Labor Rights Archives | Van Kampen Law

Workers’ Rights During a Layoff Where The Employer Files For Bankruptcy

February 22, 2023February 1, 2021 by Michael Morrison

The economic and social impact of COVID-19 has been devastating to our global workforce. With unprecedented mass layoffs and furloughs, millions of people are at risk of losing their livelihoods and falling into extreme poverty because of employer bankruptcy. Upon notice of a company’s intention to file for bankruptcy, it is crucial to determine what options may be available to an employee wanting to protect their claims against their employer. Here are action steps to protect yourself when facing a layoff because of company bankruptcy.

What To Do If Your Job Puts You At Risk of COVID-19

March 9, 2023December 7, 2020 by Josh Van Kampen

Van Kampen Law was recently featured on WSOC-TV Channel 9 Eyewitness News. Anchor Brittney Johnson interviewed Josh Van Kampen about the biggest COVID-19 safety concerns people are facing on the job and what to do if your job puts you at risk. Learn what you can do if your job puts you at risk of COVID-19 and see the laws that protect public health whistleblowers against retaliation.

Many Healthcare Workers Are Demanding Hazard Pay

February 22, 2023April 7, 2020 by Josh Van Kampen

By: Jason Stoogenke – Updated: April 3, 2020 – 1:57 PM CHARLOTTE — Lashonda Price is a registered medical assistant for Atrium Health. She told Action 9′s Jason Stoogenke she was working in a doctor’s office, but she’s now at Atrium Health – Main — coming in contact with COVID-19 patients. “I am actually doing … Read more

Employment Attorney Discusses Employee Rights During Pandemic

February 22, 2023March 28, 2020 by Josh Van Kampen

Social Distancing interview with an employment attorney, Josh Van Kampen, to find out your rights as an employee at the workplace during this trying time.

COVID-19 Overwhelms North Carolina’s Ill-equipped Employment Law Protections

February 22, 2023March 27, 2020 by Josh Van Kampen

COVID-19 has overwhelmed the federal and spotty North Carolina employment law protection scheme. The NC wrongful discharge tort is built to adapt immediately to new pronouncements of “public policy,” and an executive order should do the trick. What can Gov. Roy Cooper achieve with the stroke of a pen to bring needed relief to our suffering workforce?

Hurricane Safety Concerns May Get You Fired in North Carolina

February 22, 2023September 21, 2018 by Josh Van Kampen

State labor department advises workers can be fired despite state of emergency and hurricane safety concerns, but labor law attorneys say otherwise. See what they are saying inside.

5 Tips To Help Employers Cope With Natural Disasters

February 22, 2023September 21, 2018 by Josh Van Kampen

The battering that Hurricane Florence dealt to the southeastern United States should serve as a fresh reminder to employers that advance planning is an important aspect of dealing with the chaos that nature can cause. See what the experts are saying employers should keep in mind when dealing with a natural disaster.

Fifth Circuit Rules Retaliation Provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act Permits Recovery for Emotional Distress Damages

February 22, 2023December 28, 2016 by Sara Smith

A Texas man struck gold last week with the Fifth Circuit’s decision that the Fair Labor Standards Act (the “FLSA”) allows retaliation victims to recover emotional distress damages.

21st-Century Sweatshops: Pretty Nails “Cost” More Than You Think

February 22, 2023May 22, 2015 by Jordan Quick

An investigation launched by the New York Times has recently exposed the devastating, illegal conditions prevalent in many nail salons within New York City – conditions that include the stealing of tips, failure to pay overtime or even minimum wage, and the intense exposure to toxic fumes and chemicals. It’s hardly a reach to conclude that these sort of deplorable practices are occurring in North Carolina as well.

Josh Van Kampen Quoted in Law360 Article on Growth of FLSA lawsuits

February 22, 2023May 5, 2015 by Josh Van Kampen

As the number of Fair Labor Standards Act complaints filed in U.S. federal courts continues to climb, attorneys say the more modest growth in new cases over the past few years could be chalked up to aggressive efforts by major employers to improve their payment systems, keep a close eye on managers and never let their guard down.