Jump to Navigation
Subscribe to This Blog's Feed

Broward County Employment Law Blog

Pregnancy discrimination plagues the workplace, EEOC says

In our last post we discussed a case involving a woman who pursued a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination due to lactation discrimination. Though such cases can appear to be unbelievable at this period in time, recent testimony reveals that pregnancy discrimination remains rampant in the American workplace.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently voiced concerns about the prevalence of employment-related pregnancy discrimination in testimony submitted during a federal hearing. The EEOC highlighted the fact that this issue is widespread despite the presence of more than 30 years of federal employment law designed to protect pregnant women from disparate treatment at work.

Judge says lactation discrimination is legal

We have written previously about the ways in which workplace discrimination plagues various groups in Southern Florida and across the nation. One of these groups consists of pregnant and breastfeeding women.

In a recent complaint, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) alleged that a Texas employer was guilty of pregnancy discrimination because it fired a female worker who asked permission to operate her breast pump in the privacy of a back room in the office.

Fashion models organize to improve employment protections

South Florida has more than its share of beautiful people and beautiful locations for fashion photo shoots. For these and many other reasons, our state has a strong connection to the modeling industry.

But few people outside the industry realize that being a model is not nearly as glamorous as the finished product that we see in magazines. In fact, modeling is very often a cut-throat business where young women and men (including minors) are subjected to sexual harassment, wage law violations, unreasonable employer demands and a host of other employment-law-related issues.

FMLA may soon be updated to benefit more Americans

Americans work hard, and for many of us, work is central to our identities. And while most of us are able to balance work and family life, there are times when family must take priority. That's why the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was adopted nearly two decades ago.

Workers in South Florida who have had to take significant time off of work because of a personal or family-member illness, childbirth, adoption or other family issue are likely familiar with the protections offered by the FMLA. It functions to protect our hard-earned employment positions, even as we take time to fulfill important caregiver obligations.

Latest EEOC data shows that retaliation is common in the workplace

South Florida residents are currently facing plenty of work-related challenges. For example, last week we mentioned that Florida's long-term unemployment numbers are ranked the highest in the nation.

But there is still more to be concerned about. While it may be hard to believe, it seems that reports of discrimination in the workplace are multiplying. According to data recently released by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the number of employment discrimination charges filed in 2011 reached record numbers. Topping the list were complaints related to retaliation.

EEOC goes after utility company for religious discrimination

Earlier this week, our post focused on the bleak jobs landscape in Florida. According to an analysis of U.S. Census data, Florida leads the nation in long-term unemployment.

With this in mind, it is especially important for victims of workplace discrimination or other illegal employment actions to pursue justice. If you have been a victim of wrongful termination or some other injustice, it may not be an option to simply look for another job.

Florida's job numbers highlight importance of employment lawsuits

Because of the economic recession of the last several years, times are tough everywhere. But the situation seems especially dire here in Florida. According to a recent analysis of U.S. Census data, Florida has the highest rate in the nation of long-term unemployment.

About 53 percent of residents who were unemployed last year were jobless for more than six months. In light of this staggering statistic, it is especially important for those of us who are employed to hold onto the jobs we have. This includes fighting for your rights if you have been a victim of wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment or some other illegal activity that has made it impossible to remain at your current job through no fault of your own.

Walmart gender discrimination issues continue

We have written previously about the long-running gender discrimination suits and scandal facing retail giant Walmart and how the outcome of such legal actions could affect Walmart employees here in South Florida. Though Walmart secured a decisive victory last summer when the Supreme Court ruled that the largest class-action employment lawsuit in history could not move forward as originally filed, the story continues.

The attorney who argued the class action before the Court last summer has recently asserted that serious gender discrimination issues are still prevalent inside Walmart's employee ranks. Though the retailer seems to be treating some gender-related issues with increased care, promotional opportunities and pay equity are still disparate between the sexes.

EEOC data shows more diversity and more discrimination at work

Diversification of the workforce is a priority in many industries in South Florida and elsewhere. Companies both large and small have increasingly sought to hire employees with varied backgrounds, experiences and worldviews.

It is thought that diversity in employee population bring diversity of thought, expansion of knowledge and greater depth in the workplace experience. However, diversity in the workforce also seems to be contributing to a record high in the number of workplace discrimination claims being filed in the United States.

Florida congressman accused of sexual harassment

I think we've all been in uncomfortable situations, but when someone is making unwanted advances towards you in the workplace; it's hard to believe that you are experiencing sexual harassment. This week a Florida woman alleges sexual harassment, including unwanted physical contact, by a congressman.

The accusations against the congressman first came to light last year when the employee worked as a policy advisor on the same commission as the congressman. According to the employee, the first advances came in 2007 during her first meeting, and he allegedly gave unwanted hugs and made sexually suggestive remarks. Further encounters were also documented by the employee, with the most recent incident happening in 2010.

Do You Have A Case?

Bold labels are required.

Contact Information
disclaimer.

The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

close
Visit Our Employment Law Website Contact Us
aapa

The
Amlong
Firm

500 Northeast Fourth Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Phone: 954.462.1983

Email | Directions