Alaska legalized marijuana for recreational use in 2014. Today, the cannabis industry is one of the most competitive in the state. That said, it would not be a surprise if some of your employees use marijuana, either for medical or recreational purposes. But,...
When employees quit their jobs, it's usually their choice. They give notice, work their final weeks and leave on their own terms. This is a voluntary resignation. Constructive discharge is different. It happens when workplace conditions become so intolerable that a...
Alaska employers know that they can face legal liability if they are found to have committed a health or safety violation that injures one of their workers. This is why it is important to have a written health and safety policy. A health and safety policy covers many...
Paid time off (PTO) is a valuable benefit for employees. Not offering PTO may leave your company at a disadvantage in recruiting top talent. You may even find yourself breaking state law in some states if you do not provide PTO. Understanding the laws surrounding...
Trust is a critical element of a prosperous employer-employee relationship. But what happens when that trust is broken? When an employee fails to uphold their end of the bargain, it can have severe consequences for the entire organization. Breaches of contract can...
For employers in Alaska, there are endless concerns about relations with employees and ensuring everyone is treated fairly while maintaining a basic workplace protocol. Part of having rules for employees is to ensure everyone is prepared to work, can do their jobs and...
A workplace discrimination claim can threaten your business or agency on many levels. If successful, the claim’s judgment can be costly to pay out, and it can damage the goodwill you’ve built with your employees and your consumers. That’s why it’s imperative that you...
Non-compete agreements have long been a controversial topic. Historically, Alaska courts upheld the enforceability of reasonable non-competition agreements, but our courts stressed the need for careful scrutiny due to concerns over unequal bargaining power. The...
Alaska businesses need to pay careful attention to two new rules that different federal agencies issued last month. These rules have the force of law, meaning employers that fall under the umbrella of these federal regulations will have to follow these rules once they...
Labor and employment law can be a tricky area for employers. First, they have so many different laws to comply with – FMLA, ADA and wage and hour laws, for example, just to name a few. And then there are conceptual legal constructs that employers must be familiar...