In response to investor pressure, Microsoft has agreed to open an investigation into how the company handles sexual harassment and gender discrimination complaints. In a rare move, an activist investor was able to convince almost 78% of Microsoft shareholders to vote...
Employment Law
California sues Tesla over alleged racial discrimination, segregation
The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) has filed suit against Tesla Inc., alleging that the company’s Fremont plant is a “racially segregated workplace.” It also contends that African American workers suffer from daily racial slurs,...
The USPS is stealing postal carriers’ pay – and they’re not alone
According to investigative reporting by the Center for Public Integrity (CPI), the Associated Press and Univision, United States Postal Service (USPS) supervisors routinely change postal workers’ timecards in order to short them on pay. When they do this, they rarely...
Can religious schools fire principals based on their race?
Religious organizations, including religious schools, generally have the right to choose whomever they like to fill “ministerial” positions. When it comes to people who are acting as religious ministers, the courts are generally required to stay out of any disputes....
Software vendor Tyler Technologies settles overtime class action
An up-and-coming software vendor has agreed to pay $3.15 million to settle a federal class action lawsuit. The lawsuit was brought by a man who started working for Tyler Technologies in July 2016 as an “implementation consultant.” He claims he was misclassified as...
What happens to my workplace rights if I get pregnant?
When you get pregnant, it changes everything. It can be physically challenging. It can mean a lot of doctor’s appointments. It’s the beginning of an expensive time in your life. You’re full of emotions, hopes and dreams. The last thing you need is to lose your job....
New law bans confidentiality clauses in discrimination settlements
Three years ago, California passed a law prohibiting companies from requiring workers to sign non-disclosure agreements in order to settle workplace sexual harassment, assault and discrimination claims. This was done as a response to the #MeToo movement. Many women...
New California law addresses unsafe quotas in warehouses
If you work in a warehouse or fulfillment center, a new California law may help keep you safer. AB 701 establishes new standards and rules for this type of fast-paced work: It requires companies to make clear what the production quota actually is It ensures workers...
Class action: UPS relegates California women to dead-end jobs
A group of three women who work at the United Parcel Service’s Oakland hub have filed a federal lawsuit against the company. They claim that women employees are routinely relegated to dead-end jobs with lower pay and fewer opportunities for advancement. They are...
Worked through your breaks? You may be entitled to back overtime
If your boss has expected you to work without breaks or through your allotted lunch period, you could be entitled to back pay at the overtime premium rate. Recently, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that workers who miss meal or rest breaks are due “one...