HR pros can learn a lot about how to deal with alleged race discrimination at work from a new federal appeals court decision. The appeals court rejected the appeal of two former employees and upheld a ruling for the employer. The appeal focused on allegations presented by Rod Warren and Eric Booker, who both worked […]
Having trouble deciding whether an employee is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)? A ruling from a federal appeals court in a case from Texas provides some help. The court ruled that a highly compensated employee — a vice president of information technology — was exempt under the statute. Employee Was a Highly […]
It’s one thing to have a workplace where morale is low and people just aren’t happy, but it’s quite another to have a work environment that crosses the legal line into unlawful discrimination. As an HR pro, you obviously want to avoid both problems. But as a new court ruling shows, you can work to […]
A California judge has approved a $43.25 million settlement resolving a class-action lawsuit that alleged The Walt Disney Company violated equal pay principles by paying male employees more than female employees for similar work. The settlement ends a six-year legal battle and covers non-union California employees below the vice president level employed by Disney […]
Normally, an employee’s travel or commuting time is not compensable travel time under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. But when employees travel overnight and stay away from home, different rules apply. A federal appeals court FLSA decision in a case from Indiana found that the travel time of employees who went to client sites […]
Employees who have experienced workplace discrimination are far more likely to be quietly polishing their resumes, according to ADP’s People at Work 2025: A Global Workforce View. The survey drew from a stratified random sample of nearly 38,000 working adults. Of those who reported discrimination at work, 34% said they were actively looking or interviewing […]
Female employees in Michigan said they endured ongoing sexual harassment at work – but management didn’t step in to stop it. That’s when the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) got involved – and the company now faces a six-figure settlement. This case involves East Jordan Plastics, Inc., a manufacturer of plastic horticultural containers, and three […]
How bad does a job action have to be to create a right to sue? Sometimes, the answer is easy. For example, if an employee is terminated or demoted for a bad reason, that clearly counts as an adverse employment action – and they have a lawsuit ready and waiting. But at other times, the […]
A new decision from a federal appeals court has an important message for HR pros about the scope of the ADA’s ban on retaliation. The message: The ADA’s anti-retaliation provision is expansive, and it can even be used by employees who do not have an ADA disability. Retaliation Case: Employee Goes to Bat for Friend […]
In today’s digital age, social media has blurred the lines between personal and professional lives. A post made outside of work hours can quickly become visible to colleagues, clients, and the public, sometimes causing workplace disruption or damaging an employer’s reputation. This raises a critical question: Can employers discipline employees for their private social media […]
More women are speaking up about menopause challenges at work – and Rhode Island has become the first state to make menopause accommodation a legal requirement. The Ocean State’s latest workplace law took effect on June 24, 2025, requiring employers to adjust policies and training to support employees and applicants experiencing menopause. For HR leaders […]
When employees raise disability discrimination concerns, employers face a critical choice: engage properly or face legal consequences. Recent EEOC settlements totaling $110,000 show what can happen when companies get it wrong. Remote Work Accommodation Request Denied In Georgia, an employee worked at Zoe Center for Pediatric & Adolescent Health, LLC, a healthcare provider. The EEOC […]
Do you know what it means to be a “similarly situated” employee under the law? It’s important to have a clear grasp of this employment law concept, especially if you are contemplating or implementing a group layoff. A recent decision from a federal appeals court takes a look at this important question – and gives […]
A recent court ruling shows how a sex-based rumor crossed the line into harassment. It highlights risks HR faces when rumors go unchecked – and the actions needed to prevent hostile work environments and retaliation claims. Here are the details behind the rumors – and key lessons for HR. Rumors Swirl Around Correctional Officer Brandy […]
Nooses. White supremacy symbols. A manager who punished a worker for speaking up. That’s what the EEOC says happened at a crane company — and the fallout cost more than half a million dollars. But headline-grabbing figures and legal findings only tell part of the story. This case shows an ongoing challenge for HR leaders: […]
Every savvy HR pro knows that employee allegations of sexual harassment are not to be taken lightly. Dropping the ball on conducting a prompt and thorough workplace investigation – and then taking swift remedial action if needed – can lead to big legal trouble. But just how far does the duty to investigate and remediate […]
