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Discrimination / Harassment

Never tolerate co-worker sex harassment, even if harm comes from words, not deeds

01/28/2011
Employers have an obligation to open up jobs in all fields to qualified individuals of both sexes. And they must make sure women aren’t being targeted for harassment by their male co-workers.

When hiring, never mention age–to anyone

01/28/2011

Many employers have lost failure-to-hire cases alleging age discrimination because a manager involved in the hiring process mentioned age at some point during the process. The comment need not even be made to the job applicant’s face. Anything age-related said to a co-worker is fair game in court, too.

Court approves arbitration for NJLAD harassment claims

01/28/2011
A New Jersey appellate court has concluded that arbitration agreements can cover claims under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.

New hire’s skills and pay top ex-employee’s? Justify based on business needs

01/28/2011

Judges see a lot. It’s usually pretty easy for them to figure out when an employer is trying to use “the lousy economy” as a pretext to discriminate against an employee. But judges are also good at recognizing when discrimination hasn’t been a factor in an employment decision.

If fear is a factor, fire threatening employee

01/28/2011

It’s a legitimate workplace fear: Someone with emotional or mental problems will act out against co-workers. Sometimes, the consequences are deadly. Most of the time, threats of violence are just words. But words are enough to justify firing an employee who expresses intent to do harm, because of the fear that it instills in others.

No litigating related claims in separate venues

01/28/2011
The Court of Appeal of California has ruled that employees can’t pursue related claims in different forums at the same time.

Apply harassment rules no matter who’s accused

01/28/2011
It’s not enough to have a sexual harassment policy. You had better be prepared to enforce it—no matter who is doing the harassing. In the following case, family ties cost a bundle for an employer that turned a blind eye to harassment.

No private ‘do-over’ if applicant flunks test

01/28/2011
Do you use standardized tests to determine if applicants meet the minimum requirements for a job? If so, remember this: An applicant who fails a fairly administered test (after receiving a conditional offer of employment) can’t go out and take the test privately and then demand reconsideration.

Give managers a refresher on retaliation risks

01/27/2011
Employee claims of job discrimination to the EEOC spiked above 99,000 last year, the highest total ever. On Jan. 11, the EEOC released more details, and those numbers yield three important lessons for employers:

Crothall Healthcare settles pregnancy discrimination claim

01/26/2011
Wayne-based Crothall Healthcare will pay more than $88,000 to settle a pregnancy discrimination claim brought on behalf of an employee working in Arkansas.