Two Supreme Court Vaccine Decisions Tell the Tale of Two Americas
On January 13, 2022, the Supreme Court handed down decisions in two cases involving the federal government’s attempt to require vaccines for employees working in large employment settings and health care facilities, projecting the direction of future COVID-19 vaccine laws. In the “large employer” case, titled Nat’l Fed. Independent Bus. V. Dept. of Labor, the conservative majority held that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) exceeded its statutory authority to impose a vaccine or test rule, dissolving this rule …
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OSHA Vaccine Mandate Denied by Supreme Court
Yesterday, the Supreme Court denied the Biden administration’s vaccine requirement for businesses over 100 employees. Laura Noble spoke with ABC News to discuss the impact OSHA’s vaccine mandate could have had on North Carolina businesses. Lauren Johnson: Tonight people are talking about the Supreme Court’s decision earlier in the day blocking the Biden administration’s vaccine requirement for large businesses. The justices say OSHA did not have the authority to enforce the mandate. The ruling effects some 80 million employees all …
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What is the Role of an Executive Compensation Lawyer?
Contracts setting out executive compensation do more than simply define an individual’s role and expectations in an organization. They also establish key contractual and legal obligations between an employee and their employer. In almost all cases, an employer will use a lawyer to draft the contract. An experienced executive compensation attorney helps employees protect their best interests and negotiate the best possible contract. Whether in North Carolina, New York, or South Carolina, The Noble Law is prepared to assist on …
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Laura Noble Speaks to WRAL About Supreme Court Vaccine Mandate Ruling
Last night, managing partner Laura Noble appeared on WRAL News to discuss the Supreme Court’s decision to halt President Biden’s vaccine mandate requirement for businesses with over 100 employees. Debra Morgan: Today the Supreme Court halted a major push by the Biden administration to get more shots into arms. Gerald Owens: The mandate required businesses with more than 100 employees to get vaccinated to be tested each week. The Court ruled the administration overstepped its authority. Morgan: The Court did …
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Third-Party Workplace Investigation
When an internal complaint is lodged, employers are legally obligated to conduct a workplace investigation to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws. There is no doubt that a workplace investigation can take a toll on employees and the work environment. Even once an investigation is completed, distrust and frustration may remain. An impartial workplace investigation conducted by a third party serves as an essential tool for organizations dealing with internal accusations of discrimination or sexual harassment. Third-party investigators …
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Identity and Inclusivity: Issues for Transgender Employees
In this episode, Laura Noble speaks with Dr. Jami Taylor, professor of political science and public administration at the University of Toledo, regarding the current state of anti-discrimination legal protections for transgender employees in the United States. Discrimination Against Transgender Employees in the Workplace According to the National Center for Transgender Equality: 90% of transgender employees were harassed or mistreated at work for being transgender, or had to hide they were transgender to avoid such treatment More than 1 in …
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Retaliation Initiative Announced by Federal Agencies
On November 17, 2021, the federal government announced a renewed focus on combating workplace retaliation. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) are beginning an initiative designed to educate and protect workers against employer retaliation. While these organizations have always had anti-retaliation as a key part of their missions, top government leaders noted that there has been a statistical increase in the amount of retaliatory behavior from employers in …
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Katie Abernethy Speaks to Fox 9 Regarding Equal Pay Act Claim
Last night, partner Katie Abernethy appeared on Fox 9 News in Minneapolis, MN regarding her recent argument in front of the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals against an employer based out of Minneapolis. In her argument, Katie represented Tracy Sempowich in an Equal Pay Act claim. Kelcey Carlson: A Minneapolis-based medical device company will have to a former employee in court over equal pay issues. A former regional sales manager sued the company because a male counterpart had a …
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Equal Pay Act Upheld in 4th Circuit Decision
Last Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled in favor of Equal Pay Act claims made by The Noble Law’s client Tracy Sempowich, represented by partner Katie Abernethy. A lower court had ruled that Sempowich’s claims were not valid, because even though her salary was lower than a male coworker, she had earned more commission than him and had a higher total compensation. Joined by the EEOC, Katie argued that this was a misreading of the …
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Stand Up for Workers PAC
As part of her efforts to catalyze positive changes in employment law and society, managing partner Laura Noble serves on the board of directors of Stand Up for Workers, a political action committee focused on defending and expanding the basic rights of the American worker. The group strives to elect representatives who support legislation regarding those rights, from fair wages to equitable and dignified treatment in the workplace. One of the key components of the group’s work is to ensure that workers have access to …
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