Every employee is entitled to a work environment free from any type of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is a form of gender-based discrimination that may target men or women in the workplace. The harassment may also come from an individual of the same-sex as the victim. The definition of sexual harassment in New York is similar to the federal definition. Sexual harassment involves any Continue Reading...
What to Do If You’re Being Sexually Harassed at Work
Sexual harassment in the workplace is illegal. Your right to work in a harassment-free environment is protected by federal and state anti-discrimination laws. If you are being sexually harassed at work, you have legal recourse to get the harassment to stop and protect your job and your income. Recognize What Sexual Harassment Looks Like. According to both federal and New York state law, Continue Reading...
How Do I File a Sexual Harassment Claim in New York?
There are several avenues available when filing for sexual harassment in New York. It is important to be aware of the deadlines for filing the claim, as they differ for each agency. Individuals thinking about filing a sexual harassment claim are advised to consult an attorney to help determine the best course of action. There are three administrative agencies an individual may file with: (1) Continue Reading...
Supreme Court Weighs Religious Rights in Health Care Coverage Law
The new federal healthcare mandate requires all companies to insure their employees with comprehensive healthcare benefits. However, some small business owners are arguing over a portion of the healthcare plans. These businesses wish to be exempt from covering some employees’ contraceptive costs that go against their religious beliefs. While the court hears both sides of the argument, Continue Reading...
Have You Been Fired For No Reason?
If you have recently been fired, but don’t know why, you probably have many questions. Besides worrying about where to get your next paycheck, you want to know what your legal rights are, and if you have any recourse. The answers are varied, depending upon your individual circumstances, but there are some standards associated with employment and firing. Employment at Will Employers in the state Continue Reading...
Women’s Equality Act
New York legislators are working to pass a ten-point bill to stop gender discrimination and ensure fairness to women and families for the state of New York. The bill, called the “Women’s Equality Act” promises to defend women’s employment and quality of life rights. The Women’s Equality Act contains ten areas of protection against inequality and gender discrimination. Some simply extend current Continue Reading...
Rights of Seasonal Employees
New Jersey has a bi-annual influx of seasonal workers each year that rely on additional jobs to bolster annual income. Between May and September, the Jersey Shore hires lifeguards, retail workers and restaurant employees to cater to the summer vacation crowd. For the holidays, many New Jersey retailers once again increase their payroll to include additional seasonal workers from October through Continue Reading...
Workplace Privacy Rights
Technology and the internet has a large impact on privacy issues in the workplace. And, as is common with rapid technological advancements, the law has a hard time keeping up. Here we examine typical tool used by employers and explore the rights offered under state and federal laws to protect your privacy. Employers are increasingly utilizing technological surveillance tools to monitor the Continue Reading...
Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) Review
The proposed Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA, is immersed in controversy. This law would extend the protections already in place against workplace discrimination on the basis of religion, race and age to also cover gender identity and sexual orientation. The bill was passed by the U.S. Senate in early November with bipartisan support: 52 Democrats, 2 Independents and 10 Republicans Continue Reading...
Verbal Abuse in New York Workplace
Verbal abuse in the workplace extends well beyond New York City, contaminating work environments in all fields of industry and all areas of the nation. According to study after study, workers (and people in general) who experience persistent and severe verbal abuse have a tendency to develop depression, dissociation disorders, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and other psychological Continue Reading...