“No Wage Theft Loophole Act” Passed in New York
The State of New York recently passed a bill closing what many considered a “loophole” in the state’s laws protecting employees against wage theft. Previously, while labor law in New York made it unlawful to withhold portions of an employee’s wage, it was unclear under what circumstances employers could seek exemption. The explicit purpose of Senate Bill S858 is “to clarify that Article 6 of New York’s Labor Law completely and without exception prohibits lack of distribution of earned wages.” Labor Law in New York Article 6 of New York’s Labor consists of …
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How FDA Approval of Pfizer Vaccine Will Affect Vaccine Mandates
What does the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine mean for vaccine mandates in New York? Cathryn Harris-Marchesi, employment attorney and partner at The Noble Law, explains the implications of this approval in today’s audio blog. FDA Approval of Pfizer’S COVID-19 Vaccine This past Monday, Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, now named Comirnaty, became the first COVID-19 vaccine to be approved by the FDA. The vaccine has been available to individuals 16 years or older under emergency use …
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The “Line” Was And Is Very Clear, Governor Cuomo
“In my mind, I’ve never crossed the line with anyone. But I didn’t realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn,” commented New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in his resignation speech last week. According to his response, the 11 sexual harassment allegations brought up against him were not his own misconduct, but, rather, the result of “generational and cultural shifts” that he was unable to keep pace with. The sentiment of his speech illustrates a willful ignorance of …
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Vaccine Requirements in North Carolina – Are They Legal?
Last Thursday, managing partner and employment attorney, Laura Noble, appeared on WRAL News to discuss Governor Roy Cooper’s recent direction regarding COVID-19 vaccine requirements. Lena Tillett: The governor will enforce the rules for more than 50,000 state employees, and many have asked if today’s order is actually legal. WRAL’s Joe Fisher joins us live in Raleigh with what the experts have to say. Joe? Joe Fisher: Lena, we’re outside Player’s Retreat in Raleigh, which is not only requiring vaccinations for …
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Am I a Whistleblower?
<span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span>This week, employment attorney and partner at The Noble Law, Katie Abernethy, addresses the frequently asked question, “am I a whistleblower?” The term “whistleblower” refers to an individual who has observed or has been asked to participate in inappropriate, fraudulent, or illegal activity by their employer. However, knowing of these activities is not enough to receive legal protections from potential employer retaliation. To access anti-retaliation laws, an employee must engage …
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Vaccine Mandates in the Workplace
Laura Noble Explains Vaccine Mandates in Smerconish for Independent Minds Last Thursday, June 24th, the online publication Smerconish for Independent Minds published an article written by The Noble Law’s managing partner, Laura Noble, regarding vaccine mandates in the workplace. With COVID-19 vaccines becoming more accessible to the general public and quarantine restrictions gradually lifting, the question of vaccine mandates in the workplace is becoming more prevalent. In order to return to the office or open to the public, employers must …
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Pregnancy Discrimination Regarding Maternity Leave
Although presenting many challenges and worries, pregnancy can be a time of unmatched excitement for the future as a woman prepares to bring a new life into the world. Unfortunately, not all employers share in that feeling of hope and instead use the condition against employees. A series of local, state, and federal laws provide protections for women facing pregnancy discrimination in the workplace; if you believe you have been treated unfairly because of pregnancy, it is a good idea …
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Continued Legal Discussion Regarding Nikole Hannah-Jones Potential Lawsuit with UNC
Mark: UNC Chapel Hill could be soon facing a federal lawsuit over the controversy surrounding a new hire. Policy watch reports if University trustees didn’t vote to give journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones a permanent professorship by today, they would take legal action. Lena: Less than half an hour ago, UNC confirmed to WRAL News they’re in touch with Hannah-Jones’ lawyers over the matter. WRAL Sarah Krueger joins us live on campus after speaking with an attorney on what route this possible …
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Laura Noble Comments On Nikole Hannah-Jones’ UNC Tenure Fight
WRAL News at 11 PM Est Lena: Thanks Mark, a possible legal battle is brewing over a UNC hiring decision. Lawyers for Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones requested lawmakers hold onto all documents related to her hiring it’s the latest development in the tenure decision debate. WRAL’s Julian Grace joins us live in Chapel Hill with reaction to today’s letter, Julian. Julian: Lena the university was very specific, and a lot of people were constantly constantly talking about …
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Pregnancy Discrimination Lawsuit by NYC MTA Transit Worker Results in New Accommodations
Under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, workplaces are required to treat pregnant women fairly and offer reasonable accommodations on the job. New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, or MTA, learned this lesson through a lawsuit by an employee who miscarried after her accommodation requests were ignored. Though the Plaintiff’s loss was personally devastating, other women working for the MTA may now find themselves protected from the same type of workplace discrimination. Pregnant employee alleges MTA refusal to provide reasonable accommodations According …
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