Traditionally, aspiring entrepreneurs looking for easy, low cost access to capital to fund their start-up businesses had limited means. Recently, sites such as Kickstarter and GoFundMe provided a platform, but the most companies could offer in exchange for a cash investment was a first look to the particualr product or…
Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C. Firm News & Events
Third Circuit Joins Majority in Adopting “Predominant Benefit” Test to Determine Whether Meal Time is Compensable Under the FLSA
When employees are required to remain on premises or otherwise be available to the employer during an unpaid meal break, the issue arises whether the meal time is compensable time under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Two tests have been developed by the courts of appeal in other jurisdictions,…
Third Circuit Adopts Narrower Darden Test to Determine Joint Employer Status for Purposes of Title VII
In a prior post we discussed the new test adopted by the National Labor Relations Board for determining when two entities can be deemed “joint employers” equally liable for unfair employment practices in violation of the National Labor Relations Act. Now, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals (with jurisdiction over…
The NJ Department of Workforce Development Issues Much Needed Guidance and Final Regulations on “Ban the Box” Law
On March 1, 2015 most New Jersey employers with 15 or more employees became subject to the requirements of the “The Opportunity To Compete Act” (the “Act”), more commonly known as the “Ban the Box” law that places significant restrictions upon employer inquiries into an applicant or employee’s criminal history.…
Court Strikes Down Arbitration Agreement in Employer Handbook
A recent decision from the New Jersey Appellate Division serves as a warning to employers that arbitration clauses contained in employee handbooks are likely unenforceable. In C.M. v. Maiden Re Insurance Services, LLC, (“Maiden Re”), the employee filed an action in the New Jersey Superior Court alleging that she was…
OSHA Provides Employers with Guidelines on Restroom Access for Transgender Employees
Throughout the years OSHA has promulgated a substantial set of regulations to improve overall health and safety in the workplace, including the requirement that employers provide employees with sexually-segregated sanitary toilet facilities. On June 1, 2015, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued a best practices guide for employers…
Grey Divorces – A Guide For Older Couples Considering Divorce in New Jersey
A recent New York Times article discussed the increasing national trend of older couples divorcing. In New Jersey, as well as nationally, “Grey Divorces” are becoming more common and, as a result, more socially acceptable. Over the last 15 years there has been a marked increase in the number of individuals…
Unfair Labor Practice Charges Dropped By Employees Allegedly Threatened For Social Media Posts
As part of a recent labor contract deal between the nurses’ union and Meridian Health in New Jersey, the union agreed to withdraw an unfair labor practice charge filed with the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) alleging Meridian unlawfully threatened nurses who posted social media messages in support of the…
Securing Payment From a Public Project Has Its Own Set of Rules
“Don’t worry, our payment is secure because this is a public project with public funds. Right ?” Yes and No. It is only secure if you complied with certain statutory pre-notice requirements! When you supply materials, equipment or labor for a public project (i.e. “ a construction project paid for…
New Jersey Construction Lien Rights For Material and Labor Suppliers
If the owner of a private, non-residential construction project in New Jersey defaults on making payment to the supplier of labor and or materials, one of the most important things that supplier can do is to file a Construction Lien to protect its rights and monies. For example, if a…