Every year, California businesses need to learn and adjust to new employment and labor laws and regulations. As the end of 2014 draws near, corporations and small-businesses alike will be shifting gears to implement new policies in accordance with California laws slated to go into effect in 2015. In addition…
Companies that are liable for one employment law violation are often liable for many. Failure to protect employee rights or illegal policies will often result in multiple lawsuits and class actions. In a recent sweep of litigation, Zillow has been sued for sexual harassment and age discrimination. In the most…
The use of social networking websites, contact sharing, and data collection on the internet, unscrupulous companies should be aware of the potential liabilities that come with using big data. LinkedIn, the well-known professional social networking site, is facing a federal class action lawsuit for violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act…
With an increasing number of Americans making a living at their computers, carpal tunnel syndrome had been a rising diagnosis—as well as a concern for employers. In addition to workers’ compensation claims that have been tied to the repetitive stress disorder, employers have lost work time and productivity because of…
Worker discrimination comes in many forms, including adverse employment action, disparate treatment, and other illegal and unlawful employer activities. In a recent case, the Justice Department has announced that it reached a settlement with a San Francisco bakery involving discrimination against foreign-born workers. According to the compliant, the bakery was…
In addition to personal health consequences, those who have contracted HIV or AIDS may face additional challenges in the workplace including discrimination. Under federal law, discrimination against individuals who have been diagnosed with AIDS is illegal. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employment discrimination based on disability and courts…
Pregnancy discrimination is considered an ongoing threat to workers in California and nationwide. Though the EEOC has recently issued new guidelines to minimize discrimination in the workplace, additional legal action is often necessary to hold illegally acting companies responsible. A San Diego jury has also spoken out, awarding $186 million…
The Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA) prevents employers from discriminating against employees or potential employees based on their genetic or family medical history. In a recent case, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission settled a class action for $187,000 with a California seed and fertilizer operation for refusing to hire applicants…
The American Disabilities Act protects individuals who suffer from physical or mental disabilities against discrimination. According to reports from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission , the owner of a McDonald’s franchise in Oakhurst and the affiliated property management company illegally discriminated against an employee because of his cerebral palsy. EEOC…
When an employee suffers from sexual harassment, it can take months, even years to reach a resolution. In most cases, a company will want to settle out of court to prevent costs of litigation and public exposure. However, some companies are willing to take sexual harassment cases to a jury…