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 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...
In May, Governor Cuomo signed the New York Health and Essential Rights Act, or NY HERO Act, into law. The measure is intended to prevent occupational exposure to an airborne infectious disease by requiring employers in the state to adopt a health and safety plan to protect employees.
The...
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...
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...
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...
Today, more employers are navigating the pandemic by turning to artificial intelligence (A.I.) to recruit and screen job applicants remotely. Employers are well-advised to take a lesson from Amazon.com, however, which reportedly scrapped its A.I. screening tool in 2018 after finding that it discriminated against women.
The Amazon...
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...
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...
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...
