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New York

Firm pays $190,000 to settle Astoria race harassment case

05/06/2013
A Pennsylvania-based energy-industry staffing firm has agreed to pay $190,000 to a black former employee to settle charges that a foreman har­­assed and physically abused the man because of his race.

In NYC, no more bias against unemployed job applicants

05/06/2013
Controversial amendments to New York City’s Human Rights Act take effect June 11, allowing job applicants to sue for discrimination against a new protected class: the unemployed.

Court: Trial for mentally ill worker denied transfer

05/06/2013
A court has OK’d a trial for a mentally ill worker who was turned down when he asked to be transferred to another supervisor. The man blamed his subsequent discharge on a failure to accommodate.

Injured worker? Contest unemployment if worker quits before giving you a chance to help

05/06/2013
Here’s some good news: As long as you are willing to accommodate an employee’s medical condition, you won’t face liability for unemployment compensation if she quits. And the employee has to tell you she needs that accommodation. If she just quits, she won’t be eligible.

Combat co-worker harassment with effective policy, prompt action

05/06/2013
You can’t prevent all sexual har­­assment, but you can do plenty to avoid liability when it does happen, at least when the harasser is a co-worker. Start with a clear anti-harassment policy, and make sure everyone under­­stands it.

Class act? NYC strippers to split huge settlement

05/06/2013
A class of 1,245 exotic dancers will split an $8 million settlement resulting from claims that the Penthouse Executive Club in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood misclassified them as independent contractors.

Off-limits to bosses: Talk of child-rearing

05/06/2013
Some things are best left unsaid. That includes any comments about how hard it must be for a mother to have a career and raise children. Tell managers to keep the topic out of their office chitchat.

Being sole minority employee doesn’t mean special protection

04/22/2013
How often have you worried about disciplining the only employee who belongs to a particular protected class? You probably feared that the employee would sue, alleging bias. Relax. Being the only black … or Asian … or female employee doesn’t confer any particular advantage in a discrimination lawsuit.

Poor performance–properly documented–warrants termination

04/15/2013
In almost every case, clearly documented poor performance will trump discrimination allegations. That’s especially true if you can offer examples going back a reasonable period of time.

In court? Turn over all relevant documents

04/15/2013
Here’s a warning for HR professionals who are reviewing personnel files for use in a lawsuit: Don’t even think about playing games with the judge by failing to hand over everything. For example, if you provide only negative information, chances are a judge won’t be pleased.