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Discrimination / Harassment

Houston union settles EEOC race bias claims for $30,000

12/06/2017

Local 100 of the United Labor Unions, a multi-state service workers’ union, has agreed to settle charges it discriminated against two black organizers when it fired them for allegedly not meeting recruiting goals.

Principal sues Houston schools for race, age discrimination

12/06/2017

A renowned Houston high school principal who was suspended with pay in September has filed a race and age discrimination lawsuit against the Houston Independent School District.

Snapshot: Then & now — Is harassment at work a major problem?

12/05/2017

In March 1998, only half of Americans considered workplace sexual harassment a “major” problem. Now 69% do.

Carlisle settles age bias suit

12/04/2017

Carlisle Borough Council has authorized a $650,000 settlement with the Pennsylvania town’s former public works director to resolve charges that his May 2014 firing was discriminatory.

Be prepared to explain why pay differs for similar jobs

12/04/2017

Keeping close track of why one individual earns less than another goes a long way toward defending against Equal Pay Act claims.

Consider every religious accommodation request, even out-of-the-ordinary ones

12/04/2017

Just because an employee’s religious beliefs fall outside the mainstream doesn’t mean they aren’t protected. In fact, many beliefs qualify as religious even if they may seem outlandish to someone practicing a mainstream religion.

Routinely log phone calls coming into HR

12/04/2017

HR professionals should document all phone calls received from applicants or employees and include a brief summary of the outcome. That way, should someone later claim no one answered or returned a phone call, you have a way to counter the allegation.

Require identical hiring process for all applicants

11/30/2017

Informal employment inquiries can sometimes lead to failure-to-hire lawsuits. The best way to avoid such litigation is to set up a clear application process and tell all potential applicants that this is the only way they can apply.

EEOC sues Fresno firm for national origin discrimination

11/29/2017

The EEOC has filed suit against Papé Material Handling in Fresno, alleging the company systematically discriminates against Hispanic employees.

California expands requirements for anti-harassment training

11/29/2017

In October, Gov. Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 396 into law, expanding the subjects that must be covered in California’s mandatory sexual harassment training for supervisors.