Broward County Employment Law Blog

I think we've all been in uncomfortable situations, but when someone is making unwanted advances towards you in the workplace; it's hard to believe that you are experiencing sexual harassment. This week a Florida woman alleges sexual harassment, including unwanted physical contact, by a congressman.

The accusations against the congressman first came to light last year when the employee worked as a policy advisor on the same commission as the congressman. According to the employee, the first advances came in 2007 during her first meeting, and he allegedly gave unwanted hugs and made sexually suggestive remarks. Further encounters were also documented by the employee, with the most recent incident happening in 2010.

There used to be a time in Florida when it was acceptable and commonplace to smoke in almost any building, including the office. In recent decades, more businesses have gone smoke-free and pushed smokers outdoors.

Now, an increasing number of companies in Florida and across the U.S. may be banning smokers themselves. And since smokers are not considered a federally protected class, they may not be covered under anti-employment-discrimination laws such as those which prohibit race or gender discrimination.

When it comes to working odd hours, there are few jobs more demanding than that of the personal assistant; especially the assistants of major celebrities or other busy and powerful individuals. Yet even assistants who are on call 24 hours a day are usually still eligible for overtime pay and other important benefits.

Broward County residents who are fans of Lady Gaga may be surprised to hear that one of her former personal assistants is suing the pop star for violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The woman says that despite her grueling schedule that regularly had her working more than 40 hours per week, she did not receive overtime pay.

Basketball fans in Florida were no doubt elated to hear that the 2011-2012 season was just delayed, rather than cancelled outright. Whether your team is the Miami Heat or the Orlando Magic, it was likely welcome news to hear that the season is now underway.

The lockout was the most prominent employment dispute occurring in the NBA but it was not the only one. Earlier this month, a former NBA security official filed a lawsuit alleging that after nearly a decade of exemplary job performance, he was fired in retaliation for his advocacy on behalf of female colleagues who were victims of sexual harassment.