Tag Archives: employment

Joining a handful of other states that limit employer access to social media accounts, New Mexico on Apr. 5 passed a law forbidding employers from demanding passwords from prospective employees.   Job Applicants Only Under the new law, employers are forbidden from requesting or requiring job applicants to provide access to their social media accounts. “Joining Maryland, Illinois, California, Michigan and Utah, New Mexico is now the sixth state to prohibit employers from mandating access to a job applicant’s password-protected …

While the Phonedog case is the one everyone thinks of when employer ownership of employees’ social media accounts comes up, another case indicates that it remains a very tricky issue. Linda Eagle’s lawsuit against her former employer, Edcomm, over its alleged hijacking of her LinkedIn account may not end well for her, but it serves as an important warning for employees who mingle their business with pleasure when it comes to social media.   ‘Hijacking’ Facts Linda Eagle founded and …

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators on Jan. 28 proposed a new immigration framework that – were its principles to become law – would open up citizenship options for millions of immigrants in the United States. The plan, “Bipartisan Framework for Comprehensive Immigration Reform,” was released by four Democrats, led by Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, and four Republicans, featuring Arizona senator John McCain – the day before President Barack Obama was set to announce his own plans to …

Has your employer ever asked you exactly what’s keeping you home sick? If so, it may be violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. The EEOC announced on Dec. 18 that it has settled for $2 million a case against Dillard’s Department Stores that was based on a companywide policy that for employees’ absences to be excused, they had to disclose confidential health information – in violation of the ADA, according to the EEOC.   Expensive Outdated Policies Dillard’s fired Corina …

The holidays are prime time for parties – office parties included. Before you don your holiday sweater and reach for that second bourbon-egg nog, consider some common situations that present legal pitfalls that could land your employer  – or you – in trouble.   Don’t Expect a Free Ride What if you drink too much and just need a ride home? Is your employer obligated to pay for transportation? Your employer is really only responsible for keeping you safe while …