Because New York is an “at-will” employment state, you can be terminated at any time for any reason or no reason at all. But what if your employer terminates you based on a false accusation? Whether being terminated based on a false accusation constitutes wrongful termination, or whether a false accusation in the workplace is […]
According to a 2019 survey by Coldwell Banker Real Estate, 34 percent of Americans working in real estate and other female-dominated industries (e.g. healthcare, education), believe there is a glass ceiling for women seeking executive or senior-level positions. While the survey highlights several factors that contribute to the gender leadership gap in the real estate […]
A recent study by the New York State Judicial Committee on Women in Courts examining the experience of women in the court system found that female attorneys continue to face sexual harassment and are more likely to have their credibility questioned. While the committee made recommendations for addressing these systemic problems, women who have been […]
While COVID-19 vaccinations may not be available to the general public until later next year, some employers are currently considering whether they should require their workers to be vaccinated. Similarly, employees have expressed concerns about whether they will be required to be vaccinated to return to their office or as a condition of employment elsewhere. […]
In November 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case involving the balance between sincere religious beliefs and laws protecting LGBTQ rights. While the court has ruled that federal laws protect LGBTQ individuals against employment discrimination, the line between religious freedom and discrimination remains blurred. It remains to be seen whether the […]
In November 2020, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced proposed updated guidance on religious discrimination. The update addresses several matters and describes ways in which Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII ) protects individuals from religious discrimination. Because the proposed guidance does not have the full force and […]
In September, the Office of Court Administration’s (OCA) administrative board declined to recertify 46 judges older than 70 in a bid to cut the judiciary budget by 10 percent. The move was in response to New York State’s COVID-19-induced budget deficit. Now, five appellate judges slated to lose their jobs on Dec. 31 have filed […]
A female prosecutor has filed a lawsuit against the Bronx District Attorney alleging sexual harassment, religious discrimination, and retaliation in the DA’s sex crimes unit. This case highlights the pervasiveness of sexual harassment, even in our hallowed halls of justice. While the outcome of the lawsuit remains uncertain, all employees in New York have a […]
While sexual harassment in the workplace remains a pervasive problem in New York and across the nation, nonsexual harassment is another type of unlawful discrimination under federal, state, and local law. Ultimately, the best way for employees to fight back against discrimination and harassment is to consult with an experienced employment law attorney. What is […]
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced a new rule intended to clarify the definition of independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The proposed rule rolls back the DOL’s previously issued guidance on independent contractor status during the Obama Administration. This is a noticeable tilt toward the employer’s favor. Highlights of […]