Nearly a year into the pandemic, employers brace for coronavirus lawsuits, attorneys say

"There's no vaccine for the new wave of litigation," according to a Dorsey & Whitney LLP attorney. 

By Sheryl Estrada • Jan. 27, 2021

Employers can require workers follow FMLA call-out procedures, 3rd Cir. says

HR can design and communicate call-out policies but may need to ensure they are clearly spelled out.

By Lisa Burden • Jan. 26, 2021

Former Ulta manager claims pregnancy-based harassment drove her out

The plaintiff said she was harassed after missing work and changing her schedule due to complications related to a miscarriage.

By Aman Kidwai • Jan. 25, 2021

As workforces spread out, compliance risks expand, attorneys say

Potential issues for remote work range from local wage and hour laws and leave ordinances to notice posting requirements.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 25, 2021

Biden gives OSHA 2 weeks to issue new coronavirus guidance

The president also asked the agency to reconsider its decision to skip emergency temporary standards.

By Kate Tornone • Jan. 22, 2021

Despite bank exec's alleged ageist comments, teller's termination wasn't based on age, 6th Cir. says

The employer presented evidence that the teller was fired for insubordination, the court explained.

By Lisa Burden • Jan. 22, 2021

Former Dotdash director alleges publisher maintained a 'mansplaining' culture

A male executive allegedly told her "it would be 'impractical'" for her to continue her existing job duties when she was planning to take maternity leave.

By Lisa Burden • Jan. 21, 2021

Biden revokes Trump's order limiting diversity training

The president also called on agencies to pursue racial equity by addressing systemic barriers and prioritizing equal access.

By Sheryl Estrada • Jan. 21, 2021

Biden orders feds to review anti-discrimination regs, emphasizing LGBT protections

President Joe Biden's move to strengthen LGBT worker rights in his first hours as president marks a sea change from the preceding administration.

By Ryan Golden , Katie Clarey • Jan. 21, 2021

Gender stereotypes undermine sexual harassment investigations, study says

HR leaders must ensure harassment does not go unanswered, experts say.

By Sheryl Estrada • Jan. 21, 2021

Western Digital to pay $7.75M to settle claims it paid women less than men

The settlement also calls for the California-based manufacturer to "bolster" its flexible work and leave policies.

By Lisa Burden • Jan. 20, 2021

DOL withdraws opinion letter expanding tip pools

The Trump-era letter was issued prematurely because it was based on rules that have not taken effect, the agency said.

By Lisa Burden • Updated Jan. 27, 2021

No retaliation where termination was 'in motion' before complaint, 11th Cir. says

"When an employer contemplates an adverse employment action before an employee engages in protected activity, temporal proximity ... does not suffice to show causation," the court opined.

By Lisa Burden • Jan. 19, 2021

Employee says New Jersey-based employer retaliated against him for taking leave for coronavirus

The suit is just one of a growing number of cases related to employment decisions in the context of COVID-19.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 19, 2021

McDonald's is navigating 3 new sexual harassment lawsuits

The cases include allegations of sexual assault and quid-pro-quo harassment. The women claim they were ignored, mocked and retaliated against when they complained. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 15, 2021

5th Cir. revives pay bias suit against Omni Hotels

"If there is a good explanation for [the] disparity, Omni is required to put one forth if it wishes to prevail in this litigation," the court said.

By Lisa Burden • Jan. 15, 2021

Biden to call on Congress to extend, strengthen FFCRA

The proposal is one of several policy goals in Biden's plan that aims to provide relief to workers, but it is unclear whether it will gather enough support in Congress.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 15, 2021

Philly firefighter terminated for failed test, not disabilities, 3rd Cir. says

Employers generally are free to take adverse actions as long as they are motivated by legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons, courts say.

By Lisa Burden • Jan. 14, 2021

EEOC to open 2019, 2020 EEO-1 data collection in April

The announcement did not, however, provide an update on the agency's pay data collection efforts.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 14, 2021

2020 saw 1K workplace coronavirus suits; 2021 will see more, says Seyfarth

Terminations were the most common subject of COVID-19 workplace litigation.

By Katie Clarey • Jan. 13, 2021

Account executive sues Alliance Healthcare over alleged pay discrimination

The Equal Pay Act was passed about half a century ago, but EEOC said it continues to see "robust pay disparities."

By Lisa Burden • Jan. 13, 2021

Biden will ask OSHA to reconsider decision to skip emergency coronavirus standards

He will also direct the agency to target the worst violators and increase the number of inspectors.

By Kate Tornone • Jan. 12, 2021

Harley-Davidson dealer settles EEOC sex harassment, retaliation lawsuit

The employee was subject to "constant commentary on her body, including requests to wear more revealing work apparel," the agency alleged in a lawsuit.

By Lisa Burden • Jan. 11, 2021

2021 brings minimum wage hikes in more than 50 states, localities

The changes reflect continued momentum for wage increases at the state and local level, particularly among major U.S. cities.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 11, 2021

California produce company pays $6K to settle claim it denied 5 workers FFCRA leave

The mandate expired at the end of 2020, but employers may still take tax credits for providing such leave.

By Lisa Burden • Jan. 11, 2021