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Retaliation, discrimination, and harassment persist; disability bias charges increase

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released a detailed breakdown of the 89,385 workplace discrimination charges it received in fiscal year (FY) 2015, which started on October 1, 2014, and ended on September 30, 2015. Retaliation charges increased by nearly 5% and continue to be the leading complaint raised by workers across the country. […]

Not funny: mocking coworker’s spouse’s religion

by Zachary D. Morahan The New York Supreme Court Appellate Division, 2nd Department, recently issued an important decision in which it held that an employer faced liability under the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) for allowing employees to mock the religious beliefs of a coworker’s spouse. This case has important ramifications for both […]

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What Does ‘Hours Worked’ Mean?

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers must pay employees at least the minimum wage for all hours worked. This sounds simple enough. But what does “hours worked” mean in this context? Does it mean just the hours that the employee is scheduled? What about time spent on call? What about break time? What […]

Trump’s Over-the-Top Political Incorrectness Could Take Him to the White House

I must say, I’m marveling at the three-ring circus the Republican primary has become. P.T. Barnum, the famous American showman and founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, has been credited with saying, “If you want to draw a crowd, start a fight.” Well, it seems that Donald Trump is a student of P.T. Barnum. […]

Tips for Cutting Employee Travel Costs

In good times and bad, employers are always happy to find ways to minimize costs. Employee travel is one area that has high potential for high costs—so it’s an area that also has high potential for savings. Between flights, rental cars, hotels, meals out, and more, there are many things employers pay for when employees […]

Was It Just a Layoff … Or Was It Age Discrimination?

by Teresa W. Ghali Companies that undertake reorganizations often face potential liability for lawsuits, including discrimination claims that stem from the reorganizations and associated layoffs. One such claim in California—alleging age discrimination—was able to be disproved by the facts.

Meal Period Waivers in California

by Elizabeth J. Boca Recently, the California Court of Appeal for the 5th Appellate District addressed the issue of on-duty meal period waivers as it relates to direct-care staff of residential homes. Read on for more background on the case.

California Court Awards $1 Million in Sexual Harassment Suit

by Cathleen S. Yonahara A Los Angeles County jury found that although an employer wasn’t liable for sexual harassment, it was liable for over $1 million in damages for retaliating against an employee for exercising her right to report sexual harassment. Take steps to ensure your company avoids incurring such damages.