employment practices News

Postmates Paying $1M to Washington Gig Workers in Settlement

Online food delivery platform Postmates has agreed to pay almost $1 million to settle allegations it violated the city’s paid sick leave policies for gig workers, Seattle’s Office of Labor Standards said. The city said in a news release that …

Company Paying $1M After California Department of Insurance Alleges Employee Broke Law

First American Title Co. has agreed to pay $1 million after a California Department of Insurance investigation alleged that one of its title marketing representatives violated state law protecting consumers from conflicts of interest that can inflate the cost of …

Labor Commissioner Cites Three California Grocers $447K over COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave

The California Labor Commissioner’s Office cited three El Super grocery stores in Southern California for failing to provide or delaying supplemental paid sick leave or other benefits to 95 workers impacted by COVID-19. Some of the workers were reportedly forced …

Oregon Home Manufacturer Sued for Alleged Racism, Discrimination

Two former employees of a home manufacturing company in eastern Oregon have filed a lawsuit saying they endured anti-Black racism and discrimination, and then were fired after reporting the incidents to managers. The lawsuit was filed in federal court by …

Cal/OSHA: Protect Workers from Unhealthy Air due to Wildfire Smoke

Cal/OSHA is cautioning California employers to be prepared to protect workers from unhealthy air due to wildfire smoke. When workers are at risk form unhealthy air from wildfires, California’s protection from wildfire smoke standard requires employers to take steps such …

Ruling Limits Safety-Based Drug Testing at Iowa Warehouses

The Iowa Supreme Court has ruled that employers cannot subject all warehouse employees to random drug testing by designating them as having “safety sensitive” jobs. In its 4-3 ruling, the court ruled that companies must consider the specific duties of …

Workers Fired, Resign over Houston Hospital’s COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

More than 150 employees at a Houston hospital system who refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine have been fired or resigned after a judge dismissed an employee lawsuit over the vaccine requirement. A spokesperson for Houston Methodist hospital system said …

Labor Crisis Shocking California Restaurants

Sherry Villanueva’s family of Santa Barbara restaurants employed 350 people before the pandemic took hold and darkened dining rooms across California. Now, with the state’s economy officially reopened, about 250 workers are back on the job. Villanueva would hire 100 …

New Mexico Public Defender Agency Settles Gender Pay-Gap Suit

Several female attorneys and investigators at the state Law Offices of the Public Defender are getting raises to resolve a lawsuit that alleged unfair compensation in comparison with better-paid male colleagues. Five employees at the public defender’s offices are receiving …

Cal/OSHA Cites Foster Farms, Staffing Agencies for COVID-19 Violations

Cal/OSHA has cited Foster Poultry Farms Inc. in Livingston, Calif., and four staffing agencies for not protecting workers from COVID-19. Cal/OSHA opened its inspection after receiving notification that an employee had died from COVID-19 complications, and subsequently determined that Foster …