Newsletters

03.05.14

Time To Review Severance Agreements

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a complaint against CVS Pharmacy last week.


02.20.14

EEOC Stats on Enforcement and Litigation, Plus BOL Reports on Union Numbers

What was the most common type of discrimination charge filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in fiscal year 2013?


02.07.14

The More Things Change: U.S. Supreme Court Rules on “Changing Clothes”

In a unanimous decision—save for a single footnote—the U.S. Supreme Court held that the time spent donning and doffing protective gear, including items of clothing, was not compensable pursuant to a provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) allowing parties to collectively ...


01.22.14

EEOC Reports On FY 2013: Charges Down But Recovery Up

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission touted several achievements in its Performance and Accountability Report for fiscal year 2013, from a record-setting $372.1 million in monetary relief recovered by the agency to a decrease in the average time to investigate a charge and bring it to ...


12.20.13

Despite $27,000 Jury Award, 9th Circuit Approves Almost $700,000 in Attorney’s Fees

Affirming the broad discretion of federal district court judges to award attorney’s fees, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals held that an award of $700,000 in fees was justifiable despite a jury’s award of just $27,000 to the plaintiff.


12.06.13

Ninth Circuit Holds 125,000-to-1 Ratio Maintains a “Reasonable Relationship”

In a decision that should make employers sit up and take notice, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals approved an award for a Title VII plaintiff of $125,000 in punitive damages—and just $1 in nominal damages.


11.22.13

Third-Party Harassment Costs Employer $30,000

Employers, take note: harassment in the workplace can be committed not just by supervisors and coworkers, but by third parties such as customers, patients, clients, delivery people, or repair workers.


11.06.13

California Employers Face New Laws On January 1, 2014

Employers in California should ring in the New Year by updating their policies and training to reflect the new laws, particularly the major changes under San Francisco's new ordinance.


10.23.13

In California, Arbitration Agreement Valid Despite Lack of Rules

California employers scored a victory with the Peng decision, with the court making clear that a procedural error in failing to include the relevant rules governing an employment arbitration agreement should not prevent an employer from enforcing the terms of the agreement.


10.22.13

Round 2: Arbitration Agreements v. California Supreme Court

Sonic-Calabasas A, Inc. v. Moreno (“Sonic II”) presents a mixed bag for employers.