Bay Area Employment Law Blog
California’s lone female sheriff accused of sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is often thought of as a woman's problem -- especially today, when many women are stepping forward with allegations of sexual harassment in various industries going back decades. However, the latest accusations of sexual harassment to hit the news...
Do women suffer more age discrimination then men?
If you're a woman of "a certain age," you're no doubt aware that there's a societal double standard when it comes to age and gender. Men get older and are seen as distinguished-looking and seem wise. Women just get older. It doesn't matter what industry you're in --...
What accommodations are reasonable during and after pregnancy?
If you're pregnant, do you know your rights at work? What should you expect your employer to do (or not do)? The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (among other things) requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant women and new mothers. However, there...
Getting fired when you’re sick
When you're suffering from a medical condition that already makes you feel pretty miserable, there's nothing worse than an unsympathetic employer. But, can that employer fire you because your illness is affecting your attendance and your job performance? Maybe. Under...
Don’t underestimate the number of men who are sexually harassed
The #MeToo movement has reinvigorated the discussion about sexual harassment. It's in the forefront of the American consciousness perhaps like never before. But there are still a significant number of largely invisible victims out there: men. While men have been...
California firefighter files layered discrimination suit
A firefighter is suing Cal Fire because he claims that he was discriminated against both for his sexual orientation and his disability. The 38-year-old man says that the discrimination nearly drove him to suicide. This comes on the heels of an internal investigation...
Understanding constructive discharge
Have you ever heard someone say, "I was forced to quit," when talking about a job? If so, you may be hearing about a constructive discharge. A constructive discharge happens when an employer makes the job absolutely unbearable for an employee -- to the point that no...
What can you do to stop workplace sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment at work is actually everyone's problem -- not just management's and not just the victim's. When someone's being victimized, it can make the atmosphere at work toxic for all. What, however, are you supposed to do about it? If you aren't in a position...
Racial discrimination and the job application process
What's it like applying for a job when you aren't a white male? It depends. First you have to get to an interview -- but that is far less likely to happen if you happen to have a name that doesn't "sound" white. Assuming you can make it that far, how you have to...
Sexual harassment is everyone’s workplace problem
Sexual harassment has been in the news almost daily as of late, due to what seems like a ceaseless array of allegations coming out of Hollywood and the "Me Too" movement gaining force. More than ever, people are starting to realize that sexual harassment in the...