Can I Get Unemployment If I Am an Independent Contractor?

Can I Get Unemployment If I Am an Independent Contractor?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of workers have been laid off from their jobs. Many people who have lost work during the pandemic are independent contractors. While unemployment benefits are generally only available to employees, there are two possible ways you might qualify for unemployment benefits as an independent contractor. One way you might qualify

What Is an Hourly Employee?

In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, most employees are paid on either an hourly or salary basis. Employees are generally classified based on the way that they are paid and the types of work that they perform. Understanding the difference between an hourly and salaried worker is important. Both types of payment systems have drawbacks and

Hazard Pay: What Is It and Who Can Get It?

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, some companies have provided incentives to their employees so that they will continue to work. These extra payments are made on top of their employees’ regular hourly rates and are meant to encourage workers to report to their jobs even when there is a heightened risk of illness,

Uber Drivers: Your Legal Options During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Uber Drivers: Your Legal Options During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Many people in New Jersey and Pennsylvania have lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic and may have trouble affording basic necessities. People who are self-employed have been especially hard-hit and do not qualify for employment benefits, including rideshare drivers, artists, freelancers, and others. Thankfully, the government has prioritized protecting workers and has expanded

How Long Must I Be Employed Before Being Eligible For Unemployment

How Many Sexual Harassment Cases Are Filed Each Year?

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. employers were forced to pay $68.2 million to resolve sexual harassment claims during the fiscal year 2019. This amount was more than $10 million higher than the previous record and demonstrates that sexual harassment continues to be a real problem in workplaces across the nation. The EEOC’s

What Should Employees Do If They Feel Sexually Harassed?

What Should Employees Do If They Feel Sexually Harassed?

Sexual harassment affects millions of workers in the U.S. While sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal, it continues to happen. Sexual harassment claims are difficult to prove, and many victims are afraid to report what is happening to them out of fear of retaliation. Both men and women can be victims of workplace sexual

PPE FAQs: What Are Your Rights in the Workplace?

Working during a pandemic can be scary. You might be rightly worried about possible workplace exposure and wonder about how to protect yourself. Millions of people in the U.S. wonder whether they have the right to wear personal protective equipment at their jobs. Many others wonder whether they have the right to stay at home

How to Document Sexual Harassment

How to Document Sexual Harassment

If someone at your job is sexually harassing you, you may be entitled to recover damages by filing a discrimination charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. However, if you do not properly document the harassment you have faced, succeeding with your claim might be difficult. In many cases, employees fail to properly document and

What Law Prohibits Workplace Discrimination Against Pregnant Employees?

What Law Prohibits Workplace Discrimination Against Pregnant Employees?

Learning that you are pregnant can be very exciting. Most women are happy to learn that they are expecting and want to tell their family, friends, and coworkers their good news. However, before you tell everyone at your workplace about your pregnancy, you should make sure that you understand the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the

Getting Paid for Unused Sick or Vacation Leave If You’re Fired

Being terminated from your job can be overwhelming. When you are fired and your employer refuses to pay you for your unused vacation and sick time, you might wonder whether you have the right to recover compensation for these benefits. While employers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are not required to pay your unpaid vacation