Christopher B. Lunny

Lisa C. Scoles

Harry O. Thomas

Congress Likely to Pass Employment Non-Discrimination Act

There is little doubt that Congress and the White House are moving rapidly to pass laws affecting the workplace.  In fact, the first piece of legislation signed by President Obama was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act which expanded the limitations period applicable to some claims of unfair compensation under the Equal Pay Act. This …
Read More »

Senator Dodd Expected to Propose Paid Sick Leave Today

As chairman of the subcommittee on Children and Families, Christopher Dodd (D:CT) is expected today to unveil the Senate’s version of a bill that would provide up to seven (7) days of paid sick leave for workers and perhaps worker’s family members who are ill, including individuals who have contracted H1N1 swine flu.  Given that the Department of …
Read More »

New Budget Includes Proposed Extension on COBRA Subsidy

Among many other items of interest, President Obama’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2011 includes a continued COBRA subsidy proposal.  If enacted (and made retroactive to its proposed start date of March 1, 2010), the provision would continue a 65% subsidy for qualified workers who are laid off between March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2010.  …
Read More »

Court Approves $6.2 Million Dollar Settlement Between EEOC and Sears

Earlier this month, the EEOC announced that the agency had secured its largest Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) settlement in history. The case against Sears Roebuck & Co was brought in the Northern District of Illinois in 2004 and just this month resulted in a court approved settlement.  In the lawsuit, the EEOC claimed that Sears implemented …
Read More »

EEOC Performance Results: Investigations Still Slow

As many observers noted, the EEOC’s Performance Results for the FY 2009 Performance and Accountability Report (PAR) were released toward the end of last year.  The PAR is based on the EEOC’s current modified Strategic Plan for FY 2007 through FY 2010 which was approved by the Commission in 2008. The current strategic plan contained …
Read More »

EEOC and Walmart Settle: $11.7 Million

Earlier this month, the EEOC announced that Walmart Stores will  pay $11.7 million in back wages and com­pen­satory damages, up to $250,000 in administration fees and will furnish other relief, including jobs, to settle a sex discrimination lawsuit filed by the EEOC. According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, Walmart’s  London, Ky., Distribution Center denied jobs to female applicants …
Read More »

USDOL Introduces Online Resource To Explain ADA Responsibilities

Earlier this month, the USDOL unveiled the latest development in its e-laws advisor programs:  an online resource entitled “Disability Nondiscrimination Law Advisor.”  The website and related links continue the USDOL’s effort to educate employers and employees about the amendments to the ADA, as well as its fundamental applications.   The website requires the viewer to answer …
Read More »