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Discrimination / Harassment

When employee acts as his own lawyer, court may bend over backwards to help

01/08/2020
Employees who try to represent themselves in court often struggle. They may miss deadlines or simply not understand what claims they may have. Don’t let this lull you into false confidence that the case will be dismissed.

Precisely document justification for policies

01/08/2020
Here’s an important reminder when creating or modifying employment policies: Treat every memo as if it will end up as evidence in a lawsuit.

Even settling harassment cases costs a fortune

01/07/2020
There are many compelling reasons to prevent sexual harassment and stop it if it occurs. One of the most practical reasons: Harassment cases are very expensive to resolve, whether in court or with a settlement.

Failing to accommodate pregnancy costs $170K

01/07/2020
Life Care Centers of America, a chain of 236 geriatric health care service providers in more than 35 states, must pay $170,000 to settle a Pregnancy Discrimination Act lawsuit.

Supreme Court takes another employment case

01/02/2020
The U.S. Supreme Court is still accepting cases for the current term, and on Dec. 18 agreed to hear an appeal in a pair of unique employment cases.

Uber, EEOC broker unique $4.4 mil settlement

01/02/2020
Uber and the EEOC have agreed to settle sexual harassment charges against the ride-hailing company, following a unique approach that could become a model for future settlements.

You must consider internal applicants

01/02/2020
Before you open a job listing to outside applicants, make sure you consider current employees. Ignoring them—especially those who possess the required experience and qualifications—can be a risky proposition.

Prevent bias lawsuits: Never simply rubber-stamp boss’s discipline recommendation

12/26/2019
Before approving a supervisor’s recommended disciplinary action, HR should conduct an independent investigation. It needn’t be extensive, but it’s essential to document that you checked into the facts of the case.

Coping with New York state’s new employment laws

12/20/2019
As we enter 2020, employers should review their policies and handbooks to make sure they take into account new laws recently enacted or about to go into effect. In particular, new rules make it easier for employees to file and win lawsuits.

Review disciplinary records to uncover hidden supervisory discrimination

12/18/2019
Before discharging an employee for violating a rule, make sure that he or she really did commit an infraction. Be particularly alert for the possibility that a supervisor might have tried to manipulate the rules to get an employee to break one.