If you’re an employer, chances are you’ve concerned yourself with the possibility of an employment discrimination lawsuit. Even if you go out of your way to treat all your employees with respect and fairness, the risk of a discrimination lawsuit is ever-present. And unfortunately, simply being well-intentioned doesn’t necessarily protect you from a discrimination suit. Continue reading “How to Protect Yourself From Employment Discrimination Claims”
Tag: employee relations
What is a Hostile Work Environment?
Unfortunately, some individuals may find themselves in situations in which they feel they are working in a “hostile” work environment. However, many times, what an individual perceives to be a hostile work environment will not be legally recognized as a hostile work environment which could give rise to a lawsuit. Determining the difference between a stressful or unpleasant workplace and one which can give rise to a lawsuit is crucial. Continue reading “What is a Hostile Work Environment?”
Reduce Business Liability at the Holiday Party
The holiday season is upon us and many businesses choose this time of year to celebrate workplace achievements and express gratitude to employees for their contributions. Although holiday parties are customary to some businesses, others are choosing to forgo these festive traditions in fear of legal liabilities stemming from alcohol use, injuries, and harassment. For businesses that choose to have a holiday party, it is important to take measures to minimize risk and promote safety. Continue reading “Reduce Business Liability at the Holiday Party”
What Employers Need to Know About New York’s Anti-Discrimination Laws
New York employees are protected against employment discrimination under federal, state and local laws. Several federal laws extend protection against discrimination to employees. The most prominent law is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII). Title VII prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on sex, race, color, national origin, and religion. Both the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL) and the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) extend employee protections to more categories than federal law. Continue reading “What Employers Need to Know About New York’s Anti-Discrimination Laws”
NY Paid Family Leave to Apply to All Private Businesses, Regardless of Size
On January 1, 2018, New York State’s Paid Family Leave Benefits Law (PFL) will go into effect. Under the legislation, PFL will be a mandatory benefit in New York that will provide paid time off to employees to bond with their new child, care for a seriously ill loved one, or to address family issues that may arise due to a qualifying military exigency, while protecting their employment. PFL is designed to phase in over four years, increasing annually in weeks available and max percentage of average weekly wage. Continue reading “NY Paid Family Leave to Apply to All Private Businesses, Regardless of Size”
New York Employer Guidelines for Wage Garnishment
When an employee does not pay off his or her debt, a creditor may turn to wage garnishment as a means of collecting the money that is owed. Under New York State law, creditors are restricted in the amount that they can garnish from an employee’s wages for repayment of debt. It is important that New York employers accurately and appropriately manage wage garnishment while remaining in compliance with the law. Continue reading “New York Employer Guidelines for Wage Garnishment”
Governor Cuomo Signs Executive Orders Intended to Eliminate Wage Gap
With the gender wage gap only improving by 8% in the last 20 years, New York Governor Andrew
Cuomo signed two executive orders aimed at decreasing the wage gap between men and women. The executive orders which were signed on January 11, 2017 come at a time where New York State women are making only 89% of their male counterparts. Women of color see the largest gap in wages as compared to their white male counterparts. By the signing of the two executive orders governor Cuomo hopes to level the playing field for women who are applying for new jobs. Continue reading “Governor Cuomo Signs Executive Orders Intended to Eliminate Wage Gap”
Woman Who Uses a Gestational Surrogate Sues Verizon For Workplace Discrimination
Marybeth Walz has filed a lawsuit in Boston federal court against Verizon Network Solutions, of Basking Ridge, where she worked as a salesperson, earning $170,000. Ms. Walz has filed suit for improperly handling her untraditional method of having a child. The complaint accuses Verizon of pregnancy, disability, and sex discrimination, as well as employer retaliation and violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Continue reading “Woman Who Uses a Gestational Surrogate Sues Verizon For Workplace Discrimination”
Employment Discrimination and HIV
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that it has filed two employment discrimination lawsuits based on an employee’s HIV status. The two lawsuits were filed in Texas federal courts and allege that Texas-based employers were in violation of federal law by engaging in disability-related discrimination based on an employee’s HIV status. Continue reading “Employment Discrimination and HIV”
Social Media May Leave Employers Vulnerable
Social media has been integrated into all aspects of American society, including within the workplace. Employers must be mindful of social media policies and practices as applied to employment issues protected under the National Labor Regulations Board (NLRB) as well as any other regulatory government agencies. Continue reading “Social Media May Leave Employers Vulnerable”
