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I have a nanny employed under a contract specifying regular working hours from 8 am to 4 pm. Recently, she informed us she would begin taking every Friday afternoon off for doctor’s appointments without requesting permission and opted not to use her sick time. The contract does not specify terms... View More
I was fired from my job in Minnesota about a year and a half ago due to absences related to mental health issues, despite having a doctor's note for each day I missed. My employer told me I couldn't qualify for FMLA because I was two months short of the one-year employment requirement.... View More
I started a job in Minnesota last week and fell sick with a fever this week. I was absent for three days and called to leave voicemails each morning before my shift. When I returned, my key fob didn’t work, and my boss said they didn't want to deal with me after being gone for three days. I... View More
I have been experiencing harassment and bullying at the restaurant where I work, including gossip, mean remarks, not receiving help, and mockery. I've made formal complaints to HR and management, but nothing has been documented or resolved, and HR has not returned my calls. Now, I've been... View More

answered on Apr 12, 2025
Being asked to move to another restaurant after you’ve reported harassment and bullying could be seen as retaliation, especially if the request is tied to the complaints you made. Retaliation occurs when an employer takes an adverse action against an employee for asserting their rights, such as... View More
I interviewed for a job in the hospital unit where I currently work and believe I was not given a fair chance due to personal biases. After the interview, the hiring leader provided feedback that included personal insults and attacks on my character, suggesting that many colleagues feel the same... View More

answered on Apr 7, 2025
I'm really sorry you're going through this, and I can imagine how painful it must be to feel this way at work. Based on what you're describing, you could potentially have a legal claim depending on several factors. Workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation are all legal... View More
I started working for my employer in 2019 while serving in the military since 2017. I recently discovered that the company has a paid military leave policy, but I was never informed about it until now, in 2025. When I asked my employer about this, they said they were unaware of the policy. I have... View More

answered on Mar 25, 2025
You have legal protections under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), which safeguards military service members' employment rights. Your employer's failure to inform you about their military leave policy may violate these protections, especially since... View More
I was arrested for a DUI. I currently work as an intervener at a school. I haven't discussed my situation with a legal advisor yet, but I'm concerned that I may get fired. Am I required to inform my employer about the DUI arrest, considering I am still able to perform my job duties,... View More

answered on Mar 24, 2025
Good question but more information is needed. I typically refer my clients to their employee handbook and or employee contract. However, and generally speaking, on a misdemeanor level and assuming that you do not drive as part of your employment responsibilities for the school, I would not expect... View More
2 persons working around minors, both have been charged with felonies regarding minor sexual assault, both previously charged for not registering as offenders. Unsure if they are registered now, but still working around children under 18

answered on Mar 21, 2025
Whether they can work around children is entirely dependent on their conditions of release or probation (if they have been convicted). There is no way to answer this question definitively without access to more information. Of course, the fact that they can work around children doesn't mean... View More
I am seeking information on the procedure for expunging two Harassment Restraining Orders (HROs) in Minnesota. One HRO has expired, and the other was dismissed. There have been no violations. I need them expunged to ensure a clean background check for employment purposes. What steps do I need to... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
Based on Minnesota law, expunging Harassment Restraining Orders (HROs) involves a specific legal procedure that can help clear your record for employment background checks. To begin the expungement process, you will need to complete Form EXP101 - the "Petition for Expungement of Executive... View More
In December last year, I was held down and sexually assaulted. There are eyewitnesses, and the assault is recorded in the high school's file. I have not yet reported the incident to the police or taken any legal action. What steps should I take to press charges and ensure my case is handled... View More

answered on Mar 21, 2025
Individuals don't "press" charges. Charges in cases like this are filed by the county attorney following an investigation by law enforcement. I would be surprised if this matter wasn't already investigated. You indicate in your question that the assault is recorded in the high... View More
I am a PCA worker through an agency paid by the Minnesota Department of Health, and I receive my wages biweekly. I recently found out that my paycheck for the pay period from March 2 to March 15 won't be ready until March 27. Is this delay in payment legal in Minnesota?

answered on Apr 13, 2025
Based on Minnesota's wage payment laws, the delay you're describing appears to violate state regulations. Minnesota Statute 181.101 requires employers to pay wages at least once every 31 days and all wages earned by an employee during a pay period must be paid to the employee within 10... View More
I work at a group home for disabled adults in Minnesota and have requested workplace accommodations to take a 15-minute break every 4 hours due to my disability, backed by documentation. My employer denied this request, stating I might be solo during break times. They also want my provider to... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
Based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA), your employer's denial of your accommodation request raises several legal concerns. Under these laws, employers must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities unless doing... View More
I worked at my company for 13 years without any prior write-ups. Recently, I was placed on a performance plan to improve various scores. Shortly after, I took FMLA leave due to my dad's heart surgery and my wife's miscarriage. Upon returning 30 days later, I improved most of my scores,... View More

answered on Mar 26, 2025
You may have grounds for legal action based on several concerning elements in your situation. The timing of your termination after FMLA leave raises potential retaliation concerns, as federal law prohibits employers from using FMLA-protected leave as a negative factor in employment decisions. Your... View More
Our policy is that we can not ask for tips at the drive through window

answered on Feb 13, 2025
Yes, your employer can fire you from your job at Pizza Hut for asking for a tip at the drive through window even if there wasn't a policy.
I’m currently on STEM OPT. I have a job and my employer is enrolled in e-verify program. I file taxes and everything legally. I have a question regarding a new opportunity to open a business in the field of direct sales to distribute Amway products. I will be provided with a registered company... View More

answered on Feb 5, 2025
As an individual on STEM OPT, your primary focus should be on your job that is directly related to your field of study. Your visa status allows you to work for an employer who is enrolled in the E-Verify program, but any additional work, such as a side business, needs to be carefully considered.... View More
Corporate came in and told us our boss was on leave but never specified what kind of leave he is on. He then told us due to confidentiality we are not allowed to contact our boss. What is the legality of this procedure. My boss would never do this. I am in recovery and have known my boss alot... View More

answered on Oct 29, 2024
Yes, a corporation restrict an employee from talking to an employee who is on leave.
I feel like they are covering their tracks. In July they gave the ultimatum to accept new role or I could leave. Now they are saying they should have done things differently. It feels like they are being untruthful. Multiple people were in the same position and the role was outsourced and we were... View More

answered on Sep 10, 2024
An employer can most likely change anything about the terms of your employment it wishes. Please discuss this with an employment attorney in your area.
Minnesota resident. Want to know if I can let someone who doesn’t regularly reside at my home to use that home address for paperwork?
Opening a bank account, providing KYC for a service, etc.
I understand someone using an address without permission of the property owner is... View More

answered on May 25, 2024
It would really depend on the specifics. It may not be identy theft, but it could be fraud concerning others. If the person is using your address to gain advantages or benefits, both of you could be held accountable.
If I signed a contract with a health care entity and then this same entity MERGES with another (not sold), does the 2nd entity have the right to change terms of my contract (the original contract CEO is still the CEO of merged entity).

answered on Apr 20, 2024
Without knowing the terms and conditions of the contract you signed, I don't know if "the 2nd entity ha[s] the right to change terms of [your] contract. You don't even mention what the contract has to do with. Health care entities entered into dozens of contracts, some have nothing... View More
Hi I was working under a company that said they would reimburse me for taking and passing a AWS certificate. Midway through my employment they dropped off and stopped even after I filled out the needed information for reimbursement. And then I got laid off and they're saying I should email... View More

answered on Apr 10, 2024
A policy isn't a contact, but it could be a factor in determining some disputes. I am not quite sure what you are seeking reimbursement for. It certainly wouldn't be an ongoing obligation once your employment ends.
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