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Discrimination / Harassment

AT&T’s phone or its supervisor: Was either at fault?

09/04/2012
A former employee at AT&T’s Houston facility has filed a racial discrimination complaint against the telecommunications giant, claiming he was fired by a boss who was motivated by racial bias.

Midland oil company, Hispanic workers settle harassment suit

09/04/2012
Three employees of Midland-based crude oil producer Blue Ridge Resources have agreed to settle a national-origin harassment lawsuit against the company. Blue Ridge will pay the three men $43,000 for failing to train their supervisor and investigate the men’s complaints.

Make sure training is available to all

09/04/2012
Everyone who is qualified should have a chance to participate in your training programs.

Past reviews don’t prove today’s performance

09/03/2012
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has concluded that just because an employee who has been demoted received good reviews in the past doesn’t mean that she is still meeting her employer’s legitimate expectations.

Outer Banks hotel sued for Christmas Eve firing

08/28/2012
The Comfort Inn Oceanfront South in Nags Head has been charged with religious discrimination after it fired a woman who says her religion forbade her from working on Christmas Eve 2010.

Suit claims religious group discriminates against women

08/28/2012
Asheville Buncombe Community Chris­­tian Ministry is being sued by the South­­ern Pov­­erty Law Center (SPLC), which claims the ministry illegally refuses to provide some kinds of training to women.

Lenoir company folded–but must still pay bias settlement

08/28/2012
The management team behind what’s left of Lenoir-based Caldwell Freight Lines just learned a harsh lesson: The EEOC will come after you even if you are no longer in business.

Double-check: Do employees know how to report bias?

08/28/2012
Before federal employees can file a discrimination complaint, they must first talk to their agency’s EEO officer and formally complain within 45 days. There’s no excuse for not following that rule, as long as training materials address the requirement and bulletin boards include the notice.

EEOC dragging its feet? Seek lawsuit dismissal if delay hurts your ability to defend yourself

08/28/2012

If the EEOC takes too long to investigate a case and initiate a lawsuit, a court may toss it out. Although technically the EEOC has unlimited time to sue, as a ­practical matter employers can get cases dismissed if they can show undue delay and that the delay hurt their ability to come up with a defense.

Sexual harassment within HR demands alternative reporting system

08/28/2012
No department is immune from sexual harassment—not even HR. And when someone in HR is implicated, that’s a big problem.