Reaching an agreement on severance/separation while currently still being employed?

Certainly. Often a lawyer will write a "demand" letter to open such negotiations. Good luck.

What can I do about my company's payroll policy?

As long as they pay minimum wage plus OT if applicable they can change policy whenever they want. If someone earned a bonus before the change, they...

Wrong type of discrimination identified

Internal complaints often misidentify the grounds, but a good investigation should show what is what. Why not then amend the complaint now with...

Is a private school responsible/culpable to provide an appropriate internship for a state required licensed program?

This is not an employment question but an education and contract law question. The key is to have a lawyer review all your agreements with the...

When can these government employees have until to be fired for a positive drug test, that was conducted in June 2011

? Is it city or state as employer? If state, might only have a one year window. The union contracts say evidence older than 365 days is too stale.

What can I do so this never happens to anyone else.

Nothing. There is no law against the owner being a jackass. Good riddance to that job.

Do I have any legal recourse and if so, what type of lawyer do i need?

What is the union doing to represent you? You do not explain why this is happening. It also sounds as if co-workers, nit just managers, are doing...

If you are a legit independent contractor, no. But so many, many, many employers skirt the law with bogus 1099 classifications. If bogus, then...

Just looking for tips in any of the areas I described?

1. You need a lawyer asap. 2. As to the taxes, yes...but your CPA can then deduct them as unreimbursed employee expenses...and it will be a...

Am I stuck working where I am?

Obviously no one can answer without reviewing the precise language. You have two big hurdles: your one year employment contract and that your...