Archive for 2011
“Cat’s Paw” Liability Upheld
In a significant employment discrimination decision, the U.S Supreme Court has just ruled that an Army Reservist who had a civilian job as a hospital technician could bring a lawsuit for employment bias and discrimination against him due to his commitment to the military. In addition to being a positive result for the man who brought the lawsuit, this…
Read MoreNew Legislation Introduce to Raise Base Pay For Tipped Workers
A Maryland Congresswoman has introduced a new bill to amend federal law regarding the way “tipped employees” are paid. The bill – known as WAGES [working for adequate gains for employment in services] would require employers pay a base salary of at least $5.50, up 158% from its current $2.13. Tipped employees – such as waiters and…
Read MoreCould Nursing Home Have Done More To Prevent Sexual Harassment?
If you’re the victim of sexual harassment and you complain to management about the offending behavior, what actions must the company take? This question is at the root of many work-place disputes. A recent case from the Tenth Circuit, which includes Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah, questioned if a nursing home did enough in…
Read MoreDick’s Sporting Goods Settles Wage And Hour Violation Case For $15 Million
Dick’s Sporting Goods has agreed to pay current and former employees $15 million to settle a federal wage and hour lawsuit. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), one of the oldest federal employment laws, most workers are entitled to minimum wage, currently $7.25/hour in most states, and overtime. The overtime laws provide that all employees who are…
Read MoreWaiters File Minimum Wage Lawsuit Against Hard Rock Cafe
Two waiters at a Hard Rock Café in Florida have just filed a tip pooling lawsuit against the company, claiming Hard Rock didn’t pay them minimum wage. They are seeking class-action status for the case based on the number of potential servers affected. The waiters and waitresses assert that the “tip pooling” policy at the restaurant required servers…
Read MoreFormer Prostitute Can Raise Sexual Harassment Claim
An Oklahoma judge recently ruled that your past sexual experiences do not affect your right to bring a case for harassment. In a lawsuit against Digicut Systems, a judge determined that a former prostitute – Susan Terry – could bring a case for sexual harassment. Terry, who had previously run a tanning salon that doubled as…
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