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Discrimination / Harassment

Is it legal to terminate a highly paid employee just because he earns so much?

08/23/2012

Q. We need to cut costs, and have started to explore trimming our staff, starting with those who earn far more than other employees. Are there any dangers in doing so? Can we legally fire a high-earner because of his salary?

‘Textual’ harassment? OMG! Develop policy B4 you face lawsuit

08/23/2012
One of the most dangerous smartphone functions (from the employer perspective) is also one of the simplest: sending text messages. Considering the rise in harassment claims based on texts, employers should develop policies addressing textual harassment in the workplace.

EEOC forces cardiologists to have change of heart

08/23/2012
A Western Pennsylvania cardiology practice has agreed to settle EEOC sexual harassment charges alleging that its doctors routinely made sexually offensive and debasing comments to women who worked there.

Fayette County grocer to settle sex harassment beef

08/23/2012
A Fayette County grocery store will pay $95,000 to settle four sexual harassment complaints filed by female employees who alleged the store’s meat manager harassed them by constantly making crude remarks and touching them.

Demand immediate stop to demeaning language

08/23/2012
Make sure managers and supervisors understand that belittling name-calling has no place in the workplace and won’t be tolerated. Bans on obscenity aren’t enough. You must also stop other sexist terms, such as referring to a woman as “Barbie.”

Court gives EEOC employee another chance to sue

08/21/2012
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has given a government employee another shot at a discrimination lawsuit. The case highlights how complicated the litigation process has become, since apparently even the EEOC doesn’t know the rules.

Specifics matter when workers allege discrimination

08/21/2012

Employees who complain to their employers about discrimination are usually protected from retaliation. But they must at least mention the sort of discrimination at issue. Simply protesting that an evaluation wasn’t fair won’t do the trick.

Court: Employee must tie claims to protected status to win hostile environment case

08/21/2012
Some employees think that any unfair treatment is grounds for a lawsuit under either federal law or California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Fortunately for em­­ployers, mundane workplace gripes aren’t enough to support a lawsuit.

Poor economy dictates downsizing? You can fire employee who takes pregnancy leave

08/21/2012
Employers experiencing economic difficulties can cut positions if need be and not worry that it cost the job of an employee who was out on maternity leave. But beware! If the decision to cut the employee was based on her having taken leave, she can sue.

Racist talk toward others can add up to hostile environment

08/21/2012
Don’t allow racist talk. Even if not di­rected at an employee, it can have a profound effect on her.