Last December, President Biden signed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) into law. The PWFA requires employers to accommodate employees who are affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions so that they can remain healthy while retaining their jobs. This week, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued a proposed rule to implement and […]
Kitzer Rochel is excited to announce that the dedication and expertise of our legal team have been recognized yet again as both Brian Rochel and Phillip Kitzer have been selected as Super Lawyers in Minnesota for this year. We are immensely proud of this recognition and grateful for the trust our clients place in us […]
The National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) held its Annual Convention in Chicago, Illinois from June 28 through July 1, 2023. NELA is the largest organization of lawyers who represent workers in the United States and is focused exclusively on advancing employee rights and making the workplace better for all Americans. The Annual Convention is the largest meeting of NELA […]
The 2023 legislative session came to an end last month, but not before lawmakers passed a multitude of bills that brought significant improvements to the rights of employees in Minnesota. From expanded paid leave to additional protections from discrimination to enhanced workplace safety protections, here’s what Minnesota employees need to know about the evolving employment […]
On June 6, 2023, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey proclaimed it “Kitzer Rochel Day” in the City of Minneapolis. Mayor Frey praised the law firm’s commitment to fighting discrimination and retaliation in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota. Mayor Frey made the announcement at Kitzer Rochel, PLLP’s ribbon cutting ceremony, celebrating the law firm’s new office in the […]
As an employee, you have the right to work in a safe environment. If you believe that your workplace is unsafe, you have the right to report it without fear of retaliation. Unfortunately, many employers do not take kindly to employees who report unsafe working conditions, and they may retaliate against them. This retaliation is […]
Brian Rochel will be presenting on two separate CLE panels at the 2023 Upper Midwest Employment Law Institute (ELI), on May 18-19, 2023, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. First, Brian will be moderating a panel titled, “From Remote Work to Quiet Quitting and Work-Life Balance–Acting on Changing Perceptions and Realities Around Work and Workplaces.” The panel […]
Employment discrimination is a serious issue that affects many people in the workforce, and Minnesota is no exception. The Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) is a state law that protects employees from discrimination in the workplace based on several factors, including race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, and religion. Under the MHRA, it is illegal […]
On March 15, 2023, the Minnesota Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony on a bill that would ban noncompete agreements in Minnesota. Brian Rochel testified as an expert on the bill, SF 405, explaining how noncompete agreements harm workers and the economy. The bill passed the Judiciary Committee and is moving quickly through the legislature. If you […]
On January 19, 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed a rule that would broadly ban the use of noncompete clauses by employers with respect to employees, independent contractors, and volunteers. Specifically, the proposed rule would make it illegal for an employer to enter into any noncompete agreement. It would also bar any attempt to […]
