Social Media NetworksNowadays we are constantly bombarded with news of events that arouse our political views. Social media both perpetuates these events and provides a platform for virtually anyone to express their social and political views. Political views are often visible to coworkers, including management and supervisors who have the discretion to make termination decisions. What difference might this make for South Carolina employers?

South Carolina statute S.C. Code §16-17-560 makes it a crime to “discharge a citizen from employment or occupation . . . because of political opinions or the exercise of political rights and privileges guaranteed to every citizen by the Constitution and laws of the United States or by the Constitution and laws of this State.” In certain circumstances, an employee may bring a lawsuit against their employer for wrongful termination when this section is violated.
Continue Reading When Social Media, Politics and the Workplace Collide

This blog has previously covered the potential pitfalls of classifying workers as independent contractors. While classifying a worker as a “1099” offers many potential benefits on the business side, it can expose the company to significant tax liability, statutory penalties, and monetary damages.

The difficulty for employers is determining which workers may be properly classified as independent contractors. The IRS, Department of Labor, and South Carolina courts all have different tests. On August 9, 2017, the South Carolina Court of Appeals issued a decision that provides some insight on how South Carolina courts make the determination.
Continue Reading New South Carolina Decision Impacts How Employers Classify Workers