Should I report harassment or discrimination to my employer?

After an employee has suffered from discrimination, sexual harassment, or unlawful retaliation in the workplace, one of the immediate key issues is whether they should report the issue to their employer. This is a critical issue and one that must be handled properly to ensure a positive outcome for the employee. While each employer is… Read More

EEOC Files Sexual Harassment Case against Alabama Company

On September 26, 2018, the Birmingham, Alabama EEOC office filed a lawsuit against Sys-Con, LLC (“Sys-Con”) based on allegations of sexual harassment that took place at the Montgomery, Alabama Hyundai plant. The complaint alleged that two female employees were sexually harassed by their male supervisor. The female employees claim that a Sys-Con supervisor repeatedly pressured… Read More

Ten Tips to Protect Yourself from Employer Retaliation

Whether you have been sexually harassed or suffered from employment discrimination, one of the most common questions I receive is how to prevent retaliation.  Here are ten tips to protect yourself after you make a complaint: Not all complaints regarding your job are protected from retaliation. Only specific complaints relating to discrimination (race, gender, age,… Read More

What would you do if Harvey Weinstein was sexually harassing you?

Recent news headlines about Harvey Weinstein, the Hollywood mogul accused of sexual harassment and sexual abuse by multiple actresses, is a reminder of the use of power to discriminate and harass in the workplace.  It has taken years for Mr. Weinstein’s behavior to come to light due to his powerful position in the industry and… Read More

Breastfeeding Cop Verdict Upheld

The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a former Tuscaloosa police officer’s case against the Police Department for pregnancy discrimination and retaliation. Melissa Hicks had worked for the Tuscaloosa Police Department for three years before taking FMLA leave for the birth of her child. Upon returning to work, she was written up for  infractions and… Read More

What to do if you are being sexually harassed at work?

One of the most difficult and stressful employment situations involves an employee who is experiencing sexual harassment.  Sexual harassment can range from inappropriate comments from a co-worker to outright physical assault.  Both males and females can be subjected to sexual harassment and there is no clear line from where flirting and banter crosses over into… Read More

Retaliation for Reporting Discrimination

Retaliation is the number one type of claim that is filed with the EEOC every year. According to the EEOC, retaliation claims make up 45% of all filings across the nation. Under the Federal discrimination laws, retaliation cases typically arise when an employee reports discrimination to his or her employer and then suffers an adverse… Read More

Alabama Corporation Settles Religious Discrimnation Lawsuit with EEOC

The EEOC recently announced that Altec Industries, Inc., a Birmingham, Alabama based manufacturing company, will pay $25,000 and furnish other relief to settle a religious discrimination lawsuit based on a failure to hire claim. According to the lawsuit,  the Plaintiff applied for employment at Altec’s manufacturing  facility in North Carolina.  As a Seventh-day Adventist,  Plaintiff alleged that he held the… Read More

Federal Jury Awards Lifeguard $3.5 Million in Damages for Sexual Harassment by Supervisor

A federal jury in the District of Columbia has awarded $3.5 million to a former public pool lifeguard who says she was sexually harassed by a supervisor. The plaintiff was a life guard at the Takoma aquatic center in the summer of 2006 when she said her boss, harassed her, asked her out on dates,… Read More