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Discrimination / Harassment

Forcing older staff to take exams singles you out for a lawsuit

04/01/2001
The New York City Transit Authority required employees over age 40 to undergo an electrocardiogram (EKG) to be considered for the job of station supervisor. Jack Epter, 46, passed the …

Snuff out gossip about firings; don’t forward damaging e-mail

04/01/2001
New York Life forbade employees to use their corporate American Express cards for personal items. But Phyllis Meloff says she got permission to use the card for her commuting costs as …

Harassment: Your response makes all the difference

04/01/2001
Case 1: The ‘sex’retary Lesley Gentry’s boss constantly hugged her, kissed her and made suggestive comments, such as asking her to “try out the back counter” with him. He gave …

Worker has duty to file complaint.

04/01/2001
Lynne Barrett told seven other employees, the CEO’s son and two lawyers that her supervisor sexually harassed her. But she never reported the misconduct to any of the 12 managers designated …

Scales tip against weight rule

04/01/2001
The U.S. Supreme Court recently let stand a ruling that an airline’s weight policy discriminated against women. (United Airlines v. Frank, 00-948) The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided …

Grooming policies: Establish limits, not discrimination

04/01/2001
Frank’s boss asked him to quit wearing his earring to work. Frank refused, arguing that women in the office were allowed to wear earrings. He was fired and then sued for …

Steer Clear of Asking About Religion

04/01/2001

Q. When, if ever, can our company legally ask an applicant about his or her religious affiliation? —R.M., Illinois

Co-worker romance: Set a policy that balances rights, liability

03/01/2001
Jess McCavitt claims his company withheld a promotion and then fired him for being romantically involved with another officer in the company. He said their relationship had no effect on their …

It pays to ‘check’ the details.

03/01/2001
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals tossed out a jury award to Sherman Jones, who sued under state age discrimination law. Reason: When Jones filed his complaint with the Equal …

Stray age remark buys you a ticket to court

03/01/2001
In removing Paul DeBrow as president of Century 21, the executive vice president allegedly said, “You’re too old for this shit.” Michigan’s Supreme Court says that’s enough direct evidence of possible …