Employee Rights and Benefits

Blog discussions of employee rights by Sass Law Firm’s employment attorneys on miscellaneous workplace topics.

Hurricane rights for tampa bay employers - an office with flood water during a hurricane.

What Workers Need to Know About Hurricanes

A hurricane won’t blow away your legal rights as an employee. Below are answers to some questions about how a hurricane might affect your job rights: Must my employer protect me from dangerous working conditions during a hurricane? Yes, if you work for a private-sector employer or a federal agency. Under the Occupational Safety and […]

What Workers Need to Know About Hurricanes Read More »

Sass Law Firm Blog NLRB Upholds Employee Rights

NLRB Uphold Employees’ Rights Prior to Interrogation By the Employer

On December 15, 2022, the National Labor Relations Board held that employers who interrogate employees when defending an unfair labor practice complaint must first provide what are known as Johnnie’s Poultry warnings. This Miranda type warning must be given prior to any questioning and must:  “communicate to the employee the purpose of the questioning, assure

NLRB Uphold Employees’ Rights Prior to Interrogation By the Employer Read More »

Picture of black chalk board for COBRA Consolidated Omnibus Budge Reconciliation Act COVID employer subsidy

Update on Employer Paid COBRA Subsidy

We have previously published a blog, found here, about the American Rescue Plan Act that requires employers to pay 100% subsidy of COBRA premiums for the period of April 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021 for involuntarily terminated employees who elect coverage. At the time, there were still questions that remained about ARPA. The IRS

Update on Employer Paid COBRA Subsidy Read More »

Picture of silhouettes of people with chalk righting in the sky above them about employee rights

Five Pandemic Related Employment Claims on the Rise

With the pandemic, there are five employment claims on the rise as employers navigate the pandemic and efforts to re-open businesses.  These pandemic related employment claims range from violations of rights to expanded leave under new legislation as well as claims related to employment loss and notice and overtime under well established law. 1.  Expanded Leave

Five Pandemic Related Employment Claims on the Rise Read More »

Picture of a hand drawing a red circle around Top 5

Top FIVE Employee Rights Myths Debunked

When we consult with clients, they are often surprised to learn that common beliefs about their rights as employees are incorrect.  Here is the truth about the top five employee rights myths. I can sue for “wrongful termination.” NOT TRUE. Florida does not recognize a claim for “wrongful termination.” In Florida, employment is considered “at-will”

Top FIVE Employee Rights Myths Debunked Read More »

Picture of a wooden lounge chair on the beach with a roll of money sitting on the chair

Termination: Are You Entitled to Payout of Vacation Time?

The short answer is—it depends. There is no federal or state law in Florida requiring private employers to pay out an employee’s accrued vacation or other paid time off (PTO) at the time of termination. Generally, you may be entitled to payout of your accrued, unused time in the following situations: Your employer promised or

Termination: Are You Entitled to Payout of Vacation Time? Read More »

Picture of American flag next to a stack of money and Happy Independence Day

Are Employers Required to Pay Holidays?

As we prepare for Independence Day, questions often arise about employees’ rights to holiday pay. To learn whether you are entitled to holiday pay, keep reading for answers to common questions. You may be surprised (or not) by the law. Is an employee entitled to holiday pay? No federal or Florida law requires employers to

Are Employers Required to Pay Holidays? Read More »

Picture of telephone, phone line, coffee cup, and hand taking notes with pencil

References: Can my former employer talk bad about me to prospective employers?

Have you ever wondered what your previous employer can say to a prospective employer? There is a common belief that your employer is only permitted to provide dates of employment and last position held. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case. Generally, Florida law provides an employer with “qualified immunity” from damages and defamation claims for disclosing

References: Can my former employer talk bad about me to prospective employers? Read More »

Picture of stethoscope on a health insurance form next to a calculator

Job Loss? Know Your Rights About Continuing Your Health Insurance Benefits

As we move on from last week’s blog, many employees faced with termination often ask what happens to their health insurance benefits.  Both federal and state law generally permit you to continue your current health insurance coverage at your own expense when there is a job loss. Although coverage can also be continued in other

Job Loss? Know Your Rights About Continuing Your Health Insurance Benefits Read More »

Picture of two cell phones one held in each hand of the same person

Think Twice Before Using Your Own Cell Phone for Work

Many employers permit, even encourage, employees to use personal cell phones for work, as well as other devices, such as your laptop, tablet, home computer, etc.  On the surface it sounds convenient, but have you really considered the risks?  Do you understand your company’s Bring Your Own Device or “BYOD” policy? What about other policies

Think Twice Before Using Your Own Cell Phone for Work Read More »

Scroll to Top