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Discrimination / Harassment

Release only essential information about a RIF

12/01/2006

When conducting a reduction in force (RIF), it’s vital to handle severance offers carefully. Make sure you don’t needlessly give discharged employees the idea that they can file an age-discrimination lawsuit …

The danger of fumbling lawsuit paperwork: a case study

12/01/2006

When facing a lawsuit, nothing kills your defense faster than ignoring the paperwork that automatically comes with the territory. While many employment lawsuits may be frivolous, make sure you retain counsel …

‘Adios, Regular Guys’; radio show sued for DJs’ harassing antics

12/01/2006

The “all in good fun” argument didn’t pan out for Larry Wachs and Eric Von Haessler, the “Regular Guys” on WKLS-FM 96 Rock morning radio show …

Landmark Same-Sex Ruling May Affect Your Benefits Plan

12/01/2006

Your organization may soon need to revamp some of its employee benefits in light of an important ruling Oct. 25 by the New Jersey Supreme Court. The ruling granted committed same-sex couples the same statutory rights and benefits as married heterosexual couples …

Sudden vigilance of company rules can look like retaliation

12/01/2006

When employees sue your organization, it can be tempting for supervisors to keep a closer eye on those litigious employees to make sure they’re “playing by the rules.” But be careful: If you suddenly start enforcing your company’s existing rules or turn into Big Brother, you could end up facing a second lawsuit, for retaliation …

‘Same characteristic’ hiring can limit bias claim

12/01/2006

When it comes to proving discrimination, the first hurdle employees have to jump through is showing that it’s more likely than not that your organization discriminated based on the person’s protected characteristic. But that’s nearly impossible to prove if the replacement employee shares those same characteristics with the fired employee …

State Anti-Bias Law Doesn’t Reach Federal Workers

12/01/2006

Not all New Jersey employers have to worry about complying with state anti-discrimination laws. Specifically, federal employers in the state aren’t subject to the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. Reason? The federal anti-bias laws (Title VII and the Rehabilitation Act) are the sole remedies for federal employees …

N.J. judge takes dim view of banning ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’

12/01/2006

A mother who alleged she was ordered to stop breast-feeding her infant at the Tiffany’s in the Short Hills Mall, Essex County recently lost her discrimination lawsuit. But the case was a near miss …

What Is a ‘Hostile Work Environment’ Under N.J. Anti-Bias Law?

12/01/2006

New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination (LAD) prohibits discrimination against employees because of their “race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, liability for services in the Armed Forces of the United States, disability or nationality” …

When disciplining employees, equality is vital

12/01/2006

The mantra in real estate is “location, location, location.” But the mantra in employee discipline must always be “consistency, consistency, consistency” …