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Discrimination / Harassment

Bill would let employers require genetic testing

03/13/2017
The House Committee on Education and the Workforce has passed legislation that would allow employers to force employees to undergo genetic testing related to wellness program health assessments.

Proposed EEOC guidance urges employers to prevent harassment

03/07/2017
Proposed EEOC enforcement guidance on unlawful harassment issued in January emphasizes that employers should take a proactive role in preventing harassment, as well as in effectively identifying and eradicating harassment if and when it occurs.

Black firefighter alleges discrimination in Irving, Texas F.D.

03/07/2017
The first black firefighter in the Irving, Texas Fire Department is suing the department, claiming it promoted a less qualified white applicant to assistant fire chief.

Texas legislature considers bill to promote pay equity

03/07/2017
State Sen. Eric Johnson has introduced legislation that would bar employers from asking for an applicant’s salary history before making a qualified job offer that includes a proposed salary.

No EPA claim if the jobs weren’t actually equal

03/03/2017
To win an Equal Pay Act claim, an employee must show that a similarly situated employee of the opposite sex was paid more. It’s not enough to merely claim that one sex generally earned more.

Jewelry chain faces massive sexual harassment suit

03/02/2017
The threat of even a small class-action lawsuit can rattle the coolest of HR pros and the attorneys with whom they work. Imagine being sued by 69,000 current and former employees!

Heard allegations of racial harassment? You must take steps to stop it

02/27/2017
Employers face liability if they spot racial harassment at work and don’t take reasonable steps to stop it. Don’t assume the problem will go away on its own—or that workers who experience harassment will indefinitely tolerate a hostile environment.

Consistently apply work rules to steer clear of charges of discrimination

02/27/2017
Beware making exceptions to the rules. That can look like discrimination if a disgruntled employee who doesn’t receive the same exception spots a pattern suggesting unfair favoritism.

EEOC: Take supervisor harassment seriously

02/22/2017
The EEOC has signaled its intent to aggressively pursue harassment cases against employers—especially when the harassment is perpetrated by anyone in a supervisory role.

Warn staff: Bullying can bring criminal charges

02/22/2017
Employees who harass and abuse co-workers—and supervisors who turn a blind eye to bullying—may end up facing jail time.