How Can I Prove Employer Negligence?

In this country, employers are generally required to ensure a safe work environment for all employees. When they overlook adequate safety protocols and training, workers suffer. Experiencing workplace discrimination or sexual harassment can have a serious impact on a person’s ability to earn income and enjoy a good quality of life. For that reason, it […]

http://www.njdiscrimlaw.net/2020/01/31/prove-employer-negligence/

Revamp of Sexual Harassment Policies Needed at Philadelphia Museum of Art

After a recent New York Times article brought to light allegations of sexual harassment against a former Philadelphia Museum of Art assistant director, the board of directors at the well-respected museum voiced concerns about the claims and vowed to reexamine the policies in place to ensure that employees feel confident that they are shielded from […]

http://www.discrimlaw.net/2020/01/30/revamp-sexual-harassment-policies-museum/

Common Types of Age Discrimination

Age discrimination occurs when an employee or job applicant receives less favorable treatment based on how old they are. Though state and federal laws, such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), prohibits this against those aged 40 and older, employees and job candidates across the country still experience age discrimination’s negative effects. The […]

http://www.discrimlaw.net/2020/01/29/types-age-discrimination/

Issues with Instant Pay Apps

Recently, more companies have been offering employees early access to their earned wages through instant pay apps, making it easier for lower salary workers to make ends meet. However, while instant pay apps are beneficial for employees who live paycheck to paycheck, they also present complications for employers regarding wage and hour law compliance. Instant […]

http://www.discrimlaw.net/2020/01/28/issues-instant-pay-apps/

New Bill Attempts to Ban Hair-Based Discrimination in Pennsylvania

Dwight Evans, member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and other Pennsylvania lawmakers are pushing for a bill to be signed that will ban hair-based discrimination. The CROWN Act aims to improve the lives of those who have been discriminated against for their hair texture and style. The bill specifically names styles that are common […]

http://www.discrimlaw.net/2020/01/28/new-bill-hair-based-discrimination-pennsylvania/

Changes to Anti-Kickback Safe Harbors

On October 9, 2019, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) published proposed revisions to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS). If they are passed, the changes would affect regulatory safe harbors. There are several key points targeted to change, which include how payments are made, warranties, and transportation. The AKS is a well-known, wide-ranging fraud and […]

http://www.healthcarelawfirm.net/2020/01/25/anti-kickback-safe-harbors/

Wearable Devices Protect Hospitality Workers

Workers in the hospitality industry, including hotel, casino, and restaurant employees, often face harassment or abuse while on the job. In the name of good customer service, they may feel pressured to accept any type of treatment from patrons or their supervisors. No employee should have to put up with aggressive or inappropriate behavior, and […]

http://www.discrimlaw.net/2020/01/24/devices-protect-hospitality-workers/

Is Religion Off-Limits at Work?

Freedom of religion is one of the central American tenets, but that does not mean this essential right always translates easily in the workplace. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it clear that it is illegal to discriminate against someone because of their religion. Nearly 60 years later, these issues are […]

http://www.discrimlaw.net/2020/01/23/religion-off-limits-work/

What Should I Tell My Employees Upon Termination?

Providing terminated employees with a hard copy of their termination benefits can be as advantageous to the employer as it is to the employee. Many modern businesses post their corporate policies on their internal websites, but a terminated employee commonly loses their access to this portal. Providing a hard copy of your company’s separation policies […]

http://www.discrimlaw.net/2020/01/22/tell-employees-upon-termination/

Teacher Fired for Allegedly Rejecting Principal’s Sexual Advances

Sexual harassment can come in many forms. It is important for employees to know that sexual harassment is a violation of state and federal gender discrimination laws. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex and encompasses sexual harassment. Additionally, New Jersey has state laws that protect […]

http://www.njdiscrimlaw.net/2020/01/21/fired-rejecting-sexual-advances/

Scientists Develop #MeTooBots to Detect Sexual Harassment

Artificial intelligence (AI) bots are being developed and deployed against sexual harassers in the workplace. Nicknamed #MeTooBots, the sexual harassment detecting software uses algorithms to sift through emails and other communications, flagging potential offenses for further review by Human Resources departments or company lawyers. Individual messages, as well as communication patterns over extended periods, are […]

http://www.discrimlaw.net/2020/01/17/metoobots-detect-sexual-harassment/

E-Commerce Company Threatens Termination for Whistleblowers

The threat of climate change is now more than just a threat. It is a real problem with devastating consequences for people, as well as the planet.  The work of advocates to address the problem and hold governments and companies accountable has been met with limited success. When the U.S. withdrew from the 2016 Paris […]

http://www.discrimlaw.net/2020/01/16/company-threatens-termination-whistleblowers/

Women Less Likely to Self-Promote

Despite having equal or even better skills to men, studies show that women are less likely to promote themselves at work. Whether it is because of self-doubt or a fear of being rejected, women tend to avoid promoting themselves, which often leads them to less powerful positions. The idea of women avoiding self-promotion was found […]

http://www.njdiscrimlaw.net/2020/01/15/women-less-likely-self-promote/

Footwear Company Under Allegations of Gender Discrimination

A transgender computer engineer that identifies as a transmasculine/nonbinary individual is suing the well-known sportswear corporation, Nike, and its IT staffing firm for gender discrimination. In the lawsuit, the plaintiff claimed that they were subjected to gender-identity discrimination, harassment, and retaliation as supervisors, colleagues, and independent contractors at the firm refused to address them using […]

http://www.discrimlaw.net/2020/01/14/footwear-company-allegations-gender-discrimination/

Proposed Law to Protect Independent Contractors

The gig economy relies on independent contractors and those who are working in situations that by traditional standards are intermittent and less formal. While there are work and life benefits for many who are not typical employees, independent contractors also lack traditional workplace protections. A recently introduced piece of legislation aims to change that and […]

http://www.njdiscrimlaw.net/2020/01/13/law-protect-independent-contractors/

Female Residents and Physicians Face Discrimination and Burnout

A recent Philadelphia Inquirer article described how many female medical residents and surgeons face gender discrimination, which ultimately leads to burnout. The unfair treatment comes from colleagues, as well as patients, and can include less pay, discriminatory comments, and being passed over for jobs in favor of men. Experts say that any type of stereotyping […]

http://www.discrimlaw.net/2020/01/10/female-physicians-face-discrimination/

Physician Contract Provisions

The American Medical Association’s recent “Making the Rounds” podcast focused on restrictive covenants and termination clauses with a senior attorney for the organization. This podcast was the fourth installment of a six-part series that explores physician employment contract negotiations. These provisions apply to post-employment, and limit where and how long doctors can practice once the […]

http://www.healthcarelawfirm.net/2020/01/09/physician-contract-provisions/

Protecting Internet Communication Privacy in the Workplace

In past decades, a worker was given some form of privacy during work hours. This was due to the employer’s inability to monitor each worker’s every move. However, the internet now allows an employer to breach this privacy through monitoring software. There is controversy regarding an employer’s right to monitor their employees. While some find […]

http://www.discrimlaw.net/2020/01/08/protecting-internet-privacy-workplace/

Avoiding Employment Lawsuits

Employment lawsuits can derail a business just as it could derail an employee’s career. In each case, both parties are working to protect themselves and their livelihoods. For employers, there are many scenarios that play into an employment lawsuit, so it is a good idea to protect your business and have guidelines in place to […]

http://www.njdiscrimlaw.net/2020/01/07/avoiding-employment-lawsuits/

Mental Health Clinic Inks $1.65M Deal To End FCA Suit

A recently shuttered outpatient mental health clinic has agreed to pay $1.65 million to settle a False Claims Act lawsuit claiming it fraudulently billed Medicaid for services patients never received and wrongfully paid for client referrals. U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond on Thursday closed the case against Tree of Life Behavioral Services Inc. and […]

http://www.discrimlaw.net/news_releases/mental-health-clinic-inks-deal-end-fca-suit/

Is There a Time Limit to Report Sexual Harassment at Work?

When sexual harassment occurs on the job, it might be difficult for the victim to take immediate action. Some victims might feel unsure if their experience is considered sexual harassment. Other victims fear ostracization or retaliation if they report the harassment. These challenges might lead a victim to delay making a report. When the victim […]

http://www.discrimlaw.net/2020/01/06/time-limit-report-sexual-harassment/

Ridesharing Company Compensates Sexually Harassed Employees

In mid-December, news outlets reported that Uber established a $4.4 million fund to compensate employees who experienced workplace sexual harassment and retaliation. This is after the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) found that Uber allowed this culture to exist. This settlement was entered voluntarily by Uber and was agreed out of court. The rideshare company […]

http://www.discrimlaw.net/2020/01/04/compensates-sexually-harassed/

Recent Allegations Determine Workplace Romances

Many people who end up in romantic relationships meet at work. Full-time workers in Pennsylvania spend 40 or more hours with their co-workers. As a consequence, connections develop and may blossom. Yet, all is hardly rosy when it comes to workplace romances. The CEO of McDonald’s recently lost his top-level position after his long-term liaison […]

http://www.discrimlaw.net/2020/01/03/workplace-romances/

Minimum Wage Going Up in New Jersey Effective January 1

On January 1, the minimum wage rose to $11 per hour in New Jersey as the next step in the multi-year process to reach the end goal of $15 per hour. Each year, the minimum wage will rise $1, and on January 1, 2024, employers will be required to offer $15 per hour at that […]

http://www.njdiscrimlaw.net/2020/01/02/minimum-wage-new-jersey-rising/

Hair Discrimination Bill or CROWN Act Becomes Law in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy signed off on the bill that prohibits hair discrimination in the state of New Jersey. He gave final approval to the bill, otherwise known as the CROWN Act or Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair Act, on Thursday, December 19, 2019. The law augments the race discrimination laws in […]

http://www.njdiscrimlaw.net/2020/01/02/hair-discrimination-crown-act-new-jersey/

NBC to Rid of Non-Disclosure Agreements

For decades, companies around the country have used non-disclosure agreements (NDA) to protect confidential information from becoming public. Originally, these agreements were designed to keep business practices secret. In more recent news, it has become apparent that NDAs are being used to conceal sexual harassment incidents between employees. Improper Use of Contractual Agreements Public scandals […]

http://www.discrimlaw.net/2020/01/02/non-disclosure-agreements/