Bullying is no longer performed by children at schools and on playgrounds. It has now found itself in the workplace where both the tormentor and its victim are adults. Last year’s survey from the Workplace Bullying Institute found that 27% of those in the workforce have or had direct experience with abusive conduct at work; 72% of the American public are aware of workplace bullying; bosses are still the majority of workplace bullies; and when confronted with the problem, 72% of the employers either deny it exists, encourage it, rationalize it or defend it.
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Five Effective Ways to Reduce Lawsuits Resulting from Incidents Occurring at Holiday Parties
Holiday parties are great for fellow employees to enjoy each other’s company outside a workplace environment. However, for some workers, the chance to “be themselves” in such a social setting means acting or talking inappropriately in front of others, drinking excessively or making unwanted sexual advances.
Resigning Properly
Most people do not know how to resign properly. The slightest mistake can expose you to a lawsuit or cause the forfeiture of valuable benefits. Some people resign without receiving a firm job offer from a new employer. Later, after learning the new job did not materialize, they are unable to be rehired by their former employer and spend months out of work unnecessarily.
After Eight Years, Terminated Employees Receive $6.2 Million Jury Verdict in Pregnancy Discrimination Case against Medical Services Company
Scott A. Lucas of The Law Offices of Scott A. Lucas and Steven Mitchell Sack of The Law Offices of Steven Mitchell Sack have recently helped three women who were fired from their jobs for being pregnant obtain a $6.2 million jury verdict in the matter of Santana, et. al v. G.E.B. Medical Management, Inc., et. al., 305261-08.
After Eight Years, Terminated Employees Receive $6.2 Million Jury Verdict in Pregnancy Discrimination Case against Medical Services Company
In the lawsuit, the three women — two of whom worked as an administrative assistants and another as a biller — established themselves as solid performers, but when it was discovered that they were pregnant or suspected of being pregnant, they were harassed by their employer, falsely accused of poor performance and later fired. The employees had only been with the company for less than a year. Two were fired in October 2006; the third was fired in March 2007.
Class Action Lawsuits
A class action lawsuit can be used when a number of people wish to participate in a lawsuit but the class is too numerous, or it would be too expensive to try each case separately. These individuals commence a case and retain lawyers to represent them and retain a class representative to represent them and the class. An example of this is hundreds of people who suffer alleged employment discrimination, including sexual harassment and wage and hour violations are now pursuing their job rights through class action lawsuits. In addition, class action lawsuits are also available to challenge a policy or interpretation of a statute or regulation, such as in a Medicaid case.
Pro Se Representation
While it is always ideal to have a lawyer to protect your legal rights and interests, this may not be possible all the time. If you have limited funds and do not qualify for legal aid, you may be forced to appear on behalf of yourself. Just because you appear pro se does not mean you will lose your case. However, it is necessary to be informed and educate yourself about the procedure and what to expect.
Damages in Employment Litigation
Damages are awarded to a prevailing party in a lawsuit. They may come in the form of money, or in some cases, the court may order the opposing party to perform a certain action.
Steven Mitchell Sack Says Fast Food Workers in New York State Deserve Higher Wages
Attorney Steven Mitchell Sack, “The Employee’s Lawyer,” says fast food workers in New York State do not make enough money and should be able to earn at least $15 an hour. This, he says, will mean not only increased employee morale but employee retention.
Steven Mitchell Sack Supports President Obama’s Proposed Rule Change on Overtime Pay
Attorney Steven Mitchell Sack, “The Employee’s Lawyer,” says a new workplace regulation proposed by President Barack Obama to automatically qualify workers for overtime pay would mean those who work more than 40 hours a week will be fairly compensated.
