Question 1

What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

Accepted Answer

The contact number for non-emergency situations of the local police station in Grand Rapids is 616-456-3400.

Question 2

Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

Accepted Answer

You can get a copy of police records for your case-related incidents in Grand Rapids from the Records Unit of the Grand Rapids Police Department, where you may file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for police records. Requests can be available in online and paper form. The steps in submitting an FOIA request can be found at https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Services/File-a-Freedom-of-Information-Act-FOIA-Request-For-Police-Records.

Question 3

What are protected characteristics in Grand Rapids?

Accepted Answer

Protected characteristics, on which an employer is prohibited from basing his or her employment decisions, refer to sex, national origin, religion, color, and race. Federal law also prohibits employers from discriminating against workers based on their age; however, this protection only extends to employees who are at least 40 years old. Additionally, discrimination against people with disabilities is also proscribed in Grand Rapids.

Question 4

When can a work environment in Grand Rapids be considered hostile?

Accepted Answer

A work environment in Grand Rapids can be considered hostile if it is intimidating, hostile, or offensive. A workplace that fosters a harassing atmosphere that constantly interferes with how an employee does his or her job may also be considered as such. Hostile work environment, as a form of harassment, is expressly prohibited.

Question 5

When can a worker in Grand Rapids be considered an independent contractor?

Accepted Answer

A worker in Grand Rapids is considered an independent contractor if the employer does not control their work. On the other hand, the employee should NOT be classified as an independent contractor if the employer supplies them with work equipment and sets their working hours. This distinction is important because business owners do not need to pay independent contractors minimum wage or overtime.

Question 6

Are employers in Grand Rapids required to pay their employees minimum wage?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the general rule is that employers in Grand Rapids are required to pay their employees the minimum wage rate of $9.65 per hour of work. However, this rule is not applicable to workers whose duties fall under the executive, professional, outside sales representative, and administrator exemptions.

Question 7

When is an employee in Grand Rapids considered an executive?

Accepted Answer

An employee in Grand Rapids is considered an executive if the primary scope of his or her job is to manage a department in the company or even the company itself. Other factors include whether the individual supervises two or more full-time employees on a regular basis, has the authority to fire or hire other people, and earns at least $684 weekly.

Question 8

What does an employment attorney do?

Accepted Answer

Employment attorneys represent workers, companies, unions, and advocacy groups. Their primary job is preventing and resolving disputes related to state and federal employment regulations as well as civil rights. They assist with the development of policies, including laws and employee handbooks, and they represent clients in court and during administrative hearings overseen by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and state-level labor agencies.

Question 9

How much should I ask for in a discrimination lawsuit?

Accepted Answer

Employment-related claims are among the most complex and time-consuming lawsuits heard in the civil court system. Before workers can file a lawsuit, they must file a claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Every year, the EEOC recovers $505 million for victims of workplace discrimination. When cases proceed to court, the average settlement is approximately $40,000. However, roughly 10% of claimants receive at least $1 million.

Question 10

How do I prove discrimination in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

Discrimination lawsuits are typically based on an established pattern of behavior in the workplace. Employment attorneys who handle these claims generally advise clients to gather evidence and document all instances of discrimination, harassment, or abuse, as they occur. The following documents are often vital for proving workplace discrimination:

Personnel files
Payroll records
Employee handbooks
Diary or journal entries
Medical or mental health records
Reports from witnesses
Photos or video footage
Physical evidence

Question 11

Can I sue my company for a hostile work environment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, offensive or unwelcome conduct that creates a hostile work environment and affects your terms of employment may give you reason to take legal action. However, rude or abusive behavior on its own isn’t illegal. It must also be tied to other legal issues, such as retaliation for reporting harassment or discrimination directed at members of a protected group.

Question 12

What is the EEOC?

Accepted Answer

The EEOC is the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. It's a federal agency tasked with helping to enforce laws concerning discrimination in the workplace. Not all employers are covered under the EEOC. Typically, you have to work for an organization with at least 15 employees or for a labor union or agency to be covered by EEOC protections.

Question 13

How do I report an abusive boss?

Accepted Answer

If you believe you're being discriminated against, you have several options. First, follow internal reporting procedures with human resources or other leadership. You can also file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC. Talking to an employment attorney can help you understand your options and protect your interests.

Question 14

What laws protect employees from job discrimination?

Accepted Answer

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides employees with protection against discrimination based on a wide variety of factors, including national origin, sex, religion, race, and color.
The Age Discrimination Act of 1967 applies age to the protected class.
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 forbids sex-based compensation discrimination.
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 makes it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of disability in terms of employment decisions.
The Civil Rights Act of 1991 adds more protection and power to the federal government to enforce some of these laws.

Question 15

How do I file a wrongful termination claim?

Accepted Answer

You can file a wrongful termination claim with the EEOC online, via mail, or in person at various EEOC branch offices. You may be able to file a complaint with a state agency. To determine an appropriate plan of action and which organizations you can file with, speak to an employment lawyer.

Question 16

What is unfair treatment at work?

Accepted Answer

Unfair treatment is not the same as unlawful treatment. There aren't laws against unfair treatment, which can include a boss who generally bullies people into action or someone who doesn't make fair decisions about time off because of nepotism or mood. Such issues may not constitute a claim for a court argument or allegation, unlike unjust judgments made on the grounds of race or age. An employment attorney can clarify if unfair treatment is also unlawful.

Question 17

What are some workers\' rights related to injury and illness?

Accepted Answer

Employees have a variety of rights related to time off if they're injured or fall ill. For example, in workplaces covered by the Federal Medical Leave Act, workers are allowed to take up to 12 weeks off without losing their position in a company. The leave is unpaid unless PTO time can be used to cover it. Employees may also have rights to file a workers' comp claim if they're injured on the job. All of these laws cover different situations and types of employers, and an employment attorney can help you understand what rights you have.

Question 18

Can an employer force you to work?

Accepted Answer

This is a gray area in some cases, which is why it may be a good idea to consult an employment lawyer if you have concerns about your workplace. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration , workers have a right to refuse to work in dangerous situations. But the burden of proof that this is, in fact, the case, can weigh heavily on the employee.

Attorney Names	Bar Status	Experience
Joshua Beard - Member	Active	14 yrs
Neil Jansen - Senior Associate	Active	35 yrs

Attorney Names	Bar Status	Experience
Gary Maximiuk - President/Shareholder	Active	47 yrs
Catherine Sullivan - Associate	Active	36 yrs
James Shade - Senior Associate	Active	41 yrs
Michael Terbeek - Shareholder	Active	18 yrs
John Roels - Shareholder	Active	47 yrs
Glenn Smith - President/Shareholder	Active	34 yrs

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

What are protected characteristics in Grand Rapids?

When can a work environment in Grand Rapids be considered hostile?

When can a worker in Grand Rapids be considered an independent contractor?

Are employers in Grand Rapids required to pay their employees minimum wage?

When is an employee in Grand Rapids considered an executive?