In this interview on Scripps News, Discrimination Attorney Andrew Lieb discusses a new report from the UN Human Rights Committee that spotlights ongoing discrimination faced by the LGBTQ community in the United States. Lieb analyzes the committee's concerns about discriminatory laws targeting transgender people at the state level. He also addresses issues around employment discrimination, suicide rates in the LGBTQ community, and whether legal protections for LGBTQ individuals have expanded in recent years. This important conversation provides insight into the challenges that still exist and the ongoing fight for equality.
Showing posts with label discrimination law. Show all posts
Showing posts with label discrimination law. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
The New York Assembly has introduced Bill A06978 to improve the working conditions of public utility workers. This bill aims to allow utility workers to have access to restroom facilities in businesses without needing to be paying customers.
Key Features of the Bill:
Impact and Significance:
This bill recognizes the essential services provided by utility workers, addressing a basic need for restroom access during their duties. It balances the needs of these workers with the practical and safety concerns of businesses. A06978 is a step towards respecting the dignity and rights of utility workers in New York.
Key Features of the Bill:
- Restroom Access for Utility Workers: Public utility employees can use employee restroom facilities in businesses during work hours.
- Conditions for Access: Access is allowed when the worker is on duty, with at least two employees of the business present, and when it doesn't pose safety or security risks.
- Compliance and Penalties: Businesses must comply or face a fine of up to $500 per violation, but are not liable for injuries to utility workers using their facilities.
This bill recognizes the essential services provided by utility workers, addressing a basic need for restroom access during their duties. It balances the needs of these workers with the practical and safety concerns of businesses. A06978 is a step towards respecting the dignity and rights of utility workers in New York.
The Bill is on the governor's desk and once she signs it, it becomes effective.
Labor Law 201-g went into effect on October 9, 2018.
Did you know that Plaintiffs (sexual harassment victims) are suing companies for failing to comply with this mandatory training and disclosure law?
In December of 2018, New York County saw its first lawsuit alleging that a "Plaintiff was injured, in whole or in part, as a result of CIRE's failure to comply with NYC Admin Code § 8-107(29) and Labor Law § 201-g."
The case was about a "hostile, offensive, abusive and otherwise inappropriate work environment."
Allegedly, this harassment included:
- Asking Plaintiff if he was single;
- Asking Plaintiff to go out with her for drinks and dinner, unrelated to business;
- Telling Plaintiff how handsome he and flirting with Plaintiff;
- Complimenting Plaintiff's choice of clothes;
- Telling Plaintiff he should have a girlfriend;
- Telling Plaintiff that having a girlfriend would afford him a health insurance entitlement, which "by the way I, Sarine have health insurance";
- Telling Plaintiff what color clothing he should be warning;
- Moving her desk next to Plaintiff's desk;
- Staring at Plaintiff at all hours of the day and commenting on his face or hair;
- Standing unnecessarily close to Plaintiff when speaking;
- Inappropriately attempting to give Plaintiff hugs and kisses;
- Demanding that Plaintiff "pinky swear" so that he not disclose something that occurred between Ms. Atamian and another employee, just so she could touch Plaintiff's hand;
- Unnecessarily interrupting Plaintiff's conversations with others;
- Demanding that Plaintiff open personal packages and mail in front of her;
- Requiring that Plaintiff make all requests for basic company information, documentation, etc., through her, where other brokers were permitted to engage in such activities on their own.
- Making inappropriate inquiries concerning what Plaintiff was doing, who he was with, etc. when he was not at the Office;"
In fact, the Plaintiff argued that this violation of Labor Law § 201-g should result in Christie's International Real Estate Group, Inc. and two individual parties, paying "compensatory damages, punitive damages, statutory damages and special damages, as well as his costs, fees (including attorneys' fees) and disbursements, plus pre and post judgment interest, in amounts to be determined at trial, which amounts exceed the jurisdictional minimums of this Court"
Have you scheduled your annual training yet?
Wednesday, November 08, 2023
In a recent development that has resonated with families and advocates across Connecticut, Lieb at Law is representing a mother who has filed a complaint with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) charging discrimination against a residential program provider designed to treat the very victim of the discrimination.
The case involves a serious accusation against Adelbrook Behavioral & Developmental Services, where staff members are alleged to have forcibly cut the hair of a 14-year-old autistic girl, ava, as a disciplinary measure.
Andrew Lieb, the attorney for Ava's family, encapsulates the gravity of the situation: "First and foremost, we want to get Ava the compensation she deserves from the trauma from torture to be able to get the services she needs," highlighting the pursuit of justice and Ava's right to respectful and appropriate care.
This complaint comes amidst other allegations against Adelbrook, suggesting a potentially worrying pattern of behavior by the organization. As the legal process unfolds, Lieb at Law is dedicated to bringing the facts to light and ensuring that Ava receives the justice she deserves.
This case is particularly concerning given the backdrop of previous allegations of abuse within Adelbrook, as reported by the Connecticut Inside Investigator journal. The coverage of this story can be found here, offering a comprehensive look into the unfolding events.
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Andrew Lieb, the attorney for Ava's family, encapsulates the gravity of the situation: "First and foremost, we want to get Ava the compensation she deserves from the trauma from torture to be able to get the services she needs," highlighting the pursuit of justice and Ava's right to respectful and appropriate care.
This complaint comes amidst other allegations against Adelbrook, suggesting a potentially worrying pattern of behavior by the organization. As the legal process unfolds, Lieb at Law is dedicated to bringing the facts to light and ensuring that Ava receives the justice she deserves.
This case is particularly concerning given the backdrop of previous allegations of abuse within Adelbrook, as reported by the Connecticut Inside Investigator journal. The coverage of this story can be found here, offering a comprehensive look into the unfolding events.
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Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Recent trends have seen the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) significantly bolster its scrutiny on workplace discrimination, particularly on the front of disability discrimination. As advocates for those who face injustice, Lieb at Law, P.C. delves into these trends and urges those affected to seek their rightful legal recourse.
The EEOC’s Stand
The EEOC's resolve to combat disability discrimination has been noticeably robust. In its recently concluded fiscal year, the EEOC filed a staggering 144 lawsuits, a 55% increase from the previous year. Of these, 48 lawsuits were laser-focused on disability discrimination. That's a 77% rise from the 27 filed in the fiscal year of 2022. To be clear, this is in addition to the countless number of private lawsuits in federal and state courts throughout the country plus all of the administrative claims resolved at places like state / county / city divisions of human rights.
Other Discrimination Categories
While disability discrimination took center stage, the EEOC has also been active in pursuing cases involving retaliation, race, and religion discrimination. This underscores the broader drive to ensure fair treatment for all, regardless of one's personal attributes or beliefs.
Notable Cases
A recent case that highlights this mounting concern involved Alliance Ground International, a cargo logistics company based in Chicago. The EEOC alleges the company discriminated against a deaf individual, refusing him employment. In another case, the EEOC sued Union Pacific Railroad for terminating employees they considered "color vision deficient." These are but a few examples among many, revealing a troubling pattern of discrimination.
Mental Health: An Emerging Concern
Adding to the spectrum of disability discrimination, the EEOC has started to spotlight employers who fail to accommodate mental impairments. Recent cases have encompassed issues related to autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Complexities of the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a lifeline for many. However, its complexity can often be a double-edged sword. On one side, it offers protection to the disabled, but on the other, its intricacies can lead employers astray, sometimes unintentionally.
A Growing Regulatory Landscape
With the EEOC's budget set to grow by $26 million in the upcoming fiscal year, their vigilance is only expected to intensify. Topics like racial justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and systemic discrimination are likely to gain even more prominence.
Your Right to Fair Treatment
No one should suffer discrimination in silence. The numbers and the cases are clear indicators that disability discrimination is an alarming concern that needs addressing. If you or someone you know has faced discrimination of any form, it's crucial to understand your rights and take action.
Lieb at Law, P.C.: Advocates Against Discrimination
At Lieb at Law, we stand steadfast in our mission to support and represent those who've been discriminated against. Armed with expertise, experience, and a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding the ADA, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
Have you faced discrimination? Don't suffer in silence. Reach out to Lieb at Law, P.C. today, and let us champion your cause.
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