Avoiding an MTA and LIRR Union Strike

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

Photo Source: Wikipedia

The Long Island Rail Road is the nation’s largest commuter railroad.   A possible LIRR strike would create a problem for over 150,000 commuters!  The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and its LIRR unions are currently negotiating their contract in an effort to prevent the railroad from shutting down.

Both Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio say that they are committed to resolving the conflict in a manner that maintains LIRR service and respects the taxpayers and LIRR workers.  The two have discussed contingency plans to prepare for increased traffic, gridlock, and security concerns. 

The union negotiations involve the salaries over 5,400 Long Island Rail Road workers.  The outcome will determine if the workers get a 17 percent pay raise and take longer to reach top pay.  For future workers, the union negotiations could mean paying into their pensions longer and contributing to health care plans.

Read more about the potential LIRR strike in Newsday.

Remember to contact the Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. with all of your legal questions.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm. Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

What To Know When Negotiating a Severance

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

Before negotiating a severance package, it’s important to talk to an attorney who specializes in employment law.  This can help you better understand the terms of your settlement and provide you with the best possible outcome.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you sign a severance agreement.

Severance Package Tips:

• At Will Employment – Most companies follow “at will” employment.  This means that you can be let go at any time without reason.  It is important to understand your contract and any agreements you have made with the company.
• Financial Outcomes – As an informal guideline, most employees receive two weeks of pay for every year they have worked at the company.  However, this varies depending on the circumstances of your termination and your documented work performance.
• Review Your Work History – The overall picture of how well you performed your job can help determine whether or not you have a discrimination case.  If so, you may have grounds for a settlement.
• Company Flexibility – You may be able to time your severance payment in order to maximize what you get in state unemployment benefits.
• References – What you agree to in your separation agreement can affect what is put in writing when future employers check into your work history. 

Learn more about how to negotiate your severance here.  You can also contact the Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm. Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Determining Wrongful Employment Termination

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

At-will employment means that an employee can be fired with or without cause.  Fortunately, there are several exceptions to this rule that may help you keep your job or sue your former employer.  So how do you determine if your termination was legal or illegal?

Wrongful Termination:

• Implied Contract – Any agreement based on things your employer said and did is an exception to the at-will employment rule.  Although difficult to prove, implied employment contracts look at the duration of your employment, regularity of job promotions, positive performance reviews, assurances, and promises made when hired.
• Good Faith and Fair Dealing – There are several acts that can be considered unfair.  However, not all courts recognize this exception.  You may be able to argue this dealing if you were misled about chances for promotions or you were given undesirable assignments to coerce you into quitting.
• Public Policy – You can claim a violation of public policy if you are fired for taking time off to serve on a jury, to vote, or to serve in the military of National Guard.
• Discrimination – It is illegal to fire even at-will employees based on their race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability or genetic information.  There are strict time limits and rules regarding discrimination claims.
• Whistle-Blowing Violations – There are laws that protect employees who report illegal activities. 

The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in employment law, including discrimination, whistle blower, compensation and severance packages, and non-compete agreement violations. Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm. Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

New York’s Paid Sick Leave Law Takes Effect

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

New York’s new paid sick leave law quietly took effect on April 1^st.  Now businesses with five or more employees have to provide up to five sick paid days off to workers if they, or a relative, fall ill.  As a result, about 1.2 million workers now have paid sick leave for the first time.

Many employees and employers have found the new law to be a reasonable adjustment.  Shiv Puri of Bombay Sandwich Company thought that providing time off was “the right thing to do.”  Although initially concerned about the cost this would have on his business, he realized that he could absorb the cost.  Mr. Puri is still concerned that some employees might take advantage of the new law, but is happy to provide his employees with sick leave after they have been on the job for three months.

Mayor Bill de Blasio considers this new law to be a victory.  With the paid sick leave law, he has succeeded in his promise to “lift up working families.”  Read more about this new law in the New York Times.

The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in comprehensive legal cases, including employment law.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Man Files Suit Against Former Employer- Discrimination In The Workplace

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

A twenty-one year old man has filed a lawsuit against former employer, The Change Group, after receiving the response "Game over" to an anonymous email he had sent voicing a complaint about sexual harassment and racial discrimination in the workplace. 

The subject line of the responded email read: "Gerard...IP traced," indicating that Gerard Giraldo's intended anonymous letter had been identified by his computer's web address.  Three weeks later, he was fired. 

Varun Patel and Shahrazz Hayat, managers at The Change Group, have been accused of making inappropriate contact with female employees and making comments about Giraldo's sexual orientation. 

To read the full story, click here. 

The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in representing clients in various employment law and labor issues.  If you feel you have been the victim of discrimination in the workplace, contact us.  A representative will provide you with the knowledge and advice you will need to proceed in your case.