Legal
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Employer pays $63K for failing to offer employee FMLA
HR should train managers on recognizing, responding to and escalating requests for leave, experts say.
By Lisa Burden
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Male allies key in curbing sexism, harassment at work
Men attending #SHRM18 received a call to action Tuesday, when a speaker asked them to stand up and speak out when they see sexism and harassment.
By Kate Tornone • June 20, 2018
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Deep DiveIs this a #MeToo moment for gig workers?
Uber's move away from arbitration agreements may not necessarily trigger a sea change in how gig economy firms operate, experts say.
By Ryan Golden • June 19, 2018
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HR's strategic role expands while admin role shrinks
Technology is helping HR professionals transition from largely data entry and maintenance overseers to human capital management strategists.
By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • June 19, 2018
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EEOC alleges DC Walmart failed to accommodate deaf employees
The ADA requires that employers ensure workers with disabilities have access to workplace communications.
By Lisa Burden
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How managers cause FMLA lawsuits — and 10 ways to get them to stop
Supervisors too often wear their hearts on their sleeves and fail to enforce workplace policies, speakers told attendees at SHRM's annual conference.
By Kate Tornone • June 18, 2018
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Deep DiveMarijuana in the workplace: Balancing competing obligations
How can you reconcile conflicting laws and keep your workplace both safe and compliant?
By Jennifer Carsen
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Employee denied job because manager 'wanted a Korean' can continue with suit
An appeals court determined that the employee had presented direct evidence showing she faced discrimination based on her race and retaliation for complaining to HR.
By Lisa Burden
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Report calls for systemic changes to address sexual harassment in academia
The incidence of perceived gender bias in academia is well-documented, but every industry is faced with the need to make systemic changes to combat the problem.
By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • June 15, 2018
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EEOC highlights recent crackdown on harassment
While the agency says it hasn't seen an increase in sexual harassment claims stemming from #MeToo, it's still committed to addressing harassment at work.
By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • June 15, 2018
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CSX pays $3.2M to settle EEOC suit over physical strength tests
EEOC alleged the tests, which included upper body strength tests, cardio testing and an isokinetic strength test, had an averse impact on female workers and applicants.
By Riia O'Donnell • June 14, 2018
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Appeals court revives nurse's ADA suit challenging vaccination requirement
The employee, seeking an accommodation for her anxiety, plausibly alleged that the employer prematurely ceased the interactive process, the court said.
By Lisa Burden
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Cheesecake Factory found partially liable in $4.57M wage theft case
The case involved 559 subcontracted janitors at eight California restaurants. Workers accumulated up to 10 hours of unpaid overtime per week, according to state officials.
By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • June 14, 2018
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Employees not entitled to preferred religious accommodation, 10th Cir. says
An employee who was granted an exemption from mandatory overtime — instead of having it rescheduled — was properly accommodated.
By Lisa Burden
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Supreme Court won't rule on rest break pay
DOL regulations require that workers be paid for breaks lasting 20 minutes or less. But employers remain free to set certain limits.
By Katie Scheu • June 12, 2018
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Nevada gaming company pays $3.5M to resolve suit challenging its 100% healed policy
The EEOC said the Las Vegas employer violated the ADA by failing to provide accommodations for workers with disabilities.
By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • June 12, 2018
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At EEOC hearing, witnesses discuss future of confronting harassment at work
The meeting reconvened the commission's Select Task Force on the Study of Harassment in the Workplace to discuss the "cultural awakening" that occurred in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement.
By Ryan Golden • June 12, 2018
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Court revives discrimination claim of HR clerk reassigned to 'pulling guts from chicken carcasses'
A reasonable jury could conclude that the HR manager created a new position for the clerk because it was unnecessary and gave him a reason to fire her, the court said.
By Lisa Burden
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Regular attendance can be an essential function for supervisors, 9th Cir. says
Accurate job descriptions and consistently enforced policies remain key in defending ADA claims.
By Lisa Burden
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Employee data collection raises ethics concerns for employers
Employees are split over whether they trust their employers with such information, and a majority feel uncomfortable with more explicit tracking technology.
By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • June 11, 2018
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Workers name Amazon, Capital One in lawsuit alleging Facebook ads targeted young applicants
Long considered employment's "open secret," the federal government is now taking a closer look at age discrimination in the workplace.
By Lisa Burden
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Wage theft settlements by top US companies amount to billions
The pervasiveness of wage theft allegations at America's largest employers may be eye-opening, but it's important to note that many corporations view settling as preferable to long, drawn out legal battles.
By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • June 07, 2018
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Employer pays $59K to employee harassed, told she should be 'home in the kitchen'
Employers have a responsibility to take complaints seriously, experts say, and they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop any harassment.
By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • June 07, 2018
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Busy managers treat employees less fairly, new research shows
Unfair treatment can lead employees to feel overworked and underappreciated, quickly causing turnover — which employers can't afford in this tight talent market.
By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • June 07, 2018
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OpinionWhat an employer can do to prevent becoming the next Weinstein or Wynn — Part II
HR needs a plan for addressing harassment claims, and support from the C-suite is vital, writes David W. Garland of Epstein Becker Green.
By David W. Garland