
Pitta LLP Blog
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Our attorneys counsel and partner with clients to formulate strategies designed to anticipate and avoid workplace problems before they occur — or before they evolve into costly and time-consuming litigation. When litigation does arise, our attorneys handle it with skill, expertise and sound business judgment, resolving matters successfully and on a cost-effective basis.
Pitta LLP Blog
5M ago
Just in the last few months, a number of restaurants here in New York and major metropolitan areas of the country have gone out of business without any notice to employees. Obviously, this can be financially devastating to those who rely on their paycheck and tips to support themselves and their families. Restaurants and other hospitality venues may close suddenly ..read more
Pitta LLP Blog
6M ago
Labor unions help to establish certain standards for work environments. Employees who accept union employment generally know that they can rely on the union to ensure company compliance with state and federal safety standards. However, even when companies meet the basic requirements for workplace safety, workers can still end up hurt on the job. In some cases, employees with significant ..read more
Pitta LLP Blog
7M ago
There are many federal laws that protect workers in vulnerable positions. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) helps ensure that workers can count on certain types of benefits provided by their employers. Under ERISA, companies have a responsibility to fulfill pension promises. Despite what people might assume from the name, ERISA applies to certain other benefits beyond just retirement funds and pensions. ERISA also imposes rules on long-term and short-term disability benefits provided by an employer. In the unusual scenario where a worker actually needs to use their di ..read more
Pitta LLP Blog
8M ago
Union audits help to ensure transparency, accountability and compliance of labor unions. These audits are more than just a regulatory requirement. They also encourage financial integrity and build trust in unions and their members. A union audit verifies that completeness and accuracy of a union’s financial records. An auditor reviews a variety of concerns, such as verifying that income and expenses are recorded properly. They also check to see if funds are being used in accordance with applicable regulations and union bylaws. Discovering discrepancies offers a union a chance to correct issues ..read more
Pitta LLP Blog
9M ago
Unions help protect workers from inappropriate conduct by businesses. Organized employees often have access to better information about their rights and more support when they need to communicate with an employer about their concerns. Union representatives can go to bat for workers facing an unjust termination or can challenge unsafe working conditions. A union can also potentially help workers facing misconduct on the job, including sexual harassment. After all, the law protects workers from sexual harassment and compels employers to maintain a discrimination-free workplace. Those in the serv ..read more
Pitta LLP Blog
10M ago
Service workers, including restaurant employees, face some of the most stressful work conditions in New York. They endure unpredictable schedules, demanding jobs and often low wages when compared with other professions. Unionizing helps workers ensure a basic standard of living and safe work conditions. Unions help service workers and other professionals hold businesses accountable for misconduct and negotiate for better treatment. One of the many issues that those in the service industry may face is pressure from employers who want to reduce the number of staffing hours on any given day. Orga ..read more
Pitta LLP Blog
11M ago
Companies have an incentive to pay as little as they can while retaining the best workers possible. They count on manipulative tactics and the obfuscation of the truth to make it possible to pay some workers far less than others even if they perform the same work. Two employers in similar positions could receive vastly different wages and even different benefit packages due to factors outside of their control, such as their sex or race. Unions often help employees by providing better transparency. Companies know that unions may track such discrepancies and may try to prevent workers from organ ..read more
Pitta LLP Blog
1y ago
The safety of workers in New York must be taken seriously. Throughout the years, new regulations and laws have gone into effect that help to protect these workers. Unions have played a primary role in these changes, many of which also benefit non-unionized workers. Through collective bargaining, legislative advocacy and safety training programs, unions contribute significantly to creating safer work environments across various industries. This involvement benefits union members and sets safety benchmarks that can positively impact the broader workforce. Collective bargaining for safer conditio ..read more
Pitta LLP Blog
1y ago
Restaurant and hospitality unions help to protect workers in one of the most abusive New York industries. Hospitality employees and those working at restaurants or bars often face untenable work circumstances. Employers may violate employee protection laws or try to deny workers the wages and gratuities they deserve. Unions protect workers from employment law violations and wage infractions. Workers not receiving appropriate compensation for the services that they provide may seek support from their local union representative to address their concerns. The union can negotiate with the employer ..read more
Pitta LLP Blog
1y ago
Having the right insurance coverage can protect people from a variety of challenging scenarios, including situations in which they can no longer work to support themselves and their families. Someone who is temporarily unable to work from due to health issues may apply for short-term disability benefits, for example. Those facing longer-term medical challenges may require long-term disability benefits until they reach retirement age. The benefits available through Social Security are often not enough for people to live comfortably, so workers may supplement that minimal protection with private ..read more