As previously discussed on this blog, federal laws do not protect unpaid interns from discrimination or harassment because they do not fit the law’s definition of an “employee.” However, states may choose to adopt laws that extend workplace protections to unpaid interns, which allow them to hold companies accountable for unlawful mistreatment. In June of… Read More
Employment Blog
Here you can find the most recent employment law news and commentary on cases around the country. If you need assistance with employment law, don't hesitate to call us.
Pregnant Bartender Fired For Not Looking Like A Hooker
The Los Angeles Daily News reported recently that a pregnant bartender working at a Studio City pub, the King’s Head Pub II, was fired because she did not look a “California hooker.” A month before Amanda Lambert became pregnant she left her job as a bartender at another bar to take the bartending position at… Read More
FMLA Leave Eligibility for Same-Sex Spouses
On June 26, 2013, the United States Supreme Court issued its landmark decision in United States v. Windsor, which struck down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and mandated that the federal government recognize same-sex marriages for the purpose of federal benefits. This decision would extend several federally-mandated employment benefits to same-sex… Read More
Corporate Lobbyist Fights Against Workers
In 2013, a few state and local governments passed important pro-worker bills. Two states voted to raise the minimum wage, while Portland, Oregon and New York City passed laws that require employers to provide earned paid sick leave. While American workers may applaud these actions, they are likely not aware that more states considered passing… Read More
Navy Yard Shooter And The Need For Background Checks
After the recent Navy Yard shooting, employee background checks got national attention. A Reuters’ article explains that the U.S. Navy was not aware of the specifics of the shooter’s criminal history in Seattle. The Navy may have been aware of his recent interactions with police due to his hearing voices. Both the criminal and medical… Read More
ALEC Tries to Disguise Bills That Attack Workers
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is an organization composed of United State federal and state legislators, foundations, and corporations. ALEC members work to create so-called model policies for legislators to introduce as bills in their respective states. These bills generally focus on limited government and federalism at the state level. In the employment sector,… Read More
The Importance of a Living Wage
The issue of the living wage has become the center of many debates and conversations across the United States as of late. Separate from minimum wage, living wage refers to the minimum amount of income a person requires to meet basic needs based on their circumstances, such as family, dependents, other household contributors, and geographic… Read More
Workplace Religious Discrimination Can Affect Anyone
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex. The EEOC defines religious discrimination as treating an applicant or employee unfavorably based on his or her religious beliefs…. Read More
A Venture in Arbitrating a Discrimination Claim
Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB), a venture capital firm that helped companies like Amazon and Google get startup money, will not be able to arbitrate its current discrimination case. The San Jose Mercury News reported that Ellen Pao, a former partner at KPCB, filed a sex discrimination claim against the firm. She claimed that… Read More
REI Sued for Retaliation and Discrimination by Paralyzed Employee
A few months ago, Seattle P-I reported on James Osborne’s multiple and continuing battles with REI. In 2007, Osborne was paralyzed when an REI brand bicycle he was riding broke apart and crashed. As a result of the crash, Osborne’s arms and legs were paralyzed for a while and though he can now walk around… Read More