Whether you are an employer or an employee, it’s important to stay up-to-date on developments in employment law to protect your rights in the workplace. Our blog highlights the most relevant news, bills, lawsuits, and “how-tos” of employment law for working professionals. Our blog also includes our firm’s most recent news.
11
August
Possible Impacts of the Coronavirus Delta Variant: Financial Recovery in NYC
New York City is finally beginning to show signs of life. But that headway may be threatened by an increase in coronavirus cases from the spread of the Delta variant.
Potential Issues in Midtown
Midtown Manhattan is one of the areas expected to be hit hardest by the Delta variant. Due to its lack of residential population, Midtown lacks the local support that has sustained many areas during lockdown. The central area of Manhattan largely depends on office workers and tourists for
06
August
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo Faces an Investigation for 11 Sexual Harassment Allegations
New York’s Governor, Andrew Cuomo, is currently undergoing a criminal investigation for alleged sexual harassment claims against eleven women. In a report released earlier this week by the state’s attorney general, Letitia James, Cuomo has reportedly “harassed current and former state employees in violation of both federal and state laws.” Cuomo’s alleged misconduct includes a pattern of inappropriate groping, kissing, and suggestive comments in the workplace. The report also highlights one particular instance where Cuomo “retaliated against a woman who
04
August
Charged With Creating a Toxic Work Environment, L Brands Settles a 90 Million Dollar Lawsuit
July 30th, 2021, the specialty retailer L Brands publicized a $90 million corporate government agreement to settle multiple lawsuits charging that its former Victoria’s Secret brand upheld a toxic work environment, which included sexual harassment. The company has also agreed to an additional $21 million in legal fees, subject to court approval.
Initial Investigations into Toxic Work Environment
In early June 2021, a shareholder of L Brands, John Giarratano, sued the company for records and alleged that it’s subsidiaries, Bath & Body
30
July
Video Game Giant Activision Blizzard Slammed by California DFEH for “Frat Boy” Culture of Sexual Harassment
Last week, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) sued Activision Blizzard, the video game giant responsible for popular franchises such as Call of Duty and World of Warcraft, for creating a “frat boy” culture of “constant sexual harassment.” The suit alleges that female employees were routinely paid less than male employees, disciplined more harshly, and subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace. Trigger warning: some of the allegations brought forth in the lawsuit are disturbing to read.
Sexual
28
July
Celebrity Chefs Mario Batali & Joe Bastianich to pay $600K to Former Employees Who Endured Sexual Harassment at Work
After a four-year investigation by the New York Attorney General’s office, celebrity chefs Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich and their management group, B&B hospitality, have agreed to pay $600,000 to at least 20 former employees who were sexually harassed and retaliated against while working.
The Investigation into B&B’s Harassment
The investigation found that B&B (Batali and Bastianich) had “engaged in unlawful sex discrimination and retaliation, in violation of state and city human rights laws” at their restaurants. While both men and women
