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Discrimination / Harassment

Train staff to respect transgender customers

03/20/2018

Do you train employees to treat all customers with respect, regardless of sexual orientation, transgender status and the like? If not, you may be unwittingly creating a hostile environment for some customers, which can mean a lawsuit.

What employers can look for under EEOC’s strategic plan

03/14/2018

The EEOC enforces the nation’s employment discrimination laws. Its strategic plan, issued every five years, presents its overarching plan for carrying out its mission relative to issues emerging in the workplace and the resources available to the commission. The strategic plan gives employers an insight into the EEOC’s enforcement strategy.

Comment about pregnancy? Nope, just shut up!

03/14/2018

Remind supervisors to never mention pregnancy in conjunction with hiring or assignments.

When workers and supervisors clash, ask: Is it discrimination or personality conflict?

03/14/2018
Sometimes, a supervisor and subordinate just don’t get along. While the subordinate may think the reason has something to do with a protected characteristic, that may not be the case. When you receive such a complaint, you obviously must investigate.

Tell trainers: You have an obligation to report harassment or discrimination you witness

03/14/2018

Employers that have actual knowledge that a hostile work environment exists can’t get off the hook by claiming a worker failed to use an established system for reporting harassment.

Employers look at pay parity in response to #MeToo outcry

03/13/2018

The #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have done more than shine a light on sexual harassment in the workplace. They’ve also prompted employers to take a fresh look at gender-based pay disparities.

Legislation would ban mandatory arbitration of #MeToo claims

03/13/2018

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D–N.Y.) has introduced legislation that would bar employers from including sexual harassment or gender discrimination claims in mandatory arbitration agreements. Identical legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives.

Court gives new protection to transgender workers

03/13/2018
A panel of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled for the first time that discrimination on the basis of transgender and transitioning status violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

EEOC charges continue seven-year decline

03/13/2018

The EEOC handled 89,385 charges of workplace discrimination in fiscal year 2017, an 8% decline compared to the year before.

Beware claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress

03/13/2018

You should thoroughly train all managers and supervisors on how to treat disabled employees. A worker with a disability who is badly mistreated may be able to claim intentional infliction of emotional distress in Pennsylvania.