In 2016, Arizona voted in favor of Proposition 206 to not only increase minimum wage each year, but also guarantee benefits like paid sick time. For most 9-5’ers this is a pretty black and white adjustment, but for service industry workers and other tipped employees, this can be a bit more complicated.  As a tipped employee, it’s imperative you keep track of the annual minimum wage increases and your current hourly rate. If your hourly rate falls below the minimum wage, your employer is legally bound to pay you the difference. This is also the case if you’re being asked to do work outside ..read more

Even if you aren’t a soccer fan, you may have seen the women’s soccer team make history once again, but this time for a different reason. They won a lawsuit against the soccer federation claiming they were paid less than their male colleagues for working the same job, violating what’s known as Equal Pay. If the idea of women getting paid less than men for doing the same job seems confusing and illegal, it is. The Equal Pay Act has been around for almost 60 years which means no one should be paid less or more based on their sex alone. Despite that being the case, according to recent surveys wom ..read more

Lately, headlines about the employment industry are focused on a trend called ‘The Great Resignation’ which is centered around an increase of employees quitting in the retail, service and hospitality fields. True or not, it seems that many people have started to put into perspective the quality of their lives and careers and have begun to ask themselves what they want and deserve in a workplace.  Furthermore, there has also been a recent push towards unions, employee benefits and the negotiation of living wages. With that said, since Arizona is a Right-To-Work state, you might be asking ..read more

Arizona is one of the states that doesn’t have state masks or vaccination mandates. But the Arizona Attorney General has announced that businesses in the state can actually make workers get vaccinated against COVID-19.  Private Business Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich has informed businesses across the state that they can require workers to be vaccinated. In addition, these businesses can also demand customers to be vaccinated.  This means that it is up to the business how they handle vaccination requirements. But, these businesses must also provide accommodations for those wh ..read more

Governor Doug Ducey of Arizona signed a new bill into law, offering help to those with criminal records to get a chance at finding a job. House Bill 2067 allows convicted criminals the chance to set aside the conviction and obtain a Certificate of Second Chance. This certificate will allow for a second chance at employment, obtaining occupational licenses, and even for housing approval. What Is A Certificate of Second Chance Even though a person is unable to erase their criminal record, convicted criminals who have fulfilled their sentence or parole can have the court set aside the conviction ..read more

Arizona is currently a right-to-work state, but could a new act proposed by Congress change that? What Does Right to Work Mean? As one of 27 states across the country, Arizona is considered a right-to-work state. What does this mean? It simply means that employees are not required to join a union or required to pay dues to a labor union. This gives employees much more financial freedom. However, under this law, an employer can terminate an employee for any reason or no reason at all. The PRO Act The PRO Act could jeopardize the state’s current labor laws. It was first introduced on February 4t ..read more

The recent election in Arizona passed Proposition 207, legalizing marijuana across the state. So, what does this mean for employers and employees across the state of Arizona? The proposition allows the possession and sales of marijuana, but just like before, workers are not allowed to use the substance while at work. And even though it is legal to use, many employers may still prohibit the use.  Marijuana and the Workplace Even though Proposition 207 was passed, employees may still require a pre-employment drug test and can decline to hire anyone who fails, with the exception of those wit ..read more

The pandemic has brought on many changes in the workplace. So, it is a good time to revisit wage and hour policies during these uncertain times. Running a business can be tough, especially during these tough times. However, a business owner needs to always be in the know and keep up with new policies. They also need to adapt and make any changes needed to keep up with the new circumstances. Remember, always look to better your business and keep the best interest of your employees in mind.  Since telecommuting has become more popular, more employees working from home means policies need to ..read more

Things are changing and a new norm is being created after the pandemic. Covid-19 has impacted all aspects of our lives, but how is it impacting places of employment and employment labor laws in Arizona?  Just recently, Maricopa County announced that masks are mandatory in public. This includes where you work. Some companies already made it mandatory, but for the time being, now everyone in the county must comply.  Some places are even limiting the number of people allowed in an establishment and making clear marks of social distancing.  Working During a Pandemic Some people do n ..read more

Over the last few years, service animals have been a hot topic. From allowing them into grocery stores to permitting them to fly on an airplane. But where do service animals stand in the workplace? Every year on June 26th, Americans celebrate taking your dog to work day, but what about every other day of the year? Service Animals The Americans with Disabilities Acts defines a service animal as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for those with a disability, such as a physical sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.  It is important for se ..read more