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Cal-OSHA Tackles Heat-Related Illness

The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration has published tips for workers and employers to keep in mind during heat waves. The new materials include an advisory for employers that explains the duty to take steps necessary to prevent heat-related illness, plus fact sheets for workers to help them recognize and respond to symptoms of […]

Discrimination: Huge Verdict for LA Firefighter

A jury in Los Angeles has returned a $6.2 million verdict to Brenda Lee, a former Los Angeles firefighter who claimed she was the victim of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation because she is African American and a lesbian. The award included $3.5 million in back and future wages and benefits, plus $2.5 million for emotional […]

EEOC to Pay Big for Frivolous Pregnancy Bias Suit

A federal judge in Los Angeles has ordered the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to pay a hefty $1,022,653 in attorney’s fees and expenses to a Pasadena law firm that the EEOC unsuccessfully sued last year for pregnancy bias and sexual harassment. In issuing the order, the judge stated that the EEOC’s lawsuit “was unreasonable, […]

E-Alert Item: Monitoring Hasn’t Increased Since 9/11

    According to a new report from the federal General Accounting Office, employer surveillance of employees’ Internet, e-mail or other computer activities doesn’t appear to have changed since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The study involved interviews with executives at 14 Fortune 100 companies. While all of the companies stored employee e-mail […]

Domestic Partners: New Law Expands Workplace Rights

Gov. Davis has signed into law a sweeping measure that expands domestic partner rights on insurance, sick leave and other issues. The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2002. Expanded Workplace Rights For Domestic Partners These are the measure’s key provisions that will affect employers: Domestic partner definition. Domestic partners will include opposite-sex couples if at […]

Fed Agencies Packing in More PPACA Health Reform Rules

When it comes to implementing health reform, the federal government agencies definitely are not taking a summer vacation. Just this week, new rules on communicating health plan information to consumers, health insurance exchanges and premium tax credits have been issued. Here’s a quick list: 1. Communicating health plan information. The U.S. Departments of Labor, Health […]