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Iowa Employment Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Libel & Slander for Iowa on
Q: I quit my job at dollar general, due to being overworked, overwhelmed and underpaid. Also a couple other reasons.

I have been thinking about quitting for quite a while, things that have happened the last few weeks just escalated my decision. The new manager that took over treated me so badly not to mention telling the other employees that she was going to fire me she hadn’t said a single thing to me about... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 24, 2023

Quitting because you are unhappy with how you are treated by a new manager does not give rise to a cause of action. You have every right to quit for such reasons under the employment at will doctrine. Dollar General cannot successfully sue you for quitting, but you cannot sue it for you quitting... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Employment Law, Workers' Compensation and Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: Work comp not returning phone calls? Can employees yell out private information about an employee?

Employees yelling out private information when oneself has not been informed by their employer?

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
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answered on Jul 25, 2023

If workers' comp isn't returning your calls, it's time to give 'em a nudge. They're supposed to be responsive to your concerns, so don't be shy about insisting on the attention you deserve. If they keep ignoring you, we might need to explore some legal avenues to get... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Employment Law, Workers' Compensation and Civil Rights for Iowa on
Q: Work comp not returning phone calls? Can employees yell out private information about an employee?

Employees yelling out private information when oneself has not been informed by their employer?

Mindi Vervaecke
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answered on Jul 25, 2023

It is common for workers’ compensation insurance adjusters to not respond to phone calls and emails. Often times it takes getting an attorney involved to get their attention and then the insurance company also often turns it over to their attorney.

As for co-employees sharing private...
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1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: I have a torn Bicep labrum for 10 months now & being told I have to use my own points if I miss work due to pain from it

Points = my attendance for my works compensation accident.

Erik Luthens
Erik Luthens
answered on Feb 16, 2023

If your torn bicep is due to a work related injury, you need to immediately pursue a worker’s’ compensation claim. If the injury isn’t work related, you should inquire as to whether you are eligible for FMLA time.

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: What can I do to get paid, if anything.

I was tricked into doing work for a small business before they officially made me an employee. Now I'm not getting paid. I'm not sure if I can even do anything since I'm not technically an employee and don't have workers rights. I've racked up about three weeks of full-time work unpaid.

Mindi Vervaecke
Mindi Vervaecke pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 25, 2023

You need to call a labor law attorney. I recommend Hedberg Law in Des Moines.

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Workers' Compensation for Iowa on
Q: I was harassed, manipulated, put in a situation that caused me to work so hard my hands turned into balloons.
Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on May 24, 2023

Sorry to hear that you had this problem. Workplace injuries are covered by Worker's compensation laws and you could file a claim. You should consult with a local Worker's Compensation attorney, sometimes called Workman's Comp. I am not sure what the designation is in your locality.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Employment Law and Collections for Iowa on
Q: If some one keeps giving out your phone number knowing that they are doing it falsely, is there any grounds for a suite?

who ever had my number before keeps giving it out for every thing under the sun that they don't want to ever pay or deal with. And it has been over 10 years. Is there any thing here I can do on the legal end to stop them?

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Sep 28, 2022

You can talk to a local lawyer whether this constitutes harassment but you have to determine who is responsible for doing so. Or you can change your phone number.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: Can my employer make me pay for PTO I used?

I work in Iowa and my employer gives us 120 hours of PTO at the start of the new calendar year. They then state that we "earn" 10 hours every month.

I have used about 80 of my 120 due to medical issues keeping me from work. My employer told me if I quit today that they would: 1:... View More

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Feb 8, 2022

Your employer is permitted to make deductions from your final check, but it is not permitted to make substantial enough deductions such that your final pay falls below your state's minimum wage. For example, if you worked 30 hours per week and earned $500 on your last check, and then your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Business Law for Iowa on
Q: I’m being asked to sign a non-disparagement agreement in order to collect a severance package.

Are conversations held prior to the presentation of the agreement excluded?

Joseph B. LaRocco
Joseph B. LaRocco
answered on Nov 18, 2021

Non-Disparagement Agreements are being quite common. They are enforceable, however, if no liquidated damages are stated in the agreement it might be quite difficult for the company to prove actual damages if you breach the agreement and say something derrogatory about the company, its officers,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: Can an employer force you to drive a company vehicle when you weren't hired to drive anywhere to begin with

I have been there 11 years and now they are saying I need to run errands in a company car. I have a good driving record however I am always frightened to drive in the winter so I am curious if they can force me to do so when it wasn't part of my job before.

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Nov 16, 2021

Yes, there are no laws that prohibit your employer from changing your job duties at any time, either with or without notice. However, if driving in the winter makes you uncomfortable, it may be worth letting your employer know this and requesting to not drive on inclement weather days.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination, Employment Law and Landlord - Tenant for Iowa on
Q: If you was fired from a job can your employer or x employer call your landlord just to tell them you was fired?

They called and told landlord they fired you right after you was fired ..and they did not have any arrangement with one another about letting one another know anything about employment or living arrangement..

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Sep 22, 2021

This kind of problem is under laws that are specific to each state, and different. This could be an invasion of your privacy or public disclosure of confidential facts. You should consult with a local employment law attorney about this.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Employment Discrimination and Sexual Harassment for Iowa on
Q: can someone get fired for an affair?

with a coworker both subjects are married union job that is salary

Carrie Dyer
Carrie Dyer
answered on Jul 28, 2021

Generally, yes - there is nothing unlawful about firing an employee for having an affair with a coworker.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: What do I do if my previous employers hasn't paid the severance promised?

I took a voluntary separation package which I received confirmation that payment would be made within 20 days on Jan 12, 2021. If I'm counting right today is day 22 and I haven't received payment. What can I do? There is no phone number I can find for HR, I only have an email address and... View More

Kyle Anderson
Kyle Anderson
answered on Feb 17, 2021

This may be a breach of contract issue, but more information is needed. I would recommend reaching out to an employment law attorney in your state for a consultation.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: I live in Iowa my employer gives me a 15 and 20 minute paid break but takes a half hour out of my daily pay for a meal

break .IAM paid hourly .Is this leagal

Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Sep 23, 2020

The answer to this question depends on whether you are actually able to take the half-hour lunch break in addition to your 15 and 20-minute paid breaks. Breaks of 20 minutes or less must be paid, but breaks of half and hour or longer can be unpaid, as long as you are completely relieved of any work... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: Can my 12 year old work at a business sorting cans & bottles at a redemption center on weekends?
Rhiannon Herbert
Rhiannon Herbert
answered on Feb 12, 2020

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the minimum age requirement for employment in any capacity is 14 years old. Thus, if your 12-year-old is looking to earn a wage performing these duties, he or she cannot do so yet.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination, Employment Law and Workers' Compensation for Iowa on
Q: I dont want to say too much at unemployment fact finding interview and ruin the osha retaliation investigation. How do I
Erik Luthens
Erik Luthens
answered on Dec 23, 2019

You should immediately consult with an Iowa attorney who specializes in employment law.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Contracts and Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: I worked for a company 6 months ago. They still havent paid me and are now saying I was "self contracted".

I was hired not knowing I was self contracted. The owner kept saying she would pay me on different dates and when those dates came she made excuses and no payment was recieved. She still hasn't paid me what she owes. There is also another "employee" she has done this to, she owes the... View More

Erik Luthens
Erik Luthens
answered on Nov 7, 2019

It appears that the owner of the company is asserting that you are an independent contractor rather than an employee; there are many factors which determine this. You should immediately contact an Iowa attorney who handles employment / workers’ compensation claims.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: I have appealed a denial of unemployment benefits, this goes to an ALJ.

Is the former employer required to send me a list of the charges they used in the initial hearing which resulted in the denial ? I was not aware of the information they used against me at this telephone hearing. I will be 65 in April. I showed up to work and was told I was terminated. Eventually... View More

Harley C. Erbe
Harley C. Erbe
answered on Jan 24, 2018

You could consider submitting interrogatories and document requests to the employer seeking the information you desire. Those are allowed under the administrative rules that govern contested unemployment benefits appeals. You could also review the administrative rules to determine how you can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Employment Law for Iowa on
Q: I've been terminated from the postal service on September 19th, 2016 because of my injury on the job.

I was injuried on July 11th, 2016 while delivering mail. I lost my footing & went to catch myself with my right hand and it slipped and my right arm/hand went above my head and I landed on my chest at the same time. I felt my right shoulder pop and I heard it pop when I landed on it. I'm... View More

Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Nov 21, 2017

I see no Iowa lawyer has answered your question. That's not surprising since federal law makes it very difficult for lawyers to get paid except on an hourly fee basis. Contingent fees are not allowed and all fees have to be approved, which from a time-management standpoint makes this... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Employment Law and Workers' Compensation for Iowa on
Q: Minor injured at work

My brother, a minor, was injured at work and had to receive stitches. No problem there, but the employers didn't inform any of his family and released him into the care of another minor (unrelated) rather than attempting to call us or EMS. Were they allowed to release a minor into the care of... View More

Stephen Douglas Lombardi
Stephen Douglas Lombardi
answered on Oct 4, 2017

Hmmmm.... Interesting question. I would love to know in which industry he was working. Probably a restaurant. No matter. The kid has a workers' compensation claim; I think you know this. But your question goes to notice to the family and if there is a duty to the family, which was breached,... View More

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