Pay transparency is a hot topic across the United States, and Washington, DC, might be one of the next places to adopt a pay transparency law.  These laws require covered employers to include information about pay in job advertisements and postings.  Generally, this means every job posting must include a salary range (minimum to maximum). Which states have pay transparency laws? Several states have already enacted pay transparency laws.  These states are California, Washington, Colorado, Hawaii and New York, with additional states in the process of creating such legislation.&nbs ..read more

The law firm of Alan Lescht and Associates, P.C., is proud to represent several individuals with claims against World Central Kitchen (WCK).  As described in this article, WCK maintained a work environment where severe acts of sexual harassment were tolerated.  We will work to achieve a just outcome for our clients.  Attorneys Ari Wilkenfeld, Tamara Slater and Caroline Whitlock have all worked on these cases. The post Alan Lescht and Associates represents clients against World Central Kitchen appeared first on Alan Lescht ..read more

Being a parent, guardian, or caregiver is hard work!  The workplace presents many unique challenges in connection with pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, and having a family.  Until recently, there were few employment rights for parents, pregnant employees, and workers in related circumstances.  However, two new federal laws are notable because they cover more workers and strengthen existing protections.  Here’s a run-down of important laws that provide workplace rights relating to pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, and family responsibilities: Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA ..read more

Rolling Stone recently reported on a lawsuit that two of our clients filed under the California Child Victims Act.  We are proud to represent these two brave women who endured unspeakable sexual, physical and emotional abuse for years when they were teenagers.  Identified in this case only as Plaintiffs 1 and 2, they are seeking justice long denied to them thanks to the California Child Victims Act that expired at the end of 2022.   The lawsuit is pending in California state court.  Attorneys Ari Wilkenfeld, Laura Nagel, and Caroline Whitlock will seek pro hac vic ..read more

Laid off, let go, furloughed —they all mean the same thing: you lost your job, and it’s not your fault. Being laid off from your job is different from being fired, but it can feel just as awful. A lay off occurs when your employer ends your employment for reasons unrelated to your performance or conduct. Frequently, employers lay off workers because of financial reasons or changes in business. If you’ve been laid off, here are some issues to consider: Severance pay Although the law doesn’t require severance pay, some employers offer severance pay.  Check your offer letter, employee handbo ..read more

On September 9, 2021, President Biden imposed a federal vaccine mandate for U.S. government employees.  In his Executive Order, Biden ordered federal agencies to implement programs for mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for their employees.  In other words, federal employees must receive the last dose of the COVID-19 vaccine no later than November 8, 2021, unless they receive an exception or have a pending exception request. Are there exceptions to the federal vaccine mandate? Currently, there are two limited exceptions to the federal vaccine mandate: Disability: The Rehabilitation Act ..read more

Your Name(Required) Your Emal(Required) Your Phone Message The post gravity form appeared first on Alan Lescht ..read more

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and other federal agencies can find you unsuitable for federal employment for any number of reasons.  But some reasons are more common than others.  The most common reasons our firm encounters are: Misconduct or negligence in employment Material, intentional false statement, or deception or fraud in examination Illegal use of narcotics Misconduct or negligence in employment OPM and other federal agencies may find you unsuitable for federal employment if you have a history of workplace misconduct or negligence.  The type of misconduct an ..read more

Media outlets have published numerous articles about people being fired for their participation in the recent riots in Washington, DC.  American employees are quickly learning that participating in certain activities —even outside the workplace— may affect their employability.  This is particularly true for federal employees and job applicants.  In most cases, you can’t get a federal job unless the government deems you “suitable.” Which government positions require a suitability determination? The following types of federal government positions require suitability determination ..read more

A criminal record, or even allegations that you committed a crime, may prevent you from getting a security clearance.  The federal government takes the position that a history or pattern of criminal activity indicates that a person has poor judgment and is unreliable and untrustworthy.  However, federal agencies may grant a clearance application if there are mitigating factors – such as acquittal or evidence that you are unlikely to participate in criminal activity in the future. Can I get a security clearance if I have a criminal record? Under the adjudicative guidelines for securit ..read more