What does the law ban? The law bans questions about an applicant’s criminal history record on the initial employment application form. Do I have to hire an applicant with a criminal history record? No. You are permitted to ask an applicant about a criminal history record during an interview or after the applicant has been… Continue reading Ban the Box (effective 7/1/17)
Month: May 2017
Pregnant employees (effective 1/1/18)
What if an employee becomes pregnant?Pregnancy or childbirth may limit a woman’s ability to perform a job. Under Act 21, employers must provide reasonable accommodations to such women, unless those accommodations would be an undue hardship on the employer. What if the job involves heavy lifting?The employer must provide reasonable accommodations, such as providing lifting… Continue reading Pregnant employees (effective 1/1/18)
Equipment leases
What is an equipment lease?The most common complaints received by CAP from business consumers involve credit card equipment leases. The leases are generally financed by third parties. An “independent” salesperson works to sell you, the business consumer, a lease. Typically, credit card machines cost less than $500. Yet, in the typical credit card equipment lease,… Continue reading Equipment leases
Nursing moms in the workplace
Does a nursing parent have rights to pump breast milk in the workplace?Yes. The Legislature granted parents and babies such rights in 2013. This right exists for the first three years after birth of the child. The usual term for pumping breast milk is “to express” breast milk. Why does the Legislature care about breast-feeding?Research has… Continue reading Nursing moms in the workplace
Paid sick leave
Why did the Legislature require paid leave? The Legislature found that paid sick leave would provide a healthier work environment for all Vermonters. However, about half of private-sector employees—60,000—lacked paid sick leave. These Vermonters were generally employees of Vermont small businesses. What employers does this law cover? Almost all employers are covered. There are some… Continue reading Paid sick leave