Category: Uncategorized
Minnesota Expands Nursing Mothers Pregnancy Accommodations
September 21, 2021 | Scott M. Lepak
By Scott Lepak and Claire Schmitz The 2021 Minnesota legislature amended the nursing mother statute to provide broader protections and clarifications. The law states: (a) An employer must provide reasonable break times each day to an employee who needs to express breast milk for her infant child during the twelve months following the birth of the child. The break times must, if possible, run concurrently with any break times already provided to the employee. An employer is not required to provide break times under this section if to do so would unduly disrupt the operations of the employer. An employer shall not reduce an employee’s compensation for time used for the purpose of expressing milk. 2021 Minn. Laws Ch. 10, Art. 3, § 3 (S.F. No. 9). There are some areas of note in this amended law: The employer “must provide reasonable break times.” This implies that multiple breaks per day must be allowed. The prior law referenced a break time that was not plural. These breaks must be “reasonable.” Though “reasonable” was not defined in the original law (1998) or in the 2021 amendment, there is some authority suggesting that the average time it takes for a woman to pump her breasts is 15-20 minutes. With cleaning and putting away equipment, these…
Read MoreBarna, Guzy & Steffen names Thomas R. Wentzell Shareholder
August 16, 2021 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
The law firm of Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd. announces that Thomas R. Wentzell has been named a Shareholder by the Board of Directors. Tom began his career with Barna, Guzy & Steffen as a law clerk from January 2012-April 2013 while he was completing his law degree at University of St. Thomas School of Law. He returned in 2014 to become part of the busy Real Estate Law department. Tom has developed a robust commercial real estate practice, representing property owners and developers with respect to purchase, sale, new development, financing, leasing, and a host of other real estate related transactions. He works significantly in the areas of multifamily housing, office, industrial, and retail properties. Tom graduated cum laude from University of St. Thomas School of Law in 2013. He was a recipient of a Dean’s Award, made the Dean’s list regularly, and received a President’s Scholarship. Tom earned his Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from St. John’s University in 2007 where he graduated magna cum laude, received All-College Honors and played Varsity football. The firm would like to congratulate Tom on his accomplishments and commitment to the mission of providing clients legal service with trust, dedication and professionalism. BGS believes these ingredients are the essence of integrity, and strives to…
Read MorePutting Children First: Co-Parenting Through a Pandemic
February 5, 2021 | Elizabeth A. Schading
Co-parenting under normal circumstances presents many challenges for families of divorced or separated parents. Add a worldwide pandemic to a tenuous, oftentimes contentious, family dynamic and the results can be devastating for everyone involved. During COVID-19, many families are discovering that previous co-parenting arrangements may not withstand the demands associated with sheltering in place and remote/distance learning. This can amplify an already stressful situation. Read our blog as we discuss ways to help families cope with the challenges associated with co-parenting through a pandemic. Ensure safety when changing households Many parents wonder if it’s safe to have their children travel back and forth between two households, especially if the other parent is at a higher risk for exposure through work or contact with others like a stepparent or significant other. Some have even gone to court over such matters. Parents should make every effort to talk amongst themselves to discuss how to address safety concerns before getting the courts involved. Maintain open lines of communication Oftentimes separated or divorced parents are estranged from one another, making communication and planning quite challenging. However, parents should try to set aside their differences and focus on the heath and well-being of their children. Maintaining open and honest lines of communication is critical. If you find communicating…
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