Appellate Court Distinguishes Pregnancy Disability Leave From Pregnancy Disability Discrimination
April 03, 2013
The California Court of Appeal‘s decision in Sanchez v. Swissport, Inc., is of great importance, effecting the rights of employees with pregnancy-related disabilities. As a result of the decision, employers may be required to provide an employee with additional leave to that required under California’s Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (PDLL) and the California Family Rights […]
Read MoreGilstrap v. United Airlines: Disability Discrimination At Our Nation’s Airports
March 27, 2013
Is disability discrimination a problem at our nation’s airports? If one were to ask Michelle Gilstrap, she would no doubt answer with a resounding yes. Her experience with airlines – specifically United Airlines – left much to be desired in the area of customer service. Circumstances: Ms. Gilstrap has a broad range of medical problems, […]
Read MoreCourt Clarifies Law Regarding Verbal Violations of Privacy in the Workplace
March 25, 2013
In March of this year, in the matter of Melissa Ignat v. Yum! Brands, Inc., the California Court of Appeal recognized that in addition to other forms that are required for proving a breach of privacy occurred, privacy can also be breached verbally. The court held that “disclosure in writing is not required to maintain […]
Read MoreCouple Files Consumer Class Action Lawsuit Against Wyndham Vacation Ownership
March 01, 2013
As a retired couple from Chico, Tom and Donna Crook love taking vacations to San Francisco. So four years ago, they thought it appropriate to buy a timeshare from Wyndham Vacation Ownership for a room at the company’s Canterbury Hotel. “If you buy a timeshare, take time to read through all the documents and see […]
Read MoreSexual Harassment As A Hate Crime
February 20, 2013
Sexual harassment can now be classified as a hate crime. According to a recent ruling in the matter of Ventura v. ABM Industries Incorporated, the California Court of Appeal upheld upheld a lower court’s verdict, concluding that “hate is not an element” in determining whether the section of the Ralph Act (Civil Code § 51.7) […]
Read MoreHarris v. City of Santa Monica: CA Supreme Court Clarifies “Mixed Motive” Theory Under FEHA
February 12, 2013
In a highly anticipated decision last week, the California Supreme Court handed down its ruling in Harris v. City of Santa Monica. Terminated a mere eight days after informing her employer that she was pregnant, Ms. Harris sued the City of Santa Monica for pregnancy discrimination under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). In […]
Read MoreThe Cost of Retaliation: Why Employers Need Whistleblowers
February 01, 2013
Whistleblowers tend to get a bad rap in this country and around the world. From the employers exposed by their refusal to stand idly by to a media culture that tends to view them as traitors or worse, whistleblowers face an uphill battle as soon as they resolve to break the silence. Instead of being […]
Read MoreNew Year Brings New Legal Protections to CA Employees
January 01, 2013
It’s officially 2013. And as the resolution-making (and breaking) season comes into full swing across the country and around the world, the State of California is ringing in the New Year with its own tradition – new legal protections for employees. Officially taking effect on this, the first day of 2013, these new laws offer […]
Read MoreEEOC Extends Employment Protections to Domestic Violence Victims
December 10, 2012
For those who were unsure whether federal employment law extends to domestic violence victims, a new Q&A fact sheet from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) may provide some clarity. Released in October, the brief publication explains that both Title VII and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) “may apply to employment situations involving applicants […]
Read MoreNew Law Expands Whistleblower Protections for Federal Employees
November 28, 2012
You know what they say: All good things take time. After 13 years of groups lobbying on behalf of vulnerable workers who might blow the whistle on their federal employers, President Obama signed a bill into law meant to alleviate that longstanding concern. In addition to creating newer, wider protections for federal employees, the Whistleblower […]
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