What is an EEO-1 Report (And Do We Need to File One?)
If you own a business in Texas and have employees, it is critical to know about EEO-1 data collection and whether or not your company is required by federal law to file an EEO-1 Component 1 report. You might be wondering, what is an EEO-1 report, and does my business need to file one? The […]
Will the “Economic Reality” Test for Independent Contractors be Changed Under the New Administration?
Many Texas employers whose worker classification is difficult to determine have questions about the new administration’s U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) rules regarding independent contractors. More specifically, the test that employers should apply to determine whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee may not be clear given that the Trump-era independent contractor […]
Are Employees Required PTO to Get a COVID Vaccine?
Employers in Texas with employees who need or want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine might have questions about offering time off to get the shot. Are Texas employers required to provide paid time off (PTO) for their employees to get the vaccine? Texas Law Does Not Require Paid Leave for COVID-19 Vaccines Texas currently […]
When Can I Fire an Employee for Conduct Outside of Work?
Texas employers are becoming more concerned with employees’ conduct outside the workplace, particularly when an employee’s actions are posted on social media sites and could reflect poorly on the business. According to a recent article in the Houston Chronicle, many Texas business owners have concerns about employee behavior negatively impacting the company, whether it is […]
Is a Business Legally Required to Follow its Own Policies/Handbook?
Business owners in Texas should have written policies and, ideally, an employee handbook that compiles all of the policies and expectations within the workplace. Employee handbooks can provide important information and protections for the employee and employer alike. Yet situations might arise in which an employer believes that a particular policy that is written in […]
Damages to Expect in Common Employment Law Cases
When facing a workplace claim or lawsuit from a current or former employee, it is useful for employers to know the types of damages they may be expected to pay in common employment law cases. Generally speaking, whether an employee has filed a wage and hour violation claim, an employment discrimination case, a retaliation case, […]
EEOC Releases Changes to Compliance Manual on Religious Discrimination
Employers in Texas should be aware of the recent compliance manual changes from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on religious discrimination in the workplace. The changes to the compliance manual focus specifically on religious discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As the EEOC explains, “under Title VII, an […]
Department of Labor Audit Checklist: Wage & Hour Audit
Employers in Texas are required to comply with federal wage and hour laws, among other laws and regulations, enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Audits conducted by the Department of Labor can focus on a variety of employment law issues such as wage and hour rules, workplace safety, and family and medical leave […]
Understanding the Whistleblower Lawsuit Against Attorney General Paxton
Who is an employer in Texas and who counts as an employee according to the Texas Whistleblower Act? Those are questions that surround the lawsuit against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is facing claims from four former aides under Texas whistleblower law. According to a recent report in the Texas Tribune, those four former […]
Simon | Paschal Says: Be Careful with Kindness
It’s that time again for another Simon | Paschal Says opinion column. This opinion deals with kindness and the pitfalls employers face when they are too kind. Before you fire off that angry email to us about how important kindness is, let us clarify what me mean by being careful with kindness. First and foremost, […]
