When employment discrimination comes to mind, many people think of discrimination based on race, gender or disability. However, there are also protections for those who are treated differently because they are pregnant. These protections operate similar to those granted to people with temporary disabilities. Below are some facts about pregnancy… read more →
The United States is filled with people of different faiths and religious backgrounds. Because of this there is always potential for someone to be singled out and treated unfairly because of their religious beliefs. However, under federal law, specifically Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, it is unlawful for… read more →
A huge barrier to workers bringing charges of employment discrimination is the fear of retaliation from their employers. Real life scenarios of retaliation Picture the following scenario: a young female worker graduates from college with significant student loan debt, a car payment, and rent. She finds her first job getting… read more →
If you are injured, ill and unable to work you may be eligible for social security disability benefits under the disability insurance laws. However, the definition of disability under the social security administration is different than what you may think. It is a very strict, technical definition and is not… read more →
For members of the military being called to duty or being deployed can be hard on families, friends, and the individual who is serving. Service members may face life-threatening situations abroad and when they return home the transition back to civilian life can be difficult. The last thing that a… read more →
What an employer doesn’t know about his employees can hurt him. There is a new legal trend emerging in which employees who are injured or harmed by another employee are suing their employers. The legal theory under which the employers are being sued is called negligent hiring and negligent retention.… read more →
The U.S. Supreme Court defines sexual harassment in the workplace as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile work environment. Any form of harassment that fits into this definition is illegal and both employers and employees… read more →
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal law that requires all qualifying employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. A reasonable accommodation is any type of assistance that makes it easier for the disabled employee to perform their job. If the employer does not provide these accommodations… read more →
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act defines discrimination in the workplace. Title VII is a federal law and it addresses many different forms of discrimination in the workplace. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces Title VII and most states also have laws that are similar to Title VII and… read more →
An employer can take several steps in a written employment contract to preserve the right fire at will. The right to fire at will means that an employer can fire an employee without a good business reason for doing so. However, why would an employer want to fire someone without… read more →