Dayspa

MAY 2016

DAYSPA is the magazine of spa management. Spa owners and spa managers turn to DAYSPA for spa management trends, spa management tips and more.

Issue link: https://dayspamagazine.epubxp.com/i/665614

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 84 of 116

82 DAYSPA | MAY 2016 LEGAL PAD No Easy Answers: The Transgender Employee, Part 1 As our society evolves, so must our ability to address issues of gender identity. In this two-part series, we take a critical look at what the law says—and doesn't say—about the hiring and management of transgender employees. By Michael L. Antoline, J.D. If the tide of relationship recognition laws sweeping the U.S. is any barometer, Americans are becoming more supportive of the gay and lesbian communities. Every state now has marriage equality laws for same-sex couples, or comprehensive civil union or domestic partnership laws. Despite common perception among the general public, however, the right to relationship recogni- tion does not equate to freedom from discrimination. Unfortunately, we still see such discrimination evi- dent in family leave laws, foster care and adoption policies, and medical decision-making rights, to name just a few. Yes, there are laws that apply to discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity—laws that day spa owners and managers need to understand and be ready to implement in the workplace. The following federal laws were put into place to protect workers against unfair practices: • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which estab- lishes federal minimum wage and overtime pay. • Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), which governs workplace safety. • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which requires the granting of 12 weeks of unpaid, job- protected leave. • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against people with dis- abilities in employment, transportation and public accommodations. © GETTY IMAGES

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Dayspa - MAY 2016