In March, our firm reported that we had filed a lawsuit seeking class-action certification on behalf of prospective candidates at Amazon.com in New York City who were unlawfully subjected to marijuana testing. Now, the online retail giant has been hit with five lawsuits by women employed in corporate and warehouse management...
Starbucks Reaches Agreement with EEOC Over Alleged Racial Bias in Promotions
Starbucks recently announced that it reached a voluntary settlement with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) over allegations of racial bias in employee promotions. While the impact on the coffee chain remains to be seen, this story highlights how racial discrimination is prevalent in many workplaces. Ultimately, the best way for workers...
Supreme Court Turns Away Two Workplace Religious Bias Cases
On April 5, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear arguments in two cases in which employees alleged companies violated federal anti-discrimination law by failing to provide religious accommodations. While the high court has taken a more expansive view of religious liberties in recent rulings, is it unclear whether turning...
In Focus: New York City’s Credit Check Law
Interviewing for a job in New York City during these unprecedented times can be stressful enough, but there are limits to what a prospective employer can ask you. Certainly, a company has a right to know whether you have the right skills and experience for the position. But an employer cannot ask...
New Jersey Senate Considers Amendments to Law Against Discrimination
The New Jersey Senate is considering a bill that, if passed, will significantly amend the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD). In short, the proposed amendments would increase the burden on employers to prevent discrimination and harassment and eliminate the barriers to claims for employees. Whether or not the proposed bill will...
Amazon Faces Class Action for Rescinding Job Offers Due to Positive Marijuana Tests
Lipsky Lowe has filed a proposed class action against Amazon.com Inc. for violating a New York City law barring testing applicants for marijuana at local facilities. The lawsuit is seeking to certify a class of individuals who applied for jobs with Amazon in the city and were required to submit to...
U.S. Congress Considers LGBTQ Discrimination
On February 25, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Equality Act, a measure that would, among other things, codify the 2020 U.S. Supreme Court ruling prohibiting discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
While LGBTQ workers in New York have legal protections under city...
EEOC Investigating Facebook Over Systemic Racism
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is conducting a systemic probe of racial bias in hiring and promotions by Facebook. While the social media company has not been accused of wrongdoing, a systemic probe indicates that the EEOC suspects Facebook’s policies may be contributing to widespread employment discrimination.
Amazon illegally tests NYC job applicants for marijuana
New York City law makes it illegal for employers to require job applicants to submit to a drug test for marijuana, unless the potential job fits into a few categories. Driving a commercial vehicle is one example of those exemptions. Amazon is violating this law by requiring those applying for certain warehouse...
EEOC Releases Workplace Discrimination Data for 2020
In March, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released statistics of workplace discrimination charges the agency received in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, which ended on Sept. 30, 2020.
While the EEOC plays a crucial role in enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination, the data shows that workplace...