New York State’s vaccine mandate for healthcare workers went into effect on Sept.28, requiring them to have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to continue to work. Currently, an estimated 70,000 out of 450,000 health care workers remain unvaccinated, according to data recently released by the state.
Court Upholds Vaccine Mandate for NYC Public School Employees
A federal appeals panel has ruled that New York City’s vaccine mandate for most adults working in its public schools can proceed. The ruling reversed a previous decision by a judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit pausing enforcement of the mandate.
Given the novel...
Activision Blizzard Reaches $18 Million Settlement with EEOC
The gaming world was rocked in September when Activision Blizzard and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEOC) announced a settlement in the employee watchdog’s lawsuit against the games giant alleging pervasive sexual harassment and discrimination.
Though the $18 million dollar settlement only represents a fraction of Activision’s...
EEOC Updates Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccinations
Recently, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its guidance on Covid-19 vaccinations and federal anti-discrimination laws. As businesses in New York and around the country reopen their offices, many employers are mandating Covid-19 vaccinations for employees entering the workplace.
The best way for employers and employees to...
In Focus: Association Discrimination
Association discrimination claims are becoming increasingly common in New York and around the country. Anti-discrimination laws not only prohibit discrimination against members of a protected class but against employees who are associated or have a relationship with someone in a protected class. Given the challenges of proving discrimination by association, it is...
Sex accuser of late Met Opera maestro James Levine sues for $25M
A man who accused disgraced Metropolitan Opera maestro James Levine of molesting him for years as a teen has filed a $25 million suit over the alleged abuse.
Celebrity Chef Mario Batali Settles Sexual Harassment Claims with NY Attorney General
Celebrity Chef Mario Batali has agreed to pay $600,000 to at least 20 employees as part of a settlement with the New York State Attorney General. This case illuminates the prevalence of sexual harassment in the restaurant industry and what you can do about it. If you have been subjected to...
Are Employers Responsible for Third-Party Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment in New York workplaces is usually thought of in the context of a supervisor making unwanted sexual advances or a coworker making offensive comments; however, harassment can also be committed by third parties -- clients, customers, vendors, contractors.
Regardless of whether harassment is committed by employees...
EEOC Wins $125 Million Jury Verdict Against Walmart for ADA Violations
In July, a federal jury ruled that Walmart Stores must pay $125 million to a disabled sales associate who was wrongfully terminated. The EEOC filed a lawsuit against the retail giant alleging that Walmart changed the plaintiff’s schedule, worsening attendance problems that culminated in her termination.
The EEOC announced...
Amendments to NYC Ban the Box Law Slated to Take Effect
In January, the New York City Council enacted several amendments to the Fair Chance Act (FCA) that take effect on July 29, 2021. The amendments expand the protections to job applicants and employees against criminal background checks by employers.
While the so-called Ban the Box law is designed to...