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The Ohio Court of Claims has confirmed that text messages between public officials using personal devices can be public records. Although the question has previously been open to interpretation, this decision clarifies the answer and serves as a warning for all public employees. In Sinclair Media III, Inc. v. Cincinnati, a reporter issued a public […]
On August 8, 2019, the Department of Labor released an opinion clarifying that attending an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting constitutes a reason for intermittent leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Under the FMLA, an eligible employee of a covered employer may take up to 12 weeks of job-protected, unpaid leave per […]
As one of the few full-service law firms in Ohio with a dedicated education law practice, Walter | Haverfield is proudly adding two new attorneys to its team in the firm’s Columbus office. Both attorneys will serve an increasing client base of school districts in Central and Southern Ohio. Lisa Burleson joins Walter | Haverfield […]
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently issued an opinion letter stating that an employee who qualifies for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) cannot decline the leave just to preserve it for future use. The letter also confirms that FMLA leave must be designated as such by the employer within five […]
The Supreme Court’s June 27, 2018 Janus v. AFSCME decision may prove to be the most significant labor law case in half a century. The 5-4 case outlaws mandatory “fair share” fees for public employees who refuse membership in unions. Early post-Janus analysis indicates that the ruling is having a severe financial impact on public […]
“Disparaging or offensive language is prohibited.” “Employees may not engage in disrespectful conduct.” The above rules might seem reasonable to you or perhaps you have seen them in your own company’s employment policies. However, prior to the National Labor Relations Board’s (“NLRB”) ruling in The Boeing Company, 365 NLRB No. 154 (Dec. 14, 2017), these types […]