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‘Just used’: TDCJ behind on paying employees overtime for hours worked

AUSTIN (KXAN)— The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is behind on paying employees overtime pay, KXAN confirmed on Monday.

Ascension Health Hit With $2 Million Defamation Judgement

Jury finds subsidiary wrongfully banned vendor

Ascension’s court troubles continue. Last Wednesday, July 16, District Judge Karin Crump ruled that the Resource Group, a subsidiary of Ascension Health, defamed medical device vendor representative Kimberly Goodman.

Travis County employee alleges demotion after cancer treatment leave

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas — A Travis County employee alleges he was demoted upon returning to work after taking medical leave for cancer treatment, according to a complaint filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Travis County employee files complaint claiming he was demoted after taking medical leave

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Travis County employee filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) last month claiming he was demoted — and threatened with termination — after taking medical leave to treat stage 4 cancer.

Trabajadores dicen que compañía tardó más de un mes en pagarles y denuncian inconsistencias

Un grupo de empleados de Commercial Restoration Company dice que la compañía se demoró más de un mes en pagarles, pero muchos de ellos aseguran que cambiar los cheques resultó complicado y los pagos presentaban varias inconsistencias. La situación le ha causado problemas a los trabajadores, quienes piden justicia y que se respeten sus derechos laborales...

Transphobic Dress Code Prompted Turmoil in Agriculture Department, Emails Show

For over a year, employees of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) have been subject to a dress code that is transphobic and potentially illegal. The policy has caused turmoil within the agency, emails obtained by the Texas Observer and interviews reveal, along with contributing to a chilling atmosphere for LGBTQ+ workers. 

Austin attorney warns workers despite vote banning noncompete clauses

AUSTIN (KXAN) — At least two federal lawsuits filed in Texas aim to block a recent decision to ban noncompete clauses in workers’ contracts, according to an employment attorney based in Austin.

In forced labor class action, how these pro bono lawyers netted a settlement for Filipino workers

May 14 (Reuters) - What does it mean to force someone to work?

Not in a "you-need-to-finish-that-memo-by-5-p.m." kind of way, but true coercion?

City manager of Jarrell files complaint of harassment, discrimination against city

The city manager of Jarrell said she has faced repeated instances of sexual harassment and discrimination by some male City Council members, according to a complaint she filed against the city last month with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

'It's very embarrassing' | Community reacts to Jarrell city manager's complaints of sexual harassment, discrimination

People who attended Tuesday's Jarrell City Council meeting said it was packed. People filled council chambers, into the lobby, and even outside.

Jarrell city manager accuses council members of harassment, discrimination

In a formal complaint, Danielle Singh said one council member inappropriately touched her and made several infantilizing comments about her.

Chains Unshackled, FTC Votes to Axe 'Noncompete' Clauses, Faces Business Fury and Legal Showdowns

In a sweeping move that could alter the employment landscape, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved a rule that would ban the use of 'noncompete' agreements for most workers.

Austin attorney warns workers despite vote banning noncompete clauses

AUSTIN (KXAN) — At least two federal lawsuits filed in Texas aim to block a recent decision to ban noncompete clauses in workers’ contracts, according to an employment attorney based in Austin.

Austin attorney warns workers despite vote banning noncompete clauses

AUSTIN (KXAN) — At least two federal lawsuits filed in Texas aim to block a recent decision to ban noncompete clauses in workers’ contracts, according to an employment attorney based in Austin.

Filipino Workers' $730K Trafficking Deal Gets Judge's Initial OK

By Alyssa Aquino ( April 24, 2024, 7:51 PM EDT) -- An Oklahoma federal court preliminarily approved a $730,000 settlement

Austin attorney shares warning to workers about ban on noncompete clauses

Austin Kaplan, an employment attorney based in Austin, spoke with KXAN's Will DuPree about the Federal Trade Commission's decision to ban noncompete clauses in workers' contracts nationwide.

Austin attorney shares warning to workers about ban on noncompete clauses

Austin Kaplan, an employment attorney based in Austin, spoke with KXAN's Will DuPree about the Federal Trade Commission's decision to ban noncompete clauses in workers' contracts nationwide. 

Unsigned Arbitration Pact Hits A Wall in Texas Wage Case

A Texas federal magistrate judge recommended denying a swimming pool contractor's motion to compel a former worker's unpaid overtime suit into arbitration, saying the arbitration agreement was invalid because the company...

Get Hired with Andrew Seaman podcast - Being asked your age and other legal questions about getting hired

Jobs are — at the end of the day — a business agreement between you and an employer. These agreements are based on laws, regulations and more. How do job seekers navigate the legal landscape? It's not easy, but employment lawyers can help.

Couple To Pay $730K To End Filipino Workers' Trafficking Case

By Alyssa Aquino ( January 29, 2024,  7:34 PM EST) -- An Oklahoma couple has agreed to pay $730,000 to

What (If Anything) Should Employers Do About Side Gigs?

Most businesses (54%) encourage side jobs, but conflicts demonstrate the need for guidelines

Unionizing Freelancers: What Recent Progress Means For The Self-Employed

Unions are more popular than they’ve been in two decades. They’re dominating the news right now, with workers from massive companies like Starbucks and Amazon fighting for union protections.

Ag Commissioner Sid Miller Doubles Down on Transphobic Dress Code

Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Commissioner Sid Miller has received an avalanche of media attention about a new memorandum that requires agency employees to dress “in a manner consistent with their biological gender.

Lamar University, state colleges remove diversity statements in hiring process

Presidents of Lamar University, Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College Port Arthur and Lamar State College Orange were given a plan of action to remove diversity statements from Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall earlier this month.

Why Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are invaluable to a supportive and successful society

In a recent memo Gov. Greg Abbott’s office sent, the chief of staff Gardner Pate warned state agencies and public universities that the use of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives during hiring processes is illegal.

Bad Takes: Gov. Greg Abbott's anti-diversity rhetoric is a shameful attempt to whitewash history

Gov. Greg Abbott chose to honor Black History Month by discouraging state officials from diligently searching for qualified minorities to hire.

Can Texas’ public universities use diversity initiatives to hire staff? Abbott says no

Texas public universities are now at the forefront of a battle against considering diversity, equity and inclusion in hiring.

Governor Abbott declares diversity, equity and inclusion policies in hiring are illegal

Governor Greg Abbott is ordering public institutions in Texas to stop using diversity, equity and inclusion practices in hiring, according to a memo from the governor’s office.

Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott’s Office Calls Diversity Hiring ‘Illegal’

In a Feb. 6 memo obtained by The Texas Tribune, Abbott's chief of staff Gardner Pate claimed initiatives to hire diverse job candidates violate federal and state employment laws, appearing to insinuate that white workers are in fact those being discriminated against.

Abbott Targets Diversity Programs

With the U.S. Supreme Court preparing to hear cases on affirmative action, Governor Greg Abbott appears to be trying to beat the rush. This week, he sent out a memo barring state agencies and public universities from using diversity programs in hiring.

Abbott tells Texas state agencies to stop using diversity initiatives, calls them illegal

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) told state agencies to stop using diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in hiring, claiming doing so is illegal, The Texas Tribune reported Friday.

Abbott tells Texas state agencies to stop using diversity initiatives, calls them illegal

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) told state agencies to stop using diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in hiring, claiming doing so is illegal, The Tribune reported Friday.

Abbott tells Texas state agencies to stop using diversity initiatives, calls them illegal

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) told state agencies to stop using diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in hiring, claiming doing so is illegal, The Texas Tribune reported Friday. 

Abbott tells state agencies and universities to hire more white people

Gov. Greg Abbott’s office is warning state agency and public university leaders this week that the use of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives — policies that support groups who have been historically underrepresented or discriminated against — is illegal in hiring.

Gov. Greg Abbott tells state agencies to stop considering diversity in hiring

AUSTIN, Texas -- Gov. Greg Abbott's office is warning state agency and public university leaders this week that the use of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives - policies that support groups who have been historically underrepresented or discriminated against - is illegal in hiring.

Gov. Greg Abbott tells state agencies to stop considering diversity in hiring

TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) — Gov. Greg Abbott's office is warning state agency and public university leaders this week that the use of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives — policies that support groups who have been historically underrepresented or discriminated against — is illegal in hiring.

Gov. Greg Abbott tells state agencies to stop considering diversity in hiring

AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott's office is warning state agency and public university leaders this week that the use of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives — policies that support groups who have been historically underrepresented or discriminated against — is illegal in hiring.

Austin lawyer speaks on Gov. Abbott's diversity memo

AUSTIN, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott is telling state agencies, diversity should not be considered in employment-hiring practices.

Gov. Greg Abbott launches attack on diversity hiring programs in Texas

Gov. Greg Abbott has fired a political warning shot at public universities and state agencies in Texas, pushing them to stop using diversity hiring programs and arguing such efforts are a form of discrimination.

Gov. Greg Abbott tells state agencies to stop considering diversity in hiring

In a memo written Monday and obtained by The Texas Tribune, Abbott’s chief of staff Gardner Pate told agency leaders that using diversity, equity and inclusion policies in hiring violates federal and state employment laws, and hiring cannot be based on factors “other than merit.”

Employment attorney reacts to firing of UT coach Chris Beard

AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas is on the hunt for a new head basketball coach. On Thursday UT announced Chris Beard was fired effective immediately. The move comes about three and a half weeks after his arrest on third-degree domestic violence charges became public after a dispute with his fiancée