Introduced and passed, 402 to 17, in the House of Representatives, the ADA Amendment Act of 2008 is geared to the restoration of the intent and protections of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Operating from the position that “physical and mental disabilities in no way diminish a…
Change in Executive’s Reporting Relationship Considered a Breach of Contract by Employer
Many executive employment agreements provide that an executive can only be terminated “for cause.” In addition, those agreements sometimes provide that the executive can terminate the employment relationship for “good reason.” A resignation for “good reason” results in it being treated as a termination without cause by the employer. This…
U.S. Supreme Court Holds Employee can Bring Suit for Retaliation under Section 1981
Federal civil rights are useless if they cannot be enforced. Recently, in CBOCS West, Inc. v. Humphries, most of the Supreme Court agreed ruling that employees could bring retaliation claims against their employers under The Civil Rights Act of 1866, 42 U.S.C § 1981 (“Section 1981”). What brings controversy to…
NASCAR Faces Discrimination and Harassment Suit
Mauricia Grant, a former employee of NASCAR, filed suit alleging 23 specific instances of sexual harassment, as well as 34 instances of racial and sexual discrimination. According to Grant, she complained to her supervisors of the discriminatory treatment on multiple occasions, but her complaints were ignored. She alleges in her…
Primer on The New York State Human Rights Law
Navigating the different statutes applicable to employment discrimination can be daunting. Prior to meeting with an attorney, you can familiarize yourself with the laws that may apply to your situation. Of course, you should consult an attorney regarding your own individual situation. (a) Scope The New York State Human Rights…
High Court of New York Finds Executives Covered by Labor Law
On June 10, 2008, the New York State Court of Appeals resolved an issue over which lower New York courts were divided. According to New York’s highest court, individuals who serve in executive or “white collar” capacities are entitled to protection under some of the wage provisions of New York’s…