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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Fair Chance Act Expands Protections for NYC Workers with Criminal Records
For jobseekers with a criminal history, workplace discrimination is a real problem. The ability to gain lawful employment, receive income, and contribute to society is necessary to end the cycle of recidivism. Fortunately, the New York City Council recently expanded protections for local workers with criminal records to reduce unfair discrimination. What is The New York City Fair Chance Act? The New York City Fair Chance Act (FCA) took effect in October 2015. It states that employers cannot: Amendments to …
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Third Party Workplace Investigation Q&A
Employers are required under the law to conduct a workplace investigation upon receipt of an employee’s workplace complaint, and the findings of this investigation may determine whether that employer is liable for workplace misconduct. Third party investigators can provide a thorough and objective report from a neutral perspective, which is often in the best interest of the employer, as well as a comfort to their employees. Hiring an attorney as your third party investigator can provide confidentiality agreements for involved …
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NY Dept. of Labor Issues New Guidance on Paid COVID-19 Leave
On January 20, 2021, the New York Department of Labor (NYDOL) issued new Guidance for employers regarding the NYS COVID-19 Sick Leave Law enacted in March 2020. With this recent change, employers and employees alike need to be aware of their revised obligations and rights. Employees are eligible to receive up to three rounds of paid COVID-19 leave These scenarios play out in several ways, and there are limitations. Here is a general overview of the DOL’s new Guidance for …
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