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Discrimination / Harassment

Extending probation doesn’t count as adverse action

09/23/2019
Employees who sue for discrimination must show they suffered an adverse employment action. But that action must be substantial. An extended probationary period usually isn’t enough.

Men are responding to #MeToo: Backlash may open door to more lawsuits

09/23/2019
For almost two years now, the #MeToo social media movement has helped bring down powerful men accused of sexual harassment. But #MeToo has also triggered a backlash of sorts, mainly from men who claim they have been falsely targeted.

Supervisor’s name-calling enough for lawsuit

09/23/2019
When a supervisor regularly calls employees derogatory names, that may be enough to move a discrimination lawsuit forward. It’s one reason you should warn all managers and executives that they must treat all subordinates with respect.

Study: Workplace bullying also harms safety, health

09/19/2019
Bullying bosses can crush morale. But a new Portland State University study says employees’ responses can lead to more work accidents and injuries.

Don’t withhold info needed to apply for promotion

09/19/2019
If you often promote workers from within, make sure everyone has a chance to apply. If you withhold information or otherwise thwart efforts to apply, a disappointed employee can sue if she has reason to believe you had some discriminatory reason to prevent her from being promoted.

Can telecommuters claim hostile environment?

09/19/2019
Don’t assume that an employee who works from home can’t launch a hostile work environment claim. Prevailing in such a lawsuit doesn’t depend solely on demonstrating a pattern of direct interpersonal hostility. Other factors count, too.

EEOC will end EEO-1 compensation data collection after this year

09/18/2019
The EEO-1 Component 2 data that most employers and federal contractors must submit by Sept. 30 will mark the one and only time the EEOC collects compensation data, according to an EEOC Notice of Information Collection published in the Federal Register on Sept. 12.

Look into even suspect harassment complaints

09/12/2019
Don’t assume every last-minute harassment complaint is a sham. Instead, investigate.

Fort Worth beverage distributor resolves bias complaints

09/04/2019
A Fort Worth beverage distributor that is also a federal contractor agreed to pay $350,000 in back pay and interest to resolve charges it steered applicants into specific jobs based on their gender, race and ethnicity.

Review prior complaints before terminating

09/04/2019
Before approving any recommendation to terminate a worker, review HR records to see if the worker has filed any discrimination or harassment complaints. Ensure the recommendation wasn’t motivated by retaliation.