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Discrimination / Harassment

For better or worse, managers set the tone

08/25/2016
A Connecticut garment maker will pay $80,000 to settle an EEOC sexual harassment lawsuit.

$1.5 million harassment cost for Madera, Calif., company

08/22/2016
One of the nation’s largest dried fruit processors, Z Foods in Madera, Calif., has agreed to pay $1,470,000 to settle sexual harassment and retaliation charges leveled in an EEOC lawsuit.

Harassment: Bosses can be personally liable

08/19/2016

Want to get the attention of bosses who’ve demonstrated borderline harassing behavior in the past? Scare them straight with the eye-opening news that being on the losing end of a harassment lawsuit could mean more than just bad news for the company.

EEOC continues push for LGBT rights at work

08/19/2016
The EEOC is moving forward with an aggressive, new stance that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity constitutes sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Discrimination complaints filed by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees have led to several big settlements.

How to respond when EEOC, MDHR allege discrimination

08/15/2016
The EEOC and Minnesota Department of Human Rights are the agencies primarily responsible for making sure employers comply with discrimination laws. When an applicant or employee files a discrimination charge in Minnesota, either agency or both will investigate.

National origin bias: Heed new EEOC rules, increased enforcement

08/11/2016
In June, the EEOC proposed new regulations concerning Title VII’s national origin provisions. National origin discrimination complaints comprise about 11% of the charges the EEOC receives each year. The new proposed EEOC regulations target job segregation, human trafficking and intersectional discrimination.

Why employees harass: The top targets

08/11/2016
Last year, the EEOC received more than 28,000 claims by employees that they were unlawfully harassed at work. Here are the top reasons employees say they were targeted for harassment.

Age-related comment doesn’t always show bias

08/11/2016
If you learn a manager made an age-related comment, don’t panic. Context is everything.  An obvious discriminatory statement— “I am terminating you because you are old”—is one thing. However, a general comment—for example, about the advantages of accepting a retirement package as an older employee—probably isn’t biased.

Use thorough reporting system to capture details of alleged harassment

08/11/2016
There is good news for employers that have to mediate workplace disputes that can fairly be characterized as personality clashes between co-workers.

Short reassignment delay is generally OK

08/11/2016
Sometimes, it takes a while for management to make changes in schedules and duty assignments after a promotion or transfer. A reasonable delay—even if it results in some loss of pay—isn’t considered an adverse employment action or serious enough to win a discrimination lawsuit.