income,” according to Kiplinger.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">While railroad retirement benefits are exempt, which is true for every state, out-of-state government pensions are fully taxed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As of January 2011, Rhode Island revised its income tax withholding rates, brackets and withholding allowances. The revision expanded tax brackets and lowered the top marginal income-tax rate from 9.9 percent to 5.99 percent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The state has the fifth-highest median real estate tax in the United States, according to the Tax Foundation and it treats capital-gains income as ordinary income for tax purposes.</span></div>Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-40873258885415011462012-04-10T10:09:00.000-07:002012-04-27T16:54:13.068-07:00Can Employers Ban Obese Employees?<a href="http://tracthertrailher.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/BMI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://tracthertrailher.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/BMI.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;">Citizens Medical Center, a health-care facility in southeastern Texas, is refusing to hire any person who has a body mass index over 35, which means that in order to work at the hospital, a 5'5" applicant can weigh no more than 210 pounds. Officials say the measure is meant to promote healthy living, so that employees can set an example for patients. The rule is legal in Texas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">The law is different in Rhode Island. In November 1993, the First Circuit, in Cook v. Rhode Island, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Department of Mental Health, Retardation, and Hospitals, became the </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">first United States Court of Appeals to acknowledge morbid obesity as </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">a disability under federal disability law.' The First Circuit reasoned that </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">conditions such as obesity that are arguably voluntary or mutable are </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">not preempted per se from the protection of federal disability law.' </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Additionally, the court recognized that the negative stereotypes that </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">American society associates with the obese are evidence that society </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">perceives obesity as a disability."</span></span>Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-15170541603731454262012-04-10T09:45:00.000-07:002012-04-27T12:42:05.187-07:00Judge Rules In Favor of Fired Employee With Bipolar Disorder<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQLalB94-szhO6NZRvK7aPbC9mpjIzZMUdOqSo47B96faE-1XF5" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQLalB94-szhO6NZRvK7aPbC9mpjIzZMUdOqSo47B96faE-1XF5" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 23px;">On March 28, after a four-day bench trial, Judge Edward F. Shea of US District Court for Eastern Washington ruled in Plaintiff's favor, noting "[The Employer's] deficient ADA policies and practices." The Judge found that the company's half-dozen different rationales for terminating the employee were simply a pretext for discrimination. The Judge awarded the employee $6,500 in back wages and $50,000 for emotional pain and suffering. The court also issued a three-year injunction, requiring the employer to train its managers and human resources personnel on anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation laws.</span>
</div>Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-4487047307054565782012-04-10T09:28:00.004-07:002012-04-27T12:45:55.258-07:00Breast Feeding at Work: Rhode Island and Federal Laws<br />
<a href="http://cdn.mommyish.com/files/2011/10/breastfeeding-at-work.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://cdn.mommyish.com/files/2011/10/breastfeeding-at-work.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Breastfeeding Laws in Rhode Island: Employers should provide a breastfeeding mother with flexible breaks and a safe, clean, privateplace to pump breastmilk or breastfeed her child. Section 23-13.2-1 (2003). A woman may breastfeed or bottle-feed her child in any place open to the public. Section 23-13.5-1(2008)</span><br />
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQbmwLrxF-4QyCH6PyZGMKZvdvO7gMuf0OzsyLfOIqp3MNyQH9sHA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQbmwLrxF-4QyCH6PyZGMKZvdvO7gMuf0OzsyLfOIqp3MNyQH9sHA" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Federal Breastfeeding Law:The United States Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires nationwide workplace lactation accommodations: www.dol.gov/whd/nursingmothers</span>Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-42756377154865469932012-04-10T09:19:00.002-07:002012-05-16T22:49:13.144-07:00Rhode Island Treasurer Raimondo Tells Communities to Think Long-term in Fixing Pension Plans<br />
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<a href="http://www.golocalprov.com/images/made/images/remote/http_images.golocalprov.com/pensions3_360_274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://www.golocalprov.com/images/made/images/remote/http_images.golocalprov.com/pensions3_360_274.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Sharing the lessons her office learned last year in overhauling the state pension system, the treasurer told the two dozen municipal leaders at CCRI to resist the urge to focus on short-term solutions, which might unfairly target one group -- and leave the community vulnerable to legal challenges.</span></div>
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTsk6DvpO9qY779ObYpqQqils-WDAsySR-gJLr1tnzqHd_Rx5gA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTsk6DvpO9qY779ObYpqQqils-WDAsySR-gJLr1tnzqHd_Rx5gA" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Think long term, she said. Study the big questions. Make the process transparent so citizens and the unions can see the scope of the problem and the solutions being considered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Under the state pension overhaul law, the communities have until November to present a plan to fix their pension plans.</span></div>Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798577144466161742.post-92202249514951938082012-04-10T09:07:00.000-07:002012-04-27T13:49:30.365-07:00Maryland and seven other states may pass bills to protect employees from disclosing personal social media passwords<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.managingourselves.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/teens-and-social-media.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.managingourselves.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/teens-and-social-media.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #292727; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Maryland may become the first state to ban employers from demanding applicants or workers hand over their log-in information for social media sites. </span><span style="color: #292727; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">The measure keeps managers from snooping on password-protected content, a practice advocates of the bill say violates privacy and intimidates job seekers and employees.</span><span style="color: #292727; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #292727; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">It is impossible to know exactly how often employers ask to tap into prospective workers' accounts, but it is happening more and more frequently.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">While the Maryland legislation is the first of its kind, lawmakers in at least seven other states have introduced legislation to limit employer access to social media user names and passwords, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.</span><br />
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Gary Flanaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08157106347419678317noreply@blogger.com0