Often times employers are less than enthusiastic when they find out that an employee has reported violations to an established agency. Termination of that employee is generally the result. Fortunately, for those who have been the victim of unlawful termination, the...
From our offices in the Detroit area, Akeel & Valentine, PLC serves clients nationwide.
Akeel & Valentine, PLC
Can you be fired for taking sick days?
The United States, unlike Europe, is an "at will" country which means that employers are free to hire and fire at will. Similarly, workers are free to apply and quit at will. The only restrictions are a handful of minimum anti-discrimination statutes and their...
Understanding what age discrimination is in the workplace
Age discrimination can happen on both sides of the scale, to both young and old alike. In general, employers are not permitted to hire, fire, promote, demote or calculate wages based upon an employee's age. Unfortunately, determining whether a employer's decision was...
Your pregnancy and employer accommodations under the law
Even in the 21st century, women still face a number of workplace discrimination issues and being treated differently due to pregnancy is one of them. This type illegal action occurs when a woman, whether as an employee or applicant for a job, is treated unfavorably...
Wrongful termination and at-will employment states
At-will employment means an employer can terminate one's employment for any reason, without notice or justification. Under Michigan state law, it is assumed that a worker is an at-will employee unless he or she has previously signed an agreement with the employer...
What is considered religious discrimination in the workplace?
When it comes to some topics many choose not to discuss in the workplace, among the three most popular are politics, finances and religion. Given that this is a country that was founded on religious freedom; many relish in the ability to choose how involved they want...
A primer for writing a business contract
If you run a small business, it's inescapable: you're going to need to draft contracts. At the very least, you'll need contracts when you hire employees. It's just part of doing business. It's a good thing, actually, because it ensures that you're protected in case an...
Wells Fargo sued by whistleblower for alleged retaliation
If you've been following the news over the last months, you've probably seen that Wells Fargo has landed in hot water over some questionable sales practices. To meet unrealistic sales goals set by the bank, its employees had allegedly been signing up consumers for...
Overtime and receiving compensation under Michigan law
If about nothing else, perhaps the most common concerns the Michigan Department of Labor receives regular calls about has to do with state law regarding unpaid overtime. While Michigan law clearly establishes certain guidelines by which some employees are entitled to...
Wayne County officer alleges sexual harassment by his female boss
Each year across the United States, nearly 1,200 men are sexually harassed in the workplace. A twenty-year veteran Wayne County, Michigan, sheriff's officer claims he is one of those men. A judge at the U.S. District Courthouse in Detroit has been tasked with hearing...