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Discrimination / Harassment

Harassing dentist strikes nerve among employees

02/12/2009

A Chicago dentist has agreed to pay $462,500 to settle a harassment and retaliation complaint filed by 18 employees. The complaint alleges employees were subjected to sexual harassment and required to join the Church of Scientology as a condition of employment.

Springfield cop’s reverse discrimination claim fails

02/12/2009

A white Springfield police officer failed to convince the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals that Springfield’s system for promoting officers discriminated against him.

7th Circuit won’t quash EEOC subpoena in settled case

02/12/2009

The Chicago-based 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the EEOC can enforce a subpoena in a case where the complainant has withdrawn the complaint as part of a settlement.

How to turn the tables on lawsuit-happy employees

02/12/2009

There’s a silver lining to the rising number of employment lawsuits: Courts are losing patience with applicants, employees and former employees who file discrimination lawsuits that have no basis in reality. Recently, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals approved sanctions against such employees and their attorneys.

Audit pay averages for women and men to learn if you’re at risk for pay-bias suit

02/12/2009

Pay disparities between men and women are in the news. Here’s how to find out whether you’re in danger of being sued: Take all your employees working in the same classification, divide them into male and female groups and then determine each sex’s average salary.

New job can’t settle reverse bias suit—but $425,000 will

02/12/2009

Shortly before Genesee County reorganized Dennis Goodman’s department, Goodman, a white motor pool administrator, received an e-mail containing an alleged racially biased remark. When the re-org happened, Goodman lost his job. He filed suit under Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, alleging racism caused his termination …

It’s February, and love is in the air—or is it harassment?

02/10/2009

As Valentine’s Day draws near, it’s time to take a loving look at that everlasting HR worry … the office romance. Supervisor-subordinate relationships can spell real trouble, and it’s no solace if—at least for a while—the subordinate welcomed the boss’s advances. More cheerfully, there’s good news about where our priorities are these days.

Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

02/06/2009

HR Law 101: On Jan. 29, 2009, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act took effect, making it easier for women and others to sue for pay discrimination that may date back decades. The law, retroactive to May 2007, liberalizes statutes of limitations on when employees can file such lawsuits. 

NYC settles sexual harassment lawsuit for $225,000

02/05/2009

A former secretary who worked for the New York City Department of Aging has settled her sexual harassment lawsuit against the city for $225,000. Auritela Santos claimed the department commissioner, who has since resigned, subjected her to sexual remarks …

Stop suits with standard job application process

02/05/2009

It’s crucial to handle all job openings the same. If someone doesn’t properly apply for a job, he can’t sue you for discrimination. If you have a clear process—and he knows about it—you can readily show he didn’t apply.