Breastfeeding is an important part of motherhood, providing essential nutrients and antibodies to newborns. For working mothers in Ohio, balancing the demands of their jobs and the need to pump breast milk can pose a challenge. The good news is that state laws and regulations provide support for new mothers in the workplace. Understanding the legal framework Ohio law recognizes the importance of breastfeeding and offers protection to nursing mothers at work. Specifically, the Fair Labor Standards Act requires employers to provide reasonable break time for an employee to express breast milk for ..read more

Everyone should be aware of different forms of harassment, including quid pro quo sexual harassment. It is important to recognize the signs of quid pro quo sexual harassment and know how to respond if you or someone you know experiences it. Identifying quid pro quo sexual harassment From 2018 to 2021 people reported 98,411 sexual harassment complaints, and 5,581 individuals received sexual harassment charges. One key aspect of quid pro quo sexual harassment is the unequal power dynamic between the harasser and the person undergoing harassment. The harasser typically holds authority over the ot ..read more

In today's workplaces, there is an emphasis on diversity and inclusion, yet disability discrimination remains a reality for many. Discrimination based on disability can take various forms, affecting individuals physically and emotionally. 1. Unfair treatment in hiring Job applicants with disabilities often face discrimination during the hiring process. Employers may overlook their qualifications due to preconceived notions or biases. This creates barriers for individuals with disabilities to enter the workforce and contribute to society. In 2022, 21.3% of people with a disability had a job. 2 ..read more

In today's workplace, fostering a safe and respectful environment is important for the well-being and productivity of employees. Sexual harassment is a serious issue that can take on many forms, some of which may be subtle and easy to overlook. 1. Invasive body language Non-verbal cues can be indicative of sexual harassment. Invasive body language, like unwanted touching, invading personal space or leering, can make an individual feel vulnerable and objectified. 2. Cyber harassment Cyber harassment has become increasingly common. Sending explicit emails, sharing inappropriate content or making ..read more

Sexual harassment is a very serious problem that comes in many forms. It can be anything from inappropriate touching to all-out blackmail. Some even say their employers made ultimatums about sexual contact and continuing employment. All of these situations are both disturbing and illegal. Fortunately, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission can help. Speak to the offender The first thing you do is speak to the person harassing you. Make it very clear that you want their behavior to stop immediately. Speak with your co-workers Ensure your co-workers know about the behavior so they can document it and ..read more

The Family and Medical Leave Act provides employees with time off to take care of a family member or a health issue while preserving their job. It is unpaid time off and only applies to eligible employers who have 50 or more employees or government agencies. Currently, the FMLA does not provide coverage to take time off for the loss of a child due to miscarriage or stillbirth. But Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas and several other senators are pushing a bill that would amend the FMLA to include this situation. The proposal from Cotton The proposed legislation, called the HEALING Mothers and Fath ..read more

In an era of technology and transparency, being able to track and manage your income is vital. Pay stubs play an important role in the financial lives of employees, whether it is to keep track of pay or use them to receive social services. Despite this, some states, including Ohio, do not require employers to provide pay stubs to their employees. An Ohio House committee is considering proposed legislation known as the Pay Stub Protection Act and intends to change that. But should legislators really require employers to provide pay stubs to their employees? A tool for transparency Pay stubs off ..read more

The relationship between employee and employer should be one of trust and fairness. If you work more than 40 hours in one week, you likely trust that your job will provide the fair amount of overtime pay that you deserve. If your employer attempts to deny you overtime pay or simply sweep the matter under the rug, however, that is a significant betrayal of trust that will forever harm the relationship you have with your job. You still deserve the pay you are due, though, so it is important to understand your right to overtime pay and what steps you should take next. What does the law say about ..read more

When you file a claim for a personal injury, the responsible party’s insurance company will evaluate the evidence. Part of that process often includes at least one phone call to you, though sometimes they call several times. The claims adjuster may start the conversation as a friendly discussion, inquiring about your health and showing concern. This can create a false sense of security. Avoid conversations with a claims adjuster on your own to protect your legal rights. There are a few hazards of these discussions. Presenting statements out of context One concern of a conversation with a claim ..read more

Concerned about the continuing menace of traffic accidents in Ohio, the state government has formed a committee. Gov. Mike DeWine has announced the creation of the Ohio Traffic Safety Council, a group of experts and activists from across the spectrum of groups concerned with the problem. As the government announced in a press release, the council will "coordinate and monitor" every traffic safety initiative that goes on in Ohio. They will also keep track of car accident trends and advise the governor on making the roads and highways safer. The council's work will emphasize four e's: education ..read more