When you have concerns about your workplace, you do not have to stand alone in the effort to increase pay or improve workplace conditions. Working with your coworkers can help you achieve more, and forming an employee association (union) can be a decisive step toward achieving these goals. 1. What is a Union? A union is, quite simply, an employee association that has been recognized by the employer or otherwise certified after a vote by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) or the state’s similar agency (such as Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission in Wisconsin). Employee groups may a ..read more

Negotiating an employment contract is a critical phase where you establish the terms of your professional relationship with your employer. A well-negotiated contract can set the stage for a strong future with the company and a successful future career—or even set the terms for a fair exit. How can you approach this process with greater confidence? Know your value. When approaching negotiations, you should know how the compensation outlined in the contract compares to other positions in your area and your industry. This knowledge can empower you to negotiate compensation that reflects your expe ..read more

Many Americans treasure their right to free speech, but the right to communicate your beliefs and ideas becomes more complicated when they enter the workplace. What should you know about freedom of speech and your career? What is free speech? The first amendment of the constitution prevents the government from interfering with your ability to communicate your ideas and opinions. This includes writing, speaking, communicating through body language and even choosing not to speak. Is free speech protected in your workplace? Many of the actions a worker at a private company may take are protected ..read more

School boards play a critical role in our education system. When school boards operate openly, they build trust with the community and allow the public to participate in the process of making decisions that impact them. To ensure transparency, open meeting laws require school boards to allow parents, students and others in their community to participate in meetings and access information about the decisions a school board makes. What should you know about school boards and open meetings laws? What are open meeting laws, and how do these laws protect you? The decisions of governmental and quasi ..read more

Your employer may ask you to perform a variety of different tasks during your workday. Unfortunately, some employers may ask you to do something that is illegal, unethical or both. When your employer asks you to do something that violates the rules and regulations that govern your industry, do you follow orders and keep your job, or do you refuse and risk your career? The impact of illegal and unethical requests If the request you receive violates the law, the consequences you face could be severe. Complying with an illegal workplace request can result in criminal charges and penalties like fi ..read more

When you enter a job, you want to feel secure. While many factors go into your job security – from the state of the industry to your performance – some laws protect your career in many situations. These laws safeguard your career in several ways. How does the law safeguard your career? Many states recognize at-will employment. As a result, an employer can end your time at the company at any time and for almost any reason. However, there are exceptions, and the law protects you from bias or retaliation. Some of the legal protections that support your job security include: Protection from discri ..read more

When teachers enter an employment contract, it is important for them to thoroughly understand the rights and responsibilities that contract outlines. What should teachers know about teaching contracts in the state of Wisconsin? Are teachers considered at-will employees? Wisconsin is an at-will state, which means that most positions allow employers to terminate an employee or allow employees to leave their position at any time and for any reason. However, the Wisconsin Association of School Boards notes that contracts should not identify administrators and teachers as at-will employees. Under m ..read more

Beginning work with a new employer can lay the groundwork for a new and successful chapter of your career. However, physicians often fail to consider employment terms beyond compensation. Physicians should also carefully review and negotiate all terms of their employment contracts. Making mistakes during the review process can impact the future of a healthcare provider’s career, their finances, and their ability to dedicate time to their life outside of their work. An employment law attorney who understands the intricacies of workplace agreements and of physician employment can help physicians ..read more

When you step through the door at the beginning of your workday, you deserve an environment free from hazards that could compromise their health and well-being. If you find yourself in a hazardous situation on the job, it is vital for you to understand your rights and the steps you can take to protect your safety and the safety of other workers. What must employers do to keep workplaces safe? Your employer is responsible for keeping your workplace safe for everyone employed there. Some of the many employer health and safety responsibilities include: Providing training so that you can safely op ..read more

Any fraud or illegal activity has the potential to put the public at risk. People willing to act as whistleblowers are an essential part of uncovering that activity and holding people and businesses responsible. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) all have programs in place to reward whistleblowers who are willing to come forward with information that leads to recovery for the government. What should you know about these programs before reporting illegal or fraudulent activity ..read more