With the loss of jobs that came with the economic downturn, some states are considering banning or at least placing a moratorium on enforcement of non-compete agreements. The ability to move between jobs or to take a new job within a chosen field, free from the restrictions of a non-compete agreement, would boost employment rates some believe.
Federal Protections May Be Coming For LGBT Workers
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, was recently introduced in the U.S. Congress. The Act would protect those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender from employment discrimination based on their gender or sexual identity.
Law Firm Secretary Sues For Pregnancy Discrimination
Demetria Peart began working as a legal secretary for Latham Watkins in April of 2007. The fall of the same year, she learned that she was pregnant. Shortly thereafter, she was forced to take time off of work for complications related to her pregnancy. In January of 2008, she was told not to return.
Contract Phlebotomist Wins $1.5M Verdict In Sexual Harassment Case
A pattern of ongoing sexual harassment by members of the Oceanside Police Department has ended in a $1.5 million award from a Vista Superior Court jury. Kimberli Hirst was a contract phlebotomist for the department; she took blood samples from those accused of driving under the influence and was employed by American Forensic Nurses.
Claiming To Have Built Her Brand, Former Employee Sues Shakira
Antonio de la Rua claimed in a recent lawsuit filed in California that his former employer and girlfriend, Shakira, owes him $100 million for the work that he did to launch her stardom. De la Rua began working for the singer/songwriter in 2005 and, despite the absence of an employment contract spelling out their working relationship, believes he deserves compensation for his role in Shakira's musical career.
Nevada Engineering Company Settles Pregnancy Discrimination Case
A husband and wife formerly employed by Engineering Documentation Systems, Inc., fought back against pregnancy discrimination and wrongful termination and recently won. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that EDSI had agreed to a $70,000 settlement for the employment discrimination claims and to implement anti-discrimination policies at the Nevada company.
Used Pregnancy Disability Leave Before Birth? No, You Are Not Out Of Time
After being put on bedrest in February because of a high-risk pregnancy and not scheduled to deliver until October, Ana Fuentes Sanchez was granted leave under the Pregnancy Disability Leave Law (PDLL). After being off work for 19 weeks - which included the four months under the PDLL and any accrued sick and vacation time - Swissport fired Sanchez for failing to return to work.
After Being Passed Over For Several Promotions, Jerry Davis Fights Back
For 15 years, Jerry Davis supported Fox Sports as its Director of the music department. During that time, a higher position - Vice President of Music - was open four times. All four times, Davis was passed over for another candidate, despite being in a role that one would assume is being groomed for the VP spot.
Vested Sick Leave Can't Be Denied By City, Judge Says
The City of San Jose had a sick leave policy that allowed workers who had been with the City for 15 or more years to bank up to 30 weeks of sick time that would be paid out upon retirement. The policy was a unique savings opportunity for City employees that allowed them to earn sick time throughout their careers that would be paid out at their final rate when they left the City.
Third Former NBPD Police Officer Claims Discrimination, Retaliation
After being passed over for a promotion at the Newport Beach Police Department shortly following the filing of a grievance related to the department's promotional practices, now-retired officer Robert Morton has decided to fight back. He is suing over what he believes to be corruption within the police department that lead to illegal employment discrimination and retaliation.
Racial Discrimination, Sexual Harassment Suits Against LAPD
Police Officer Earl Wright of the Los Angeles Police Department was recently awarded $1.2 million by a California jury for the years of racial discrimination and harassment he endured on the force. The jury took less than four hours to side with Wright and find the City liable for damages related to the harassment and discrimination claims.
