My Boss is a Real Bully - What Can I Do?

Click Here for a pretty insightful article about bullying at work. It fairly well identifies what happens quite frequently in the workplace. While the article does not discuss the "employment at will" or "hostile work environment" doctrines by name, it essentially identifies the extreme limitations of both doctrines when one is dealing with a jerk at work...

To learn more about illegal "hostile work environments" and/or the "employment at will" doctrine, use the Search Key to your right.

I am a proponent of considering Family and Medical Leave when the stress level created by a jerk at work becomes intolerable.  Use the Search Key to learn more.
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National Unemployment Claims Drop Again

Well, they dropped from 423,00 nationwide to 420,000 over the past week.  Still, that's an awful lot of unemployed people....Click Here to learn more.
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FAQs for Employment Law Questions in Pennsylvania

Just use the Search Bar to your right and type in a phrase.  If we have not answered your question yet, just post a comment or send me an e-mail and we will address it right away.

John Gallagher

Gallagher Law Group, PC.
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Recent Study Shows: Women Face Better Job Prospects than Men and Will Spearhead Economic Recovery

A recent study has determined that women face better prospects for landing quality jobs than do men in the immediate future.  Basically, the thinking goes, women are more likely to graduate from college, and such educational backgrounds have become increasingly essential in today's job markets.  Thus, since women will have more disposable income to spend on consumer goods, they will spearhead recovery.  I guess we should expect to see more women shopping more often and spending more money in the future.  A shocking prospect, indeed! 

You go, Girls!
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FINALLY - Medical Benefits for 9/11 Firemen and Paramedics on the Horizon

This is being referred to as a "Christmas Miracle."  I am not sure I would go that far, but it is incredibly good timing - if there could be such a thing after a more than 9 year delay!  343 firefighters died on 9/11, but many more continue to suffer from PTSD, lung disease, etc.  Many of them have such serious conditions that they can no longer work, and thus cannot afford insurance.  They therefore go untreated, and that is not right.  These are amon the most courageaous men and women of our lifetime, and they must be cared fo by our creat country.

Stuff it, Osama Bin Laden - may your cave be cold, and your food colder still.
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Obama Repeals "Dont Ask Dont Tell" - What Does it Mean?

Since the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy" came into effect in 1993, more than 14,000 service men and women have lost their jobs (i.e. been discharged from the military) when their sexual orientation became known.

Once the repeal takes full force and effect, gays in the military have a right to remain employed in the military even if they are openly homosexual.  It remains to be seen what effect the passage of this Bill will have upon those previously discharged from service when their preferences became known, or what will happen to those presently facing expulsion proceedings for the same reason.

Usually, Bills such as these expressly state whether they are retroactive. If they are, then those previously "punished" under a prior law are effectively "pardoned" and entitled to reinstatement if their punishment occurred subsequent to the "effective date" of the Bill.  If  the Bill is not retroactive, then there is nothing that can be done for those previously punished under the prior law. 

For those presently facing an expulsion hearing, it could be a very complicated issue.  On the one hand they "violated" the law that was in place at the time of their "misconduct."  On the other hand, they would have to be found "guilty" for something that was not illegal at the time of their sentencing.  Complicated indeed.

If you like, click on this article for a further discussion of the issues relating to the effect of the Bill on former military personnel, and those presently facing expulsion.
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Extension-Based Unemployment Checks May Be Delayed for Pennsylvanians and Others

At the end of November, 2010, many Pennsylvanians (and more than 1 Million people Nationwide) had their unemployment benefits stopped.  Hopefully, they kept filing, and were recently heartened by news that the Tax Act of 2010 meant that they would be put back on unemployment for up to 99 weeks.  Since the Tax Act was passed last Friday, these people have been waiting for retroactive checks (i.e. benefit checks providing them with all unemployment benefits dating back from their last check to the present).  These checks are obviously important, and not just because it is Christmastime for many.  These checks are important because they help many people buy neccessaries such as food, heat and clothing.

Although the President stated he was hopeful that everyone who qualified would get their retroactive checks by Christmas, that may be wishful thinking.  The attached article provides some more detail on this issue. 

If you live in Pennsylvania, please post a comment to me so that I may be able to get some more insight on who is getting paid and who is not; I can then pass that information along to my readers (I will not disclose your name).
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Giants' Kicker Matt Dodge Would Qualify for Unemployment Benefits Since He Will Be Fired for Poor Performance - at Least in Pennsylvania

OK, I was at the New Giants' Stadium yesterday for the Epic Comeback capped by DeSean Jackson's magnificent punt return - saw Jimmy Hoffa walking to  a new burial spot after the game.  I was in the Meadowlands for Brian Westbrook's punt return in 2003 as well.  I was not there in 78 for the Miracle in the Meadowlands

Clearly, Matt Dodge, the Giants' punter, will be on his way to the Unemployment Office (or should be!).  In Pennsylvania, his shockingly terrible punt would constitute "poor performance."  In Pennsylvania, you can almost always get benefits if you are terminated for (perceived) "poor perfomance."

Now, in New York, the unemployment people would likely see this as "wrongful misconduct," since Matt Dodge was insubordinate in refusing to follow Coach Coughlin's express instructions to punt the ball out of bounds.  However, in Pennsylvania, that would likely not be willful misconduct.  The guy just sucks and could not follow instructions.  That is not willful misconduct, that's incompetence, and in Pennsylvania, you get unemployment if you are fired for actual (or perceived) incompetence.
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Tax Act of 2010 Controversial, but Beneficial

Perhaps the author of this article, "Tax Cuts for the Rich, Scraps for the Poor," who I know supports getting the unemployed back to work, is right.  However, if we cut off unemployment now, many people would be devastated.  It is a dilemma, and I may be naive, but I believe that extending unemployment is so crucial right now, that the Tax Act is a good thing.  I think the key is what we do about it in 2011.  Can we, as a Nation, create opportunities for ourselves (via creation of small businesses) and for our Citizens (via stimulation of the economy in general)?

Anyway, my job is not to express opinions, but to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.  And, to help those in jeopardy of losing their jobs make sure their rights are protected and that their right to unemployment benefits are not compromised.  I see this stuff up close everyday, and I know how many good, earnest people are out looking for work, and barely getting by.  Unemployment benefits used to be a dirty phrase, but now that so many quality people have depended upon them to survive, perhaps that will change....

The point is, the road is long, but right now, many good, earnest people need unemployment to get by, and that should be our first concern.
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NO ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FOR 99ers UNDER NEW TAX ACT

The short answer is, if you are a 99er, that is have received 99 weeks of unemployment, this Act is of no benefit to you.  This is bad news....

Click on this link for discussion on who the Act helps, and whether it will help Pennsylvania residents (I believe it will).
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Will the 2010 Tax Act Help Unemployed in Pennsylvania?

Ok, here is how the new Act is going to work for Pennsylvania residents, at least where unemployment is involved.

First of all, under no circumstances will anyone get more than 99 weeks of unemployment.  Those who have already used up their 99 weeks, referred to as the 99ers, will gain no additional benefits as a result of this Act. 

Second, only states with unemployment rates of 8.5% or greater will benefit from the Act.  Does that include Pennsylvania?  I believe so; a News Release issued this morning at 10:00 a.m. by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics has Pennsylvania's unemployment rate at 8.6% - whew!

So it is good news, bad news.  Click here for excellent article with overview of this issue.
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What Does the Tax Act of 2010 Do Regarding College Tuition

As a parent with two kids in college, this is of great interest to me!!!

The Tax Act of 2010 will expand tax credits for college tuition payers; If you make $90k or less (single), or $180k or less (couples filing jointly), you can get a credit of up to $2,500 (up to 100% on the first $2k you spend, and 25% on the next $2,500 you spend).

Jolly good, I say!

P.S. THIS IS NOT TAX ADVICE!  SEE A QUALIFIED TAX ADVISOR FOR THAT. 
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The Tax Act of 2010 - What Does it Mean?

Well, it has some excellent features, which I "simplify" as follows:

First (at least from my perspective), it extends unemployment benefits for an additional 13 months. 

Second, it lowers contribution rates on social security contributions for everyone from 6.2% to 4.2% for 2011.  That means for people earning $106, 800 (which is where contribution obligations cease), you can "save" roughly $2,000.

Third, the Alternative Minimum Tax (often referred to as "the wealth tax") will be raised to $47,450 for individuals and $72,450 for couples filing jointly in 2010.  In 2011, those exemptions will increase even a little more.

Fourth, the top tax rate will remain at 35%, the lowest at 10%, and the rest will stay as they are (15%, 25%, 28%,  33%).

Finally, the Estate Tax - I think, as I understand it, the exemption level will be raised to $5 Million, and the maximum tax rate will be lowered to 35%.

In the coming days, I will add links to my Blog to some "simple" articles discussing each of the elements of the Bill discussed above.

This is not tax advice - see a qualified tax advisor for that!
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UNEMPLOYMENT EXTENSION SENT TO OBAMA - SHOULD PASS TODAY

OK - this is fantastic news.  Many, many people who need to subsist on unemployment until this ecomony "finishes" its turnaround will benefit from this.  The tax cuts are really helpful to many, many more people, and will also stimulate the economy since people will spend their money on goods and services rather than paying Uncle Sam.  As for Estate tax breaks, I am OK with that.  Why should families have to pay the Government for money that their parents have earned (and already been taxed on) anyway?

http://money.cnn.com/2010/12/15/news/economy/tax_deal_what_is_in_bill/index.htm?hpt=T1
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Getting Bullied At Work - Does That Constitute a Hostile Work Environment?

Bullying at work is such a regrettably common occurrence, as this article demonstrates. 

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kybiz.com%2Farticles%2Farticle.cfm%3Fid%3D1417&h=58f1f

However, as I discuss in my Blog elsewhere, and on more than one of my YouTube Videos, bullying your co-workers/subordinates is not "illegal."  While it may be create an intolerably hostile place to work, it does not create a "hostile work environment" under laws such as Title VII.  And, if you complain about a bully, and are fired in "return," you do not have a claim for illegal retaliation, either.

The exception to these principles is, of course, if you are being bullied BECAUSE of your AGE, SEX, DISABILITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION, as a form of SEXUAL HARASSMENT, or because you sought Family Leave, or Overtime - or if you are being bullied because you previously complained to management that you were being treated unfairly or harshly becuase of your AGE, SEX, etc...

I know these are harsh concepts, but this is the way the law is set out.  That is the essence of the "at will" employment doctrine.  The misconception as to what constitutes a "hostile work environment" is so pervasive, that it is the first thing I Blogged about.  When I decided to post videos on YouTube, it was the first thing Video I did.  Both remain my most "popular" Blog and Video.

To make matters even worse, just because you are being bullied does not mean that you have a "necessitous and compelling reason" to quit your job so that you would be entitled to unemployment compensation in Pennsylvania.  Generally, the Unemployment Referees expect you to put up with a fair amount of "bullying" before they say you are justified in quitting (I wonder how they would feel if it happened to them?!).

If you are being bullied to the point of thinking you need to quit your job, try and hang in there.  You may want to consult an attorney to find out about your rights before you up and quit and unknowingly sacrifice your right to unemployment compensation
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Tax Bill Including Extended Unemployment benefits Getting Closer

Looks like common sense will prevail!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40637568/ns/politics-capitol_hill
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Cliff Lee Coming Home? You've Got to Be Kidding Me! Phils Have Greatest Rotation Ever -

Ok, need to take a break from the world of employment law here in Philadelphia to post this stunning news!

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fsports.espn.go.com%2Fnew-york%2Fmlb%2Fcolumns%2Fstory%3Fcolumnist%3Doconnor_ian%26id%3D5917847&h=58f1f

All sing praises for Ruben Amaro!  Hip, hip hooray!  The above article features the Yankees crying in their Soup.  The below article tells you how it went down!

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/hotstove10/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=5918008

I'lll take 4 2011 World Series Tickets now, please - I want to see them clinch, so I will take Game 4 if you don't mind.
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Tax Bill Including Extended Unemployment Benefits Almost Passed

Of course, almost is a gigantic word....

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2010%2FPOLITICS%2F12%2F13%2Ftax.deal%2Findex.html%3Fhpt%3DT1&h=281c7

Still, the prognosticators seem optimistic.  We need this bill, and lowering estate taxes is a good thing, too.  As for lower income tax, we are taxed too much as it is for things like war, bailouts of automotive/banking/financial mistakes, etc.  We need income tax for social programs, FDR was right, but they are so high because of all the other stuff we have to pay for - even so, our debt is spiraling out of control.  The best way to fix things is to stimulate the ecomnomy with new jobs, allow American ingenuity to flower - meanwhile, though, while we wait for our innovators to come up with new businesses that need employees, we need to protect and help those currently on unemployment through no fault of their own.  Maybe I am wrong, but I think that is more important than funding the war in Iraq, although I recognize that we have to stay the course at some level....
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Dear Democrats: We Need Obama's Tax Bill to Pass

I SAY PASS THE BILL - WE NEED THE UNEMPLOYMENT EXTENSION

Here is an excellent article from Forbes.com that explains what is going on with the Obama Tax Bill.  http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2010/12/09/general-us-tax-cuts_8193413.html?boxes=Homepagetopnews
The Dems are presently fighting it, while the Republicans want it to pass...Seems to make little sense, right?

This is such an important bill for so many reasons, not the least of which is that the unemployment extension package is tied to the rest of the bill.  The fact that the Democrats are fighting this bill perhaps gives some insight into how significant the tax breaks for the "rich" are that are found in the bill.  So does the fact that the Republicans are willing to support the bill!!

I am no senator, but I say, do whatever is necessary to pass the bill.  Extending unemployment benefits right now is essential to our Nation's economy; it would enable millions of Americans to survive, while our Nation continues to recover from the recession that economists say ended some time ago.  Suddenly depriving millions of people unemployment benefits when there are not enough jobs out there would be devastating.  Yes, the rich get richer under this bill, but do my clients really care right now?  No, they want to feed their families.  I must say I am surprised the Dems are fighting this; the fact that they have made no counterproposal makes me think they are fighting it to "spite the rich" and their supporters...This type of "principle" will not help my clients keep their lights on....

I am confident the bill will pass, but it is certainly something to keep an eye on in the coming weeks!  Until then, all we can do is hope President Obama has enough cache to keep this thing moving forward.

John A. Gallagher, employment Lawyer in Chester County, Pennsylvania.  An employment attorney in Philadelphia area trying to help the working person.  http://www.johnagallagher.com/.
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John A. Gallagher Named as an Elite Lawyer for Work Place Issues in December 2010 SmartCEO Magazine for Philadelphia Area

This is a real honor. I was a "Readers' Choice" selection by CEOs in the Philadelphia area as a "go to" employment attorney for Workplace Issues.

pceo.12.10.pdf
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Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefits - Keep Filing Even if Your Benefits Have Expired in Case an Extension is Granted

Even if your Pennsylvania Unemployment benefits have run out, you need to keep filing.  If the new extension act is passed, and it looks like it will, you will get a nice retroactive check.  But if you do not keep filing, then you will not get unemployment benefits even if the extension is granted!

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2010/12/unemployment_benefits_running_1.html

I recently posted an excellent article on what the extension will look like.  Use the Search Bar on this Blog to find that article, key word: "extension"
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How Do You Prove Race Discrimination in Pennsylvania?

Philadelphia Employment Attorney Serving Chester County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County and Center City

Race discrimination is, unfortunately, still a fact of life in corporate America.  Proving race discrimination, however, is very difficult. In general, the things needed to establish a basis for an race discrimination case are as follows: The employee is non-caucasian and was fired because of his/her race. That sounds simple enough, but a lot of non-caucasians are terminated for reasons other than discrimination because of race. So what do employment lawyers look for in selecting race discrimination cases? Since we often handle race claims on a contingent fee basis (no attorney fees are owed unless you win), race discrimination attorneys are very careful in choosing cases to pursue. Below are some hallmarks of the "ideal" race discrimination case.

John A. Gallagher is an Experienced Discrimination Attorney Who Has Litigated Race Discrimination Cases on a Contingent Fee Basis Since 1991

Since it is hard to prove that the same person that hired you and later fired you is a racist (why would they hire you if they were a racist, the thinking goes), we typically look for a change in supervisor/manager within the last months leading up to termination.  Such a change is often, in good cases, accompanied by a sudden change in the way the employee is perceived (e.g. an employee with a good work history suddenly receives a poor performance review, is put on a performance improvement plan, is subject tobogus discipline, etc.) Another key piece of evidence is disparate treatment - that is, two employees in similar jobs who differ only because of their race are treated differently under similar job-related circumstances.  Sometimes, particularly with persons on Middle-Eastern descent (but less likely for Hispanics, African Americans and Asians), comments clearly indicating racial stereotyping will be made in the workplace.  We also look for a disparity within management between caucasians and non-caucasians (i.e. while the workforce is largely non-caucasian, management is almost all caucasian).

The Gallagher Law Group Focuses Almost Exclusively on Helping Individuals Who Are Having Problems at Work in Communities Such as Malvern, Paoli, Frazer, Downingtown, Phoenixville, Norristown, Oaks, Pottstown, Lansdale, Blue Bell, Doylestown, Reading and Surrounding Communities

The most difficult aspect of proving discrimination is proving that it arose from intentional acts designed to disenfranchise the employee.  Merely proving that the employer's stated reasons for discipline, demotion and/or termiation were wrong is not enough.  You need to prove that the employer knew the stated reasons were wrong.  Since this is so difficult, the strongest discrimination cases usually contain an element of retaliation.  That is why we tell our clients to complain to management if they feel they are being treated in a discriminatory fashion.  It is much easier to prove one was fired because he/she complained to management about discriminatory treatment than to prove that he/she was fired because of the the color of their skin, or their their accent or their religion.

If you want to learn more about any of the concepts discussed herein, use the Search Bar in the upper right hand part of this Blog. Chances are, I have blogged on the issue before. If you would like to reach us, please call 610-647-5027 or e-mail me directly.
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Unemployment Extension For 2011 Looks Likely to Pass

This is an excellent article about the Unemployment Extension negotiations, which appear likely to result in a bill being passed extending unemployment benefits through 2011.

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/unemployment/a/unempextension.htm
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Hottest Jobs in Coming Decade

Some food for thought here, as so many Americans tap into their ingenuity to recreate themselves as we come out of this recession.  Or at least we hope so!

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/custom/msn/careeradvice/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=2457
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