News, updates, resources, stories, and help from an Ohio attorney through a Blog.
When it comes to unemployment benefits in Ohio, your religious beliefs can play a crucial role in determining your eligibility – even if those beliefs prevent you from accepting certain work or following employer policies. Understanding how religious freedom intersects with unemployment law can make the difference between qualifying for benefits or facing denial.
Read MoreAs union members, we stand together to protect our livelihoods, our working conditions, and the integrity of our collective bargaining agreements. One of the challenges we sometimes face is the prospect of our employers subcontracting our work to outside entities. While employers may claim this is for efficiency or cost savings, it can have a devastating impact on our jobs and our union's strength. It's crucial for us to understand that under Ohio law, specifically Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapter 4117, certain subcontracting actions by public employers can be illegal unfair labor practices (ULPs). This post will delve into when subcontracting crosses the line and what rights we have as union members in these situations.
Read MoreWe've all seen it happen: a police officer pulls someone over for what they believe is a violation, only to discover upon approach that no violation actually occurred. What should happen next? Ohio law provides clear guidance on this important issue.
Read MoreIf you've been terminated from your job in Ohio and are considering filing for unemployment benefits, one crucial concept you need to understand is "just cause" – and specifically, how the reason your employer gave for your termination affects your eligibility for benefits.
Read MoreIn the realm of Ohio public sector labor relations, the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapter 4117 lays out the ground rules for the relationship between public employers and their employees, particularly when employees choose to be represented by a union. A key aspect of these regulations is the prohibition of "unfair labor practices" (ULPs), actions by either the employer or the employee organization that undermine the rights guaranteed by this chapter. One such ULP that often raises questions is "direct dealing." This blog post will delve into what direct dealing entails and under what circumstances it can cross the line into an unfair labor practice for public employers in Ohio.
Read MoreAfter a traffic stop, many drivers are asked to perform field sobriety tests. However, Ohio law clearly establishes that police must have specific justification before making this request. Understanding these requirements is crucial for anyone who faces DUI/OVI charges.
Read MoreFacing sexual harassment in the workplace puts employees in an impossible position. Many feel they have no choice but to resign for their own wellbeing. A common concern in these situations is whether quitting due to harassment will disqualify you from receiving unemployment benefits in Ohio.
The good news is that Ohio law recognizes that employees who resign due to sexual harassment may have "just cause" to quit and remain eligible for unemployment benefits. However, specific requirements must be met to protect your eligibility.
Read MoreWhen a labor dispute reaches arbitration, the arbitrator's primary mission is to uncover what the union and management actually intended when they agreed to specific contract language. This fundamental principle—discovering the parties' mutual intent—guides every aspect of contract interpretation in labor arbitrations.
Read MoreSummer in Ohio means trips to Put-in-Bay, Kelley's Island, campgrounds, and golf courses. For many, these outings include renting golf carts and enjoying alcoholic beverages. What most people don't realize is that operating a golf cart while impaired can result in the same serious OVI/DUI charges as driving a car.
Read MoreIf you've been terminated from your job due to licensing issues, understanding how Ohio handles these cases in the unemployment system can make a significant difference in your financial security. Ohio's approach to licensing-related terminations has been shaped by several pivotal court decisions, most notably the Ohio Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Williams v. Ohio Department of Job & Family Services.
Read MoreRecent Ohio case law has significantly clarified how courts interpret management rights provisions and zipper clauses in collective bargaining agreements. Two key decisions from the Eighth District Court of Appeals in 2024 provide important guidance for unions challenging unilateral employer actions.
Read MoreMany DUI cases in Ohio begin with a traffic stop for a "marked lanes violation." These stops often serve as the initial contact point that leads to further investigation for impaired driving. Understanding what actually constitutes a marked lanes violation can be crucial if you're facing charges that stemmed from such a stop.
Read MoreIn today's digital workplace, the line between professional and personal computer use can often blur. Many Ohio workers find themselves wondering: "Can I be denied unemployment benefits if I was fired for using the internet or company computers for personal reasons?" The answer, like many aspects of unemployment law, depends on several important factors.
Read MoreWhen your union and management disagree about what contract language means, an arbitrator often becomes the final decision-maker. Understanding how these neutrals approach contract interpretation can help you evaluate potential grievances and strengthen your workplace advocacy. This guide explores the dominant approaches to contract interpretation in labor arbitration.
Read MoreExperienced attorney with 20 years of legal expertise in OVI/DUI defense, criminal defense, labor union law, and employment law. Admitted to practice in Ohio, the U.S. District Courts for Northern and Southern Ohio, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
by Brian J. Smith, Esq
The Law Offices of Brian J. Smith, ltd.
20545 Center Ridge Road, Suite 215, Rocky River, Ohio 44116
800-641-1970
https://www.BrianSmithLaw.com
Criminal Defense - DUI Defense - Unemployment Appeals - Union Labor Law
Unemployment Appeals and Union Labor Law service areas include the State of Ohio.
Criminal and OVI services areas include: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Ottawa, Portage, Sandusky, and Summit, Counties, including the cities of Amherst, Avon, Avon Lake, Bay Village, Beachwood, Bedford, Bellevue, Berea, Brecksville, Brook Park, Brooklyn, Chagrin Falls, Chardon, Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Clyde, Cuyahoga Heights, Elyria, Euclid, Fairview Park, Fremont, Garfield Heights, Gates Mills, Highland Heights, Huron, Independence, Kent, Lakewood, Linndale, Lorain, Lyndhurst, Maple Heights, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, Middleburg Heights, Newburgh Heights, North Olmsted, North Randall, North Ridgeville, Norwalk, Oberlin, Painesville, Parma, Pepper Pike, Port Clinton, Ravenna, Richmond Heights, Rocky River, Sandusky, Seven Hills, Shaker Heights, Sheffield Village, Sheffield Lake, South Euclid, Stow, Summit County, University Heights, Valley View, Vermilion, Westlake, Willoughby, and Woodville.
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