White Plains, New York, Employment Law Blog

FedEx employees awarded compensation after facing retaliation

On behalf of Gould & Berg, LLP posted in retaliation on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.

New York employees and those elsewhere have a reasonable expectation to work in an environment that is free from unnecessary safety risks. When workers notice safety concerns that may affect themselves or others, they should have the ability to report those concerns without fear of repercussion. However, some individuals may face retaliation from employers after making such concerns known.

It was recently reported that FedEx was ordered to pay over $7 million to two current employees and one former employee after they faced retaliation for raising safety concerns. Reports stated that the workers did not believe that the company was keeping their aircraft up to safety standards as required by the Federal Aviation Administration. As a result, they voiced those concerns, and instead of having their concerns addressed, they were disciplined.

Man with HIV claims discrimination in employment litigation

On behalf of Gould & Berg, LLP posted in employment litigation on Monday, November 5, 2018.

Many people have illnesses, disabilities or other health conditions that often have a negative stigma attached to them. Though these stigmas may have no real basis, individuals can still suffer from negative treatment and discrimination from others. When employers treat workers unfairly because of their conditions, it may warrant employment litigation.

New York residents may be interested in an lawsuit currently underway in another state. Reports indicated that a former employee of the burger chain Five Guys has filed suit against the company for discrimination. Apparently, the man began working for the chain in 2013, and several months later, he was diagnosed with HIV. However, his doctor stated that he was cleared to work with the stipulation that he wear gloves. Issues for the man began when the chain hired a new manager, and that manager reportedly began harassing the worker.

EEOC sues after unpaid pregnancy discrimination settlement

On behalf of Gould & Berg, LLP posted in gender & pregnancy discrimination on Wednesday, October 31, 2018.

Pregnancy often means that a significant change is coming to someone's life or multiple people's lives. Typically, these changes are exciting, and expectant parents often look forward to welcoming a child. However, mothers-to-be can also face negative changes such as facing pregnancy discrimination at work.

New York readers may be interested in a case in another state involving this type of discrimination. Reports stated that a woman had filed a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding the discrimination she faced while working for a towing company. The report did not detail what type of actions the woman faced, but the EEOC and the towing company apparently came to a settlement in mediation to pay the woman $5,500.

Settlement results from worker's discrimination claim

On behalf of Gould & Berg, LLP posted in workplace discrimination on Thursday, October 25, 2018.

It is important for New York workers and those elsewhere to understand their rights. Without this information, they could face negative treatment at work and think that they just have to take it. Fortunately, there are many laws and regulations in place that work to protect employees from discrimination and other unjust actions in the workplace.

Of course, some employers may not abide by these laws, and workers could face unfair actions and negative repercussions. This type of situation recently affected a worker in another state. Reports indicated that an African-American employee was fired from his job after complaining about racist and discriminatory actions taking place on the job. The individual worked for a contractor as a backhoe operator, and the foreman reportedly used a racial slur on multiple occasions.

What does pregnancy discrimination look like?

On behalf of Gould & Berg, LLP on Monday, October 22, 2018.

Introducing a new child into the world is life-changing. However, one part of your life it should not have a large effect on is your job. When you are pregnant, your employer cannot treat you unfairly due to your pregnancy but unfortunately, pregnancy discrimination occurs in the workplace.

Sometimes, pregnancy discrimination is discreet. How do you know when you have cause to file a claim or take action against your employer for pregnancy discrimination?

Employment litigation may result when worker rights are violated

On behalf of Gould & Berg, LLP posted in employment litigation on Tuesday, October 16, 2018.

When businesses face issues that lead to them having to go out of business, it is not just the company owners who are affected. The employees of the companies can face detriment from business closings, and when the employers do not take the correct steps to inform the employees and make sure that the employees' rights have not been violated, the detriment could be even greater. In such cases, New York workers and those elsewhere may feel the need to move forward with employment litigation.

This type of situation is currently underway in another state as several individuals who worked for a grocery store chain have filed a class-action lawsuit against the chain for violations of their rights. Reports indicated that the grocery store recently chose to stop operations. Employees state that they were not given 60 days' notice of the closing or given 60 days' worth of compensation and benefits.

Workers win in recent wage theft, wrongful termination cases

On behalf of Gould & Berg, LLP posted in wage & hour claims on Thursday, October 11, 2018.

Many people work in restaurants as a way to earn an income. Individuals can stay in this industry for many years and find it a stable way to provide for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, some restaurant employers may not treat their workers fairly when it comes to compensation, and as a result, workers may not receive their earned pay. In such cases, individuals may make legal claims regarding wage theft.

New York readers may want to find out more information on such a case in another state. Reports indicated that a class-action lawsuit was filed against the owner of a restaurant in relation to wage violations. Apparently, the owner did not pay workers minimum wage and split the tip pool with untipped workers. Two women were fired from their jobs after they complained to their employer about the violations.

Airline worker files workplace discrimination suit after firing

On behalf of Gould & Berg, LLP posted in workplace discrimination on Thursday, October 4, 2018.

People of color often face difficulties in life that other people do not. In a considerable number of instances, workers may face workplace discrimination due to their race or the color of their skin. These instances are unacceptable, but many workers can suffer negative consequences before action is taken.

New York residents may be interested in a discrimination case currently underway in another state. A former employee of an airline claims that he faced discrimination on the job and that the airline allowed a "whites only" break room to exist at one of its airports. The worker learned of the segregated break room in 2013, and the airline reportedly allowed its existence until renovations of the airport resulted in the room being removed.

You may not like your work environment, but is it hostile?

On behalf of Gould & Berg, LLP on Friday, September 28, 2018.

Many individuals do not like their positions, bosses, coworkers or work environment. Perhaps you do not connect to your workplace culture, or you feel as though your boss’s comments about your work are picky. Maybe your coworker talks too loud, or you even sit by an employee that wears too much perfume. Unfortunately, none of these examples constitute a hostile work environment.

Claiming that a work environment is hostile involves significant proof, but if you face harassment and discrimination in your hostile workplace, you have the authority to file a claim with the state of New York. Before doing so, however, it may prove wise to speak to an attorney to help you in determining whether your unique situation will qualify as a hostile work environment. You do not want to bring a false claim against your employer and waste time and money filing a claim that risks denial.

Walmart facing lawsuit for discrimination of pregnant workers

On behalf of Gould & Berg, LLP posted in gender & pregnancy discrimination on Monday, September 24, 2018.

While many people face challenges on the job, some workers may face more hardships than others. In some cases, those difficulties may be caused by their employers simply not following the law. In particular, pregnant workers may end up trying to deal with unnecessary hardships at work due to discrimination.

New York readers may be interested in a lawsuit that was recently filed against Walmart for such actions. Apparently, one particular distribution center has failed to accommodate pregnant workers since 2014. The company reportedly forced its pregnant workers to take unpaid leave. Additionally, the report stated that one woman filed a complaint after she became pregnant in 2015, and Walmart did not accommodate her restrictions related to her pregnancy, such as needing additional breaks, less heavy lifting and having a chair so she could sit while working.

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