In March 2022, former Chisago County crime analyst Michelle Jacobson was awarded $1.1 million by a jury in her lawsuit against her former employer, Chisago County Sheriff’s Office and former Sheriff Richard Duncan. Ms. Jacobson’s complaint alleged Mr. Duncan sexually harassed her during her employment. Judge Susan Richard Nelson said that Mr. Duncan’s actions were […]
On March 3, 2022, President Biden signed a bill that will change the way sexual harassment or assault claims are handled at the workplace. For decades, employers have been allowed to enforce contract provisions, called “arbitration agreements,” that prevent employees who are victims of either sexual harassment and/or sexual assault from filing a lawsuit against […]
Employment claims are often subject to arbitration clauses. This means that employees who want to assert their rights and file a lawsuit are forced to arbitrate their claims instead of going to court. While there are some advantages to arbitration, the arbitration process often favors employers and arbitration clauses reduce the options available to employees […]
When an employee resigns or is terminated, they usually wonder when they will get their last paycheck. When must a company pay a final paycheck, and when could it become wage theft? First, if an employee is discharged or terminated, then they must be paid “immediately upon demand.” That means that an employee can request […]
Have you suffered discrimination at your workplace? Are you wondering if there is anything you can do about it? How can you protect yourself? What laws are set in place to protect employees like you? Unfortunately, these are all questions that some employees may encounter during their employment. This may involve confusing legal terminology, laws […]
What is the vaccine mandate? In September 2021, President Biden issued an executive order requiring federal employees and contractors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (the Coronavirus). In November 2021, President Biden issued two additional executive orders regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine mandates that are were reviewed by the Supreme Court. The […]
When you hear that Minnesota is an “at-will” employment state, you may wonder what that means for an employee. It simply means you can quit your job for any reason at any time; you do not have to give notice nor a reason to your employer for leaving your position. However, it also means an […]
Union busting is a widespread problem throughout the U.S. workforce. John Oliver dedicated a segment laying out how employers engage in–and far too often get away with–union busting. See the video here. If you have questions about union rights, or think your employer may be pressuring you to avoid pro-union activities, contact Kitzer Rochel today. […]
On November 16, 2021, Phillip Kitzer participated on a panel titled “COVID Update – Developing Issues, Impacts, and Legal Implications of COVID in the Workplace.” The panel, hosted by the Minnesota State Bar Association, discussed vaccine mandates by employers, disability accommodations, religious accommodations, whistleblower implications, safety implications and updated guidance from the EEOC. The panel […]
On November 9, 2021, Phillip Kitzer presented “Key Cases and Important Legislation Employee Advocates Should Know” to the Minnesota Chapter of the National Employment Lawyers’ Association (MN-NELA). Mr. Kitzer co-presented with Kaarin Nelson Schaffer, partner of Conrad Nelson Schaffer. MN-NELA is a professional organization of lawyers dedicated to advancing the rights of workers by providing […]
