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Retaliation

Retaliation: Your #1 risk in job-bias lawsuits

03/19/2013
Supervisors in your organization probably know it’s illegal to discriminate based on race, age, sex, religion or disability. But apparently far fewer realize those same federal laws also make it illegal to retaliate against people for voicing complaints about such discrimination.

Quest for ‘new blood’ could bleed bank account if it results in huge punitive damages award

03/15/2013
If you place an older worker who has complained about age discrimination on a performance improvement plan  that is essentially impossible to complete, watch out! You’re setting yourself up to pay out huge punitive damages—even if the employee winds up winning just a modest retaliation verdict.

Whistle-blower isn’t doing her job? Feel free to discipline

03/15/2013
Here’s an important reminder when management gets nervous about terminating a so-called whistle-blower. Solid, legitimate reasons for discipline take precedence over protections to which whistle-blowers are entitled.

Another lawsuit in state police Asian sex-trip scandal

03/12/2013
The Pennsylvania State Police sex-tourism scandal gripping Harrisburg just got even more complicated. Yet another trooper is suing the state, claiming he was passed over for a promotion after testifying in connection with the original lawsuit that blew the whistle on police officials who allegedly traveled to Asia to engage in sex.

Guard against retaliation claims by documenting timing of every step in the hiring process

03/12/2013
Here’s a simple tip that can save you lots of headaches: Docu­­ment the exact date an applicant submits her paperwork and the date of each decision related to her application.

When it comes to discrimination, retaliation is still the No. 1 risk

03/06/2013
For the third year in a row, retaliation is the No. 1 type of job discrimination claim filed with the EEOC. Employees submitted 37,836 retaliation claims in 2012. That’s only a small increase from 2011, but up more than 100% since 1998.

Count on being sued if you fire employee who has complained about harassment

03/05/2013

Some things in life are certain. Like death and taxes, litigation follow­ing a firing after a discrimination complaint will happen. The reason: Judges are reluctant to toss out retaliation claims without first hearing all the evidence.

Safelite Glass retaliation claim reflects poorly on HR

03/05/2013
A Safelite AutoGlass franchise in Enfield, N.C., has agreed to settle an EEOC sexual harassment and retaliation suit filed by a former HR assistant who claimed the HR manager made unwanted sexual comments and touched her inappropriately.

Cutting off good shifts can be retaliation

03/05/2013
When an employee complains about sexual harassment and suddenly finds herself under scrutiny—and sees her schedule changed—she may have a retaliation case.

Beware firing for ‘spreading rumors’ about bias

02/20/2013
Bosses may not like it, but em­­ployees have the right to complain about their working conditions. Characterizing those complaints as unfounded gossip doesn’t change that—and should never be a reason for termination …