Employers may need to change employee policies with new marijuana law
While Maryland will soon allow marijuana, the drug is still illegal federally, which can lead to confusion by employees that are required to take drug tests.
EEOC alleges medical firm fired employee with cancer over leave request
A Rockville-based medical practice allegedly fired an employee who had breast cancer rather than accommodate her, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. National Spine & Pain Centers LLC, which has more than 60 offices in Maryland and elsewhere, is accused of denying leave to a patient services coordinator after she notified the company that […]
Maryland law still unclear on medical cannabis use by employees
Maryland employers, employees and job seekers who wonder what protections and rights, if any, medical cannabis patients have in the workplace are still waiting for guidance from legislators or a court. Though legislatures and courts across the country have addressed questions about medical cannabis use by employees, Maryland law is silent on the topic and […]
Md. House considers removing arbitration clauses for sexual harassment claims
With the rise of the #MeToo movement and heightened awareness about sexual harassment in the workplace, the General Assembly is weighing bills that would outlaw provisions in an employment contract or policy waiving the right to a legal remedy for sexual harassment claims. “It has become apparent that sexual harassment affects women of all classes […]
Former Baltimore nonprofit employee claims he was misclassified as a contractor
A former East Baltimore Development Inc. employee claims he was intentionally misclassified as an independent contractor and deprived of benefits for several years in a federal lawsuit. Stephen M. Campbell worked for EBDI, a nonprofit organization that works to develop East Baltimore communities, between 2010 and 2015, according to the complaint filed in U.S. District Court in […]
Bill affecting Md. employer liability in negligent hiring suits to get first hearing
A bill that would exempt employers in certain industries from liability for negligent hiring or supervision of employees with a probation before judgment or conviction on their records is being monitored by both second-chance advocates and plaintiff’s attorneys ahead of its first hearing in the Maryland General Assembly. Senate Bill 55, introduced by Sen. Robert […]
Businesses walk fine line examining job candidates’ associations
Reports that a contract attorney with the Baltimore City Law Department was a member of a neo-Nazi organization had swift ramifications last week: the city ended its relationship with Glen K. Allen, and one day later announced City Solicitor George Nilson would be stepping down. But the news also raised broader questions about what power […]
Under Armour lawsuit against former innovation chief dismissed
Under Armour’s lawsuit against a former employee alleging violations of a non-competition clause was dismissed last week at the request of the parties. Under Armour was granted a temporary restraining order Dec. 14 which prohibited Jason Berns, former head of innovation, from working at Club Monaco, a subsidiary of Ralph Lauren, according to court records. […]
Baltimore home-care worker seeks unpaid overtime
A Baltimore woman who worked 72 hours each week as an at-home companion has filed suit against her former employer seeking approximately $35,000 in damages, including unpaid overtime.
4th Circuit: Joint employers can face discrimination suit
RICHMOND, Va. — A federal appeals court says an employer can’t evade anti-discrimination laws by hiring workers from a temporary employment agency. A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday reinstated a South Carolina woman’s sexual harassment lawsuit against Drive Automotive Industries of America and a temporary staffing agency, ResourceMFG. […[...]
Black former Hooters Girl, fired for blond hair, is awarded $250K
Hooters restaurants' "image policy" is discriminatory against black waitresses, an arbitrator has ruled in awarding $250,000 to a black former server at Harborplace who alleged she was fired for having blond highlights in her hair.
Ex-Lockheed employee awarded $830K in retaliation lawsuit
A former employee of Lockheed Martin Corp. has been awarded $830,000 in a retaliation lawsuit against the company.