Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
California employers in the healthcare industry must be ever-vigilant when it comes to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. A simple matter of testimonials accompanied by photographs got one business into hot water.
By Beth Kahn and Timothy J. Toohey A California employer fired a pregnant employee for violating its policy on reporting missing customer deposits. On appeal, the California Court of Appeal considered whether the employee had a claim for pregnancy discrimination and whether the employer had a legitimate reason for terminating her.
A California sexual harassment case was tried by a jury three times. The first time, the jury found in favor of the school district. The second time, a mistrial was declared before a verdict was rendered. The third time, the jury awarded the employee $199,399 for her sexual harassment claim. Read on for the details.
By Matthew A. Goodin Many employers find it advantageous to both the company and its workers when offering tuition reimbursement programs. However, one California case provides an illustration of a generous employer and an ungrateful employee—and an outcome that may be surprising.
By Joan Farrell, JD, Senior Legal Editor New amendments have recently been approved to California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) regulations, and employers must take notice and act accordingly. BLR® Senior Legal Editor Joan Farrell, JD, has the necessary information to bring you up to speed.
by Teresa W. Ghali Companies that undertake reorganizations often face potential liability for lawsuits, including discrimination claims that stem from the reorganizations and associated layoffs. One such claim in California—alleging age discrimination—was able to be disproved by the facts.
by Elizabeth J. Boca Recently, the California Court of Appeal for the 5th Appellate District addressed the issue of on-duty meal period waivers as it relates to direct-care staff of residential homes. Read on for more background on the case.
by Cathleen S. Yonahara A Los Angeles County jury found that although an employer wasn’t liable for sexual harassment, it was liable for over $1 million in damages for retaliating against an employee for exercising her right to report sexual harassment. Take steps to ensure your company avoids incurring such damages.
by Cathleen S. Yonahara In a recent case, a California employer followed a federal regulation for calculating overtime on a flat-rate bonus. An employee filed a lawsuit alleging that the calculation was improper under California law. Which side ended up prevailing?
by Susan Schoenfeld, JD 2016 has already seen updates in California leave law, specifically laws related to the use of paid sick leave for kin care and leave for child-related activities. Continue reading to get up to speed on these important new rules in the Golden State.