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Discrimination / Harassment

Workplace tiff doesn’t mean workplace was necessarily a hostile environment

05/12/2014
Some employees seem to think that any uncomfortable situation at work can become the basis for a lawsuit. Fortunately, they are wrong. Co-workers don’t always get along, but that’s hardly grounds for a hostile work environment charge.

Worker facing discharge claims harassment? Investigate first, then fire if still warranted

05/12/2014
Sometimes, employers don’t learn about alleged discrimination or harassment until an employee brings up the claim when facing discharge for other reasons. If that happens, how should you respond?

Harassment fear won’t excuse insubordination

05/12/2014

When harassment allegations surface, we often advise separating the two parties to minimize chances of more misbehavior. Sometimes, employees find their own ways to keep away from harassers. However, business realities can make that unsustainable.

What caused the EEOC’s big age-bias charge spike?

05/08/2014
Was demography or economic distress to blame for the sudden jump in age discrimination charges between 2006 and 2008?

Texas town loses final appeal on immigration statute

05/01/2014
The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear appeals of rulings that declared two of the nation’s most far-reaching anti-­immigrant statutes unconstitutional. The towns of Farmer’s Branch, Texas, and Hazleton, Pa., had adopted ordinances punishing landlords who rented to “illegal immigrants.” The Hazle­­ton ordinance also targeted employers that hired illegals.

McAllen, TX moves to put harassment case behind it

05/01/2014
The city of McAllen seems to be turning a page with the departure of an assistant city manager. The official had previously filed a sexual harassment complaint against a former city manager who retired in March.

AA Foundry drops appeal of EEOC harassment case

05/01/2014
A San Antonio ironworks has decided to drop its two-year-old fight with the EEOC over allegations that it harassed black workers.

Beware lawsuits from contract workers, too

05/01/2014
Some employers mistakenly believe that having employees work on a contractual basis will save them from litigation. If they decide not to renew the contracts of workers considered “trou­­blemakers,” they figure they can avoid being sued. That’s a big mistake.

Worker refuses to follow directions? OK to fire

05/01/2014
Employees don’t have the right to decide which directions they must follow. Unless there are clearly extenuating reasons (safety concerns, for example), you can and should discipline workers who refuse to cooperate.

Judge dismisses race bias complaint against college

04/30/2014
A federal judge has agreed to dismiss racial discrimination claims leveled against the Harrisburg Area Com­­mu­­nity College by a black woman who was twice turned down for a position as vice president.