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Discrimination / Harassment

Philadelphia hotel sales rep sentenced for hate crime

12/01/2007

Kia Reid, a former sales representative at a Sheraton Suites hotel in Philadelphia, was sentenced to eight months in a community corrections center plus two years of probation for sending a threatening note to her supervisor, who is an American Muslim of Arabic descent …

Workplace genetic testing raises discrimination concerns

12/01/2007

Advances in genetic research have renewed attention on the workplace implications of genetic testing. Genetic research has many potential benefits. But there is growing concern that employers with access to genetic information may use it to discriminate …

Illegal status doesn’t bar employee’s discrimination claim

12/01/2007

While it may be unlawful to employ illegal immigrants under the Immigration Reform and Control Act, that doesn’t mean undocumented employees can’t sue for alleged employment discrimination based on other factors, such as pregnancy. Federal courts will still entertain discrimination lawsuits, ignoring illegal status …

New Jersey’s anti-Discrimination law has long reach

12/01/2007

You may think that the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) applies only to your role as an employer. You would be wrong. In fact, the NJLAD may affect other aspects of your organization’s business activities. As the following case shows, even refusing to do business with another company can lead to discrimination litigation …

Documenting HR’s responsiveness cuts harassment liability

12/01/2007

Employees who quit in frustration when their harassment complaints go unheeded can sue, claiming they were “constructively discharged” because conditions were unbearable. That’s why it’s crucial for the HR office to respond to each and every complaint. Doing so can head off a surprise lawsuit …

Generalized harassment isn’t considered retaliation under CEPA

12/01/2007

Good news for employers: Workers who claim they have been retaliated against for whistle-blowing under the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) have to show more than generalized displeasure with their organizations’ actions. Mere harassment isn’t enough—the employer has to take concrete action such as firing, demoting or denying promotions …

Tropicana Casino faces yet another age discrimination suit

12/01/2007

Two former pit bosses are suing the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City for replacing them with younger workers. The Tropicana already faces an EEOC lawsuit on behalf of 20 employees ranging in age from their late 40s to their early 70s who were laid off in January …

Union drive stalls at Hilton Casino in Atlantic City

12/01/2007

A Hilton pit boss and his wife are suing the United Auto Workers for $100 million, claiming the union harassed them during an organizing drive at the Atlantic City casino last spring …

South Jersey township settles age discrimination suit

12/01/2007

Washington Township in Gloucester County will pay $50,000 to a municipal worker to settle an age discrimination lawsuit that has been brewing for six years …

Lawsuit deadlines

12/01/2007

Q. Today, I received notice of a discrimination claim from a former employee I fired 200 days ago. I thought my company was in the clear because employment discrimination complaints had to be filed within 180 days. I was surprised to hear from my HR department that the limitation period for filing the complaints can extend to 300 days. Is this true? And under what circumstances does the 300-day deadline apply? …