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Employment Law

Feds: Employee referrals led to race bias at Palo Alto firm

10/27/2016
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Contract Compliance Programs has filed suit against Palantir Technologies, alleging the Silicon Valley company systematically discriminated against Asian job applicants.

Harassment causes disability? You must accommodate

10/27/2016
An employee could become so agitated that she develops an anxiety disorder that requires a reasonable accommodation—such as separating the harasser from her.

Joint employer? Limit control over workers

10/27/2016
If you want to avoid being considered a joint employer, limit the degree of control you exert.

Warn about associational discrimination against employees who are caregivers

10/27/2016
Make sure supervisors clearly understand that they cannot discriminate against employees who happen to associate with protected individuals such as children or other dependents with disabilities.

New OT rules: Determine how bonuses fit into regular rates of pay

10/27/2016
How you set up bonus programs can have a big impact on your overtime budget.

Disability: Consider job changes, extra leave

10/27/2016
Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act, disabled employees are entitled to reasonable accommodations that can include job modifications and even additional time off to recuperate.

EEOC enforcement plan focuses on new economy, anti-Muslim bias

10/25/2016
The EEOC’s Strategic Enforcement Plan for the next five years includes a new focus on what the commission calls the “complex employment relationships and structures in the 21st century workplace.”

Two suits challenging OT rules to be heard together

10/25/2016
A federal judge in Texas has agreed to consolidate two lawsuits challenging the Department of Labor’s authority to issue new white-collar overtime rules set to take effect Dec. 1.

Can you review I-9 documents remotely?

10/20/2016
For each new hire, employers must verify employment eligibility by reviewing original documents in person with the employee. But what if that new hire lives and works hundreds of miles away?

Contracts should spell out at-will employment

10/20/2016
It’s unusual, but sometimes a written offer of employment for a specific time period can overcome the usual presumption of at-will employment. Note, however, that other documents may stipulate that employment is at-will—and they will stand up in court.