Discrimination / Harassment

New rules proposed for EEOC conciliation process

10/13/2020

For the first time since 1977, the EEOC is proposing changes to the procedures it uses to mediate discrimination and harassment claims before they go to court. If finalized, the new procedures should reduce the number of EEOC complaints that turn into lawsuits, legal experts say.

Google it: harassment shareholder settlement

10/08/2020

Employers can’t get away with sweeping sexual harassment complaints under the rug in the #MeToo era.

Always consider religious accommodations

10/01/2020

Employees may ask for reasonable accommodations when work interferes with their religious beliefs or practices. Employers often must go far beyond allowing occasional absences to attend services or bending dress and grooming rules to allow head scarves or beards.

Suspect bullying? Intervene fast

09/23/2020

Take all claims seriously. Bullying can lead to physical violence, long-term psychological damage—and the harassment lawsuits that accompany them. Here are several tactics to use when following up on your suspicions.

Snapshot: Most believe in a new civil rights law

09/22/2020

For the first time since Gallup began polling on the issue, most Americans—Black and White—think a new civil rights law is needed to reduce discrimination against Black people.

Audit duties, pay scales to ensure EPA compliance

09/17/2020

Ensure Equal Pay Act compliance by routinely reviewing all job descriptions for similarities between positions. Then check similar positions’ salary ranges for consistency and the sex of job incumbents.

Beware bias when recalling RIF’ed workers

09/17/2020

When you are ready to welcome back workers who were laid off at the beginning of the pandemic, be careful not to trigger discrimination lawsuits. It could happen if your reduction in force cost the jobs of workers belonging to a protected class.

EEOC amending lawsuits to add LGBT bias

09/10/2020

Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s Bostock v. Clayton County ruling, employers are discovering that pending EEOC lawsuits involving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees have suddenly been expanded. Here’s how that played out for one employer that ultimately decided to settle.

Presidential campaign: Where Trump, Biden differ on HR issues

09/10/2020

President Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden disagree on most issues affecting America’s workplaces. Here is a breakdown of where they stand.

Despite pandemic, monitor worksites for harassment

09/03/2020

Conduct snap inspections to ensure no remote harassment is taking place. Otherwise, you could end up in the EEOC’s crosshairs.