Employment Law

Lawsuit claims retaliation for raising coronavirus concerns

06/10/2021

The U.S. Department of Labor is suing a New York City community health center and its CEO after they suspended and later fired an employee who reported coronavirus-related safety hazards.

Fewer than 50 employees? FMLA could apply to you anyway

06/08/2021

The FMLA provides job-protected, unpaid leave for employees who meet eligibility requirements. Eligibility depends on whether the employer is large enough to be covered by the law—with 50 or more employees. But there is another way an employer that isn’t big enough can be trapped into having to provide coverage.

Monitor all facilities for racist harassment

06/03/2021

It’s hard to monitor everything that goes on when your company has far-flung operations, but it’s essential to keep tabs on—and put a stop to—conduct that could trigger a costly lawsuit. Two joint employers recently learned that lesson the hard way and will pay $2 million for their mistake.

Biden administration pro-union tilt has begun

06/03/2021

The Trump administration took a generally pro-employer stance on labor-relations issues. Months into President Biden’s term, it is clear that is changing.

Half have experienced or seen race bias at work

06/01/2021

Nearly 50% of employees surveyed said they have been a victim of race discrimination at work or witnessed it during the past 12 months, according to a Harris poll taken in May on the anniversary of George Floyd’s murder.

Supreme Court won’t hear racial slur case

06/01/2021

Can employers be liable for the single use of an offensive word? A disgruntled employee wanted the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on that question, but justices on May 17 declined to take his case.

Cost of denying pregnancy leave: $146,000

05/27/2021

When an employee has pregnancy complications that might delay her return to work, consider offering additional leave. In addition to the FMLA, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act may compel employers to accommodate pregnant employees by granting time off.

Employment law changes: What to expect into 2022

05/26/2021

Paid sick leave—an issue supported by President Biden and gaining steam in state legislatures—is the top legislative issue that employers expect to impact their businesses over the next 12 months, according to a new Littler survey of 1,100 HR professionals and in-house attorneys.

COVID litigation: What HR can learn from the first wave of lawsuits

05/21/2021

Since the COVID pandemic struck last March, courts have been flooded with lawsuits. These lawsuits come in a wide variety of flavors, with each offering important lessons for employers who want to avoid becoming the next target. Here are some of the top litigation triggers to help you revamp your pandemic response.

COVID anxiety: What if workers don’t want to return?