January 25, 2024

Law360 Quotes Senior Associate Alex Berke in Article Covering Gov. Hochul’s Recent Proposal to Initiate Prenatal Leave

Law 360 covers the recent proposal by Governor Hochul to expand New York State’s paid family leave policy and provide time off for prenatal medical appointments and care. Senior Associate Alex Berke shared her thoughts on the benefits this policy would have with the article’s author, Anne Cullen. The article highlights other recent steps taken to cater towards pregnancy-related workplace protections and describes the importance this policy could have as a catalyst for reforms in other states. Ms. Berke believes the implementation of is policy would be a smooth transition for employees and employers alike. For employees, the process would not prove too difficult as it would resemble the established paid family leave process, and since the compensation could be deducted through payroll, “it’s not an insurmountable ask for employers.” Click here to read the full article and learn more about the proposed changes. 

In an Uncommon Move, McDonald’s Sues Former CEO

August 20, 2020
Sexual Harassment
It’s not every day that a blue chip company decides to sue a former executive, let alone its erstwhile CEO, but this is exactly what McDonald’s did by suing Steve Easterbrook, who had been fired last year for inappropriate conduct, specifically, sexting with an employee.

The Art of the Doctor’s Note

August 19, 2020
Pregnancy Discrimination
We’ve all needed one at some point –– a doctor’s note explaining that we’re out for the count on some otherwise necessary aspect of work or school, at least temporarily. Many people are realizing that because of COVID, they don’t feel safe at work due to a disability, and need to modify their pre-pandemic job to accommodate this new reality. In this type of situation, what do you ask your doctor for? What does such a note need to include to help you successfully advocate for your rights?

The Week in FFCRA Cases: Judge Invalidates DOL Implementation, Expanding Eligibility

August 18, 2020
Disability Discrimination
Leave
The complaints we found relevant this week are eerily similar—parents who need to take care of their children, some of whom are immunocompromised, are being denied telework or leave or are being terminated. Further, we are continuing to see plaintiffs who voice concerns to their employers about workplace safety being terminated after doing so.

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