The United States Supreme Court issued a decision today in US v. Quality Stores, confirming that severance payments made to involuntarily terminated employees are “wages” and subject to taxation under FICA.
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EEOC Issues Guidelines to Employers on Accommodating Religious Dress in Workplace
One of the most frequent sources of questions we face deal with accommodating religious dress. The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) has just released informal guidelines to assist employers in meeting their legal obligations entitled Religious Garb and Grooming in the Workplace: Rights and Responsibilities.
Merely Advertising Your Services Is Not Enough to File A Use-Based Application
The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (Board) granted Playdom Inc.’s petition for cancellation of registration for the mark PLAYDOM for certain entertainment services on the basis that the registration was void because Registrant David Couture had not used the mark in the rendering of the entertainment services prior to filing his Section 1(a) use-based application.
Religious Exemption Upheld
The Washington State Supreme Court issued an opinion today in Ockletree v. Franciscan Health Services affirming that exempting religious organizations from the Washington Law Against Discrimination does not violate Washington’s Constitution, which guarantees “absolute freedom” in matters of religion.
Discussions About Minimum Wage Reach National Stage
Many of us are aware of the recent discussions about an increase in local minimum wage, including a minimum wage of $15/hr in SeaTac for hospitality and transportation worker, or a $15 minimum wage for Seattle city workers.
The Rules in Washington Medical Malpractice Cases Continue to Shift
Earlier this morning, a deeply divided Washington Supreme Court issued an opinion that allows defense lawyers in certain cases to speak privately with a medical malpractice plaintiff’s treating physicians. The Court’s decision today in Youngs v. PeaceHealth fundamentally changes the status quo in handling and investigating medical malpractice cases in Washington.
Washington Supreme Court Rules Another Medical Malpractice Reform Law Unconstitutional
This past week, the Washington Supreme Court ruled that yet another aspect of Washington’s recent medical malpractice reform laws is unconstitutional. In the case of Schroeder v. Weighall, the Court on Thursday ruled that minors who are plaintiffs in medical negligence cases are entitled to “toll” the statute of limitations applicable to their claim (a sort of “time out” from the statute of limitations)
Same Sex Marriage Issues Continue to Play on National Stage
The United States Supreme Court granted a stay to the State of Utah as to implementing the decision of a federal judge who struck down Utah’s ban on same sex marriage (Herbert v. Kitchen). The granting of the stay means that same sex marriage will remain illegal in Utah as the matter runs up the lower court appeals process.
Understanding the Eastside Catholic Situation
The public furor over the firing of an Eastside Catholic High School administrator emphasizes once again the complex interplay and separation between church and state. When considering the issue, keep several legal and Constitutional principles in mind.
IRS Opens Door For Some Washington Businesses to Receive ACA Credit
Employer Alert! The IRS issued guidance last week that certain small businesses in Washington can qualify for the Affordable Care Act’s small business tax credit if they provide their employees with health insurance that meets current rules, even if the employer’s principal business address is in a county not offering a qualified health plan