In light of the ongoing federal government shutdown impacting furloughed federal employees, and the latest statement about their eligibility for state unemployment benefits, we are re-posting our Employee Guide to Unemployment Insurance in Colorado.
If you have questions about unemployment or any other employment related matters, feel free to contact us at 720.999.5390 or ben@wick-law.com.
Many employees of cities and counties in Colorado have additional rights relating to employment matters that differ from the rights of private-sector employees. For example, certain city and county employees in Colorado can challenge disciplinary actions and raise allegations of discrimination through internal administrative processes. In addition, claims of discrimination can be filed through the CCRD or EEOC, as is the case with private-sector employees. Our Fact Sheet for City and County Employees in Colorado has additional information.
Employees of the State of Colorado in classified positions, who are certified, have the right to challenge personnel actions to the Colorado State Personnel Board. The ability to challenge such actions differs from the rights of at-will employees in the private sector. There are certain factors in determining who can appeal to the State Personnel Board and what actions can be appealed. Our new fact sheet includes useful information for state employees about the State Personnel Board, raising claims of discrimination, and the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act. Please contact us if you have any questions or need additional information.
The partial shutdown of the federal government has had a major impact on federal employees who have been furloughed. As a furloughed federal employee, do you have any options for challenging a furlough? Read our guidance on federal employee furloughs and find out.
With the new year, the new Colorado Wage Order has gone into effect. In addition to an increase in minimum wage, the Colorado Wage Order and Colorado Wage Act provide protections for employees against unpaid wages, bonuses, commissions, and expenses. Importantly, the Colorado Wage Act allows employees to recover a substantial penalty from an employer for failing to pay wages, in certain circumstances. General information can be found in the article below on Colorado Wage Act Basics. If you have specific questions, please contact us at 720-999-5390 or ben@wick-law.com.
The term “wrongful termination” is used generally to describe a situation where an employee has been improperly terminated. However, in the legal context, wrongful termination claims generally fall into certain categories. Our guidance on wrongful terminations provides specific information about such claims. Please contact us for further information.
Many federal government employees have appeal rights to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) when certain types of disciplinary action are taken against them. Even where there is no formal disciplinary action, an employee may still have a right to challenge the Agency’s action. For example, a federal employees forced to use leave for more than 14-days or forced from the workplace, without due process, may have an appealable action to the MSPB. More information can be found here.
The regulations governing federal sector EEO complaints set forth the actions that should occur if there has been a breach of a settlement agreement by a federal Agency. Specific information is set forth in our guidance on Federal Employee Issues: Breach Of A Settlement Agreement.
Unemployment insurance benefits are intended to provide partial income replacement for
unemployed individuals who meet certain requirements. Applying for and maintaining
unemployment benefits following termination from employment may seem like a daunting and
complicated task. This guide is intended to provide employees with tools to help
navigate this process. Employee Guide to Unemployment Insurance in Colorado.
In a complaint of discrimination against the federal government, the federal agency has the burden to articulate a legitimate non-discriminatory reason for the alleged discriminatory actions, after the complainant sets forth an initial showing of discrimination. What does the agency have to establish to meet its burden? Find out in our latest article addressing the legal standards applicable to federal sector employees filing EEO complaints of discrimination. Federal Employee Issues: Agency’s Burden To Articulate A Legitimate, Non-
Discriminatory Reason.
Do the reasons for an employee’s mental incapacity to perform his or her job affect whether the employee is entitled to unemployment insurance benefits in Colorado? See our new article addressing the the Colorado Supreme Court's decision on this issue in Mesa County Public Library District v. Industrial Claims Appeals Office.
Are federal employees able to bring claims based on parental or caregiver status? Our new guidance, available below, addresses this important question.
Federal Employee Issues: Discrimination Based On Parental/Caregiver Status
Colorado law disfavors employment agreements that restrict the ability to compete. Pursuant to Colorado statute, such agreements are void in most circumstances. However, there are certain exceptions that apply. Find out more in our new article: Colorado’s Non-Compete Statute – Section 8-2-113, C.R.S.
Companies such as Uber and Lyft, are at the center of legal battles about whether companies classify “independent contractors” correctly. A recent decision by the Supreme Court of California may signal the likely outcome of these cases. For more information, see our new article: A “Side Gig” As An Uber Driver Might Soon Entitle You To Benefits, Overtime Pay, And More.
According to a recent decision by the Colorado Court of Appeals in Brunson v. Colo. Cab Co., LLC, 2018 COA 17, the Colorado Wage Order, as interpreted by the Colorado Department of Labor, provides greater employee protection than does federal law. Our summary of the case and analysis of the impact on future cases is attached. For additional information, contact Amanda Walck at 720-999-5390 or Amanda@wick-law.com.
The way in which federal employees can amend a complaint of discrimination differs greatly from private sector employees. It is important to understand the types of claims that can be included as an amendment, and the Agency's obligation in processing an EEO amendment. Our latest guidance provides information on amending EEO complaints. You can also contact us at 720.999.5390.
As a federal government applicants or employees, you may be required to take a polygraph
examination as a prerequisite to being hired by, or to continue employment with, a federal
government agency. Our new article discusses the ability of the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (EEOC) to review an allegation that an applicant or employee was subjected to
unlawful discrimination during a polygraph examination.
Benjamin E. Wick will be presenting as part of a panel on Diversity & Inclusiveness and Small Firm/Solo Practice at the Legal Inclusiveness & Diversity Conference on May 7 & 8, 2018. We hope you can join us!
The 2018 edition of the Federal Sector Equal Employment Opportunity Practice Guide, written by The Wick Law Office's Benjamin Wick and Holly Franson has shipped. This book provides practical legal advice, guidance, and strategies for employees, HR professionals, and attorneys. Order your copy here https://store.lexisnexis.com/categories/shop-products/coming-soon-174/federal-sector-equal-employment-opportunity-practice-guide-skuSKU02358
We are very excited to announce that the Wick Law Office is moving April 1, 2018 to a new office space. Our new address as of April 1, 2018 will be:
The Wick Law Office, LLC
600 Grant Street, Suite 610
Denver, CO 80203
