The Department of Fair Housing enforces the law on sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in California through the Fair Housing and Employment Act (FEHA). The FEHA prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace. FEHA is a broad form of anti-discrimination legislation, covering many avenues of employment. California employees can […]

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act, signed into law by President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The Act prohibits discrimination in the payment of wages and salary based on gender. In a formal statement, President Kennedy assured Americans that the law was necessary to “bring structure basic to democracy,” providing […]

Have you ever been unlawfully harassed at work? For many, this question may be tough to answer. We all know how to tell when we’re being offended or harassed, but not all harassment is considered unlawful. Workplace harassment is unwanted verbal or physical contact that discriminates based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, […]

Carney R. Shegerian, founder of Shegerian & Associates, a Santa Monica-based law firm specializing in employee rights, has issued a statement commending California Governor Jerry Brown for signing into law Senate Bill 400, which expands the state’s current employment discrimination protections to victims of stalking. Effective January 1, 2014, SB 400 amends California Labor Code […]

Employment discrimination cases rarely result in trial. That’s what the American Bar Association found out in study exploring employment discrimination cases. According to the study, of all cases, only 6% reach trial court proceedings. Forty percent are dismissed or end in summary judgment. The remainder of employment discrimination cases end up in settlement. It’s important […]

The overwhelming popularity of social media has changed our lives and reshaped the way we communicate, but at times, it causes friction in the workplace. This is especially true when posts to social media sites result in termination or adverse employment decisions. While many employees view social media as a sacred protected place private only […]

Employment discrimination is unequal treatment on the job. According to state and federal laws intended to protect workers from unfair treatment, employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees belonging to certain protected groups based on race, age, color, national origin and more. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the governmental agency authorized to enforce […]

As 2013 draws to a fast-approaching close, it’s time to pause and reflect on the cases that made the headlines and shaped the employment discrimination law landscape. Looking back is also a excellent way to stay abreast of the latest developments, and setbacks, that keep fine-tuning Title VII and the myriad of state laws, federal […]

Breastfeeding in public has come a long way in recent decades, but not without debate. Mothers struggle to feed their infant children conveniently and search for hospitable sites while onlookers blush, criticize, or call them out. In fact, mothers have been kicked out, fined and at least verbally berated for breastfeeding in public, a practice […]

Carney R. Shegerian, founder of Shegerian & Associates, a Santa Monica-based law firm specializing in employee rights, has issued a statement applauding the New York City Council for unanimously passing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a bill that ensures current protections against employer discrimination extend to pregnant workers, including the right to reasonable accommodations so […]