As the Economy Stumbles, Employment Discrimination Claims Climb
November 21, 2008
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) saw the highest increase in discrimination charge filings last fiscal year, the largest annual increase (9%) since the early 1990s. And prospects for improvement in these numbers are dim. Here's what to do.
The ADA Amendments Act
November 21, 2008
On Sept. 25, 2008, President Bush signed the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 ("ADAAA") into law. This update to the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") and will take effect on Jan. 1, 2009. Here's what it means to your practice.
Think Twice Before Reading Employees' Text Messages
October 29, 2008
A recent decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has provided a loud wake-up call to employers who wish to monitor employee communications. In <i>Quon v. Arch Wireless Operating Co, Inc. et al.</i>, the court held that the City of Ontario, CA, violated the state and federal constitutional privacy rights of its police officers when it reviewed their personal text messages.
Verdicts
October 29, 2008
Recent rulings of importance to you and your practice.
No Genes in the Workplace
October 29, 2008
On May 21, 2008, President Bush signed into law the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008. This act prohibits employers and insurers from discriminating against individuals based on an individual's genetic information. The Act, which, on the employment side, is patterned after Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, creates a new federal cause of action for genetic discrimination, providing for jury trials, compensatory damages and punitive damages.
Non-employee Spouse Waivers of ERISA Plan Benefits Not Reliable
September 29, 2008
In an aging population, accumulations in employee retirement plans assume greater and greater importance. Nowhere is this more true than in divorce, when, for many couples, retirement savings represent the most significant part of their savings.
Same-Sex Marriage: Survey on Policies
September 29, 2008
The start of same-sex marriages in California on June 16 made headlines across the country. However, it was not such a big deal for many U.S. companies. These businesses already give their gay and lesbian employees many of the same benefits that they provide to their married straight workers.
Verdicts
September 24, 2008
Recent rulings of importance to you and your practice.
