more questions from people whose jobs are under attack by the new administration by Alison Green on February 12, 2025 Here’s part 2 of questions from federal workers who are currently under attack by the administration, as well as others affected by the fall-out. Part 1 (and an explanation of what’s going on) was here. 1. For those of us staying, how do we deal with this? For those of us choosing to stay and […] Read the full article →
did I help my mother embezzle money? by Alison Green on January 29, 2025 A reader writes: This is not a current issue, but it’s something that has been eating at me for a long time. I’m trying to figure out if I unwittingly helped someone embezzle money. I believe the statute of limitations has passed for this (potential) crime in the state that it took place in. It […] Read the full article →
questions from federal workers who are currently under attack by Alison Green on January 29, 2025 I am being inundated with letters from federal employees and others affected by the new administration’s changes in the last week — which have included ending investigations and enforcement related to discrimination in the workplace (*see note below); illegally firing 17 inspectors general; laying off employees working on accessibility, equity, and diversity; freezing or cancelling […] Read the full article →
my employer fined me $90 for being late by Alison Green on January 20, 2025 I’m off for the holiday, so here’s an older post from the archives. This was originally published in 2018. A reader writes: My company has a ridiculous late fine policy: you will be fined $2 for every minute, starting from 9:01 a.m. So if you come in at 9:05 a.m., that’s $10 you gotta pay […] Read the full article →
a federal judge has blocked the new overtime rule by Alison Green on November 18, 2024 A federal judge in Texas has blocked a new rule that would have expanded access to overtime pay to millions more salaried workers. And not only that — the court also struck down the increase that already took effect on July 1 of this year. The background: In the U.S., all workers are classified as […] Read the full article →
is it OK for job postings to require a “clean-cut appearance”? by Alison Green on October 17, 2024 A reader writes: There is a small family-owned butcher shop near me. They list job postings on their Facebook page, and I’ve noticed every time they post for counter staff, that they include “clean-cut” or “clean-cut appearance” in their list of requirements for applicants. I don’t believe this is specifically about food handling/sanitation requirements, since […] Read the full article →
new manager is angry that I’m pregnant by Alison Green on October 15, 2024 A reader writes: I’ve just gone through a long interview process for a job I was referred to a while back. I have not been actively applying for jobs because I am pregnant but this one came to me. During the process, I realized this is the best job I’ve ever been considered for — […] Read the full article →
my husband’s boss was fired after he told the truth about her in an exit interview by Alison Green on September 9, 2024 A reader writes: I’m writing on behalf of my husband, Bob, who recently left his job after two years. During his exit interview, he explained exactly why he was leaving. The reasons included his supervisor’s disorganized management style, expecting him to answer texts and phone calls at all hours, expecting him to log on to […] Read the full article →
employer made us take fake lie detector tests to trap a stealing receptionist by Alison Green on September 3, 2024 A reader writes: A coworker, Kate, and I used to work together at another company several years ago. I was visiting with her recently, when she brought up a situation we encountered at the old place. At the old firm, I was a manager and Kate reported to another manager. A bunch of cash payments […] Read the full article →
your non-compete isn’t illegal after all (at least not yet) by Alison Green on August 21, 2024 Remember back in April when the Federal Trade Commission announced it would ban non-compete agreements for most U.S. workers, saying they stifle wages? That was supposed to become law next month, but yesterday a judge in Texas blocked the new rule, saying the agency lacked the authority to issue the rule. The FTC is likely […] Read the full article →