Maine Law Alert: Alert Icon Maine Bans the Box, Expands EEO, and More

Maine has banned the box, added familial status and status as a domestic violence victim to its list of classes that are protected from employment discrimination, and added caring for a sick grandchild as a reason to take family and medical leave. All changes are...

What is a disability?

Answer from Kim, SPHR, AAM, CPIW: Our definition of disability comes from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). According to the ADA, an individual with a disability is a person who: Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major...

Some of our employees have been careless on the job and broken company property. Can we deduct the cost of replacing the broken items from their paychecks?

Answer from Monica, SPHR, SHRM-CP: Probably not. Many states have imposed significant limitations on what kinds of things employers can take a deduction for, and often the deduction also requires employee consent. In addition, most deductions that would take an...

What are protected classes?

Answer from Kyle, PHR: Protected classes—also sometimes called protected characteristics—come from anti-discrimination law. We talk about them with respect to employment laws, but they also come into play in housing and education. The classes and characteristics...

What’s the difference between an exempt and non-exempt employee?

Answer from Eric, SPHR, SHRM-SCP: Exempt and non-exempt are classifications under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). That’s the federal law requiring that most employees receive at least minimum wage for each hour worked and overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in...

Can we ask an applicant why they are leaving their current job?

Answer from Kyle, PHR: Yes, you can ask applicants why they are leaving their current job. The employment application is a good place to collect this information. In the section where the applicant lists their previous employment experience, you can ask for the reason...