Employment Discrimination Blog

Do I have to answer work emails at home?

Technology today has made some jobs far easier, while other jobs have become more stressful with the elimination between work and home. Our ever-connected world allows employers to reach employees at all times of the day and night. This seeming 24/7 availability puts much strain on employees, leaving them feeling that there is no “off” time. In an effort to improve employee’s mental state, some countries and companies have created “right to disconnect” laws that give employees the right to ignore work calls and emails after hours. Our Read more . . .

Many types of behavior that used to be acceptable in the workplace are now recognized as illegal as well as intolerable. Laughing at, bullying, or discriminating against those you work with is no longer considered an unavoidable aspect of some workplace environments. Today, a great many workers are rising up, with the assistance of committed, well-schooled employment discrimination attorneys, to defend themselves in court against the painful treatment they used to feel they had to endure in order to keep their jobs.

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Do federal anti-discrimination laws encompass discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or identity?

The United States Supreme Court recently heard arguments in the landmark civil rights case involving LGBTQ employees who claim they were discriminated against at work. The long awaited decision could have significant implications for employees and employers nationwide, as well as LGBTQ people across America. As we await the high court’s decision, our Read more . . .

What is the minimum wage in the state of Georgia?

As a Georgia employer, you must abide by a myriad of state and federal laws in managing and paying your employees. Failure to follow state and federal laws could result in tremendous fines, civil penalties, and other attendant consequences. It is imperative that employers in Georgia understand the state’s hour and wage laws, along with laws concerning tips, break time, vacations, and more. Our Read more . . .

What changes have developed concerning restrictive covenants?

The field of employment law is ever-shifting, and as a business owner it is imperative that you stay abreast of the latest legal developments. Your hiring, management of employees, firing, and more could be greatly affected by shifts in the employment law landscape. Not conforming with changes to the law could leave you out of compliance and potentially open to fines or even litigation. Our Read more . . .

Why Do U.S. Employers Tend to Discriminate Against Latino Male Applicants?

With Latino migrants flocking to the United States and Spain, a new study set out to examine whether potential employees experienced discrimination due to their status as a minority.  This novel study reached some alarming conclusions that highlight the ongoing employment discrimination experienced by Latino migrants both in the U.S.
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What Are the grounds for sexual harassment at work?

Mega-corporation McDonald’s, which boasts nearly 14,000 restaurants in the United States alone, has been hit with 25 different lawsuits and complaints alleging sexual harassment in recent months.  The disturbing lawsuits allege sexual harassment among workers as young as 16 years old. This is not the first time that McDonald’s has found itself in the midst of sexual harassment allegations.
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Why is it important to periodically update your employee handbook?

With the new year approaching, now is a great time to review your employee handbook and make any necessary updates.  Your employee handbook serves as a vital guide to your employees.  A thorough handbook can prove essential in communicating your company’s mission and policies concerning employee behavior, compensation, and rights.  Your handbook can eliminate much confusion among employees, ward off ill behavior, and potentially even avoid litigation.  It is important to occasionally review your handbook to ensure it contains the most up-to-date information that you wish to convey to your workforce.
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The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 (PDA) amended Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to protect an individual from being discriminated against on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. Pregnancy in no way means you may treat an employee or potential employee any differently than someone else. The PDA works to ensure that no discriminatory acts are made against someone because they are pregnant, have recently given birth, or have a medical condition related to these things.

What is the Pregnancy Discrimination Act?

There are many ways to discriminate on the basis of pregnancy. If an unfavorable employment action is made because someone is pregnant, this is prohibited by the PDA.
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Sexual harassment in the workplace can be particularly stressful because it will not only make you feel uncomfortable, but can also place you in fear that your job may be in jeopardy if you do not handle the situation properly. It comes in many forms, but sexual harassment at work creates a toxic environment. Reporting this kind of behavior might make you afraid of what will happen to your employee status, but know that there are legal protections in place to shield you from backlash you may suffer. The Atlanta employment discrimination attorneys at Pankey & Horlock, LLC stand up for employees who have suffered sexual harassment in the workplace.

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Can my employer fire me for being pregnant?

Being pregnant in the workplace can be an unfortunately intimidating time.  Federal law protects pregnant employees from discrimination in the workplace, but nonetheless many pregnant women still report being bullied and fired due to their pregnant status. With about 75 percent of the 72 million women workers in the workforce eventually becoming pregnant, according to the latest Pew Research, pregnancy discrimination is a major national issue.
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