Authorities make laws and regulations for a reason. When an employer blatantly ignores them, it is problematic. The National Whistleblower Center explains a whistleblower is someone who reports when an employer is doing something illegal or dangerous. Reason for the...
Maloney O'Laughlin PLLC fights for employees throughout Washington, from Seattle to Spokane.
Year: 2021
Nursing mothers and workplace accommodations
Just as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) forbids pregnancy discrimination in the workplace, nursing mothers are also provided protection against unfair treatment. Mothers who have returned to work may be entitled to certain accommodations. Fair Labor...
What can cause hostility in the workplace?
If you work in an environment where you feel unsafe, belittled or unfairly treated, you may wonder whether or not to report your experiences. You should never have to deal with unethical treatment at work, especially if it interferes with your safety and productivity....
Fighting back against workplace discrimination: 3 steps to take
While most businesses make a point to prevent workplace discrimination, it is far from uncommon. The American Civil Liberties Union asserts that some forms of discrimination are often sly or difficult to spot. When those believe they have a legitimate case against...
Disability discrimination: making reasonable accommodations
People with disabilities bring as much to the workforce as those without disabilities. To perform job tasks efficiently, some workers may need minor adjustments to their work areas or how they perform duties. Under some circumstances, failing to make reasonable...
Consult an employee handbook if you suspect retaliation
Retaliating against an employee for doing the right thing, like blowing the whistle on illegal behavior, is an action prohibited by federal law. This is why employers and workers may try to mask retaliatory behavior as much as possible. Nonetheless, if you know your...
What you should know about pregnancy discrimination
Women who are pregnant do not have any obligation to put an employer on notice of their condition until they wish to request time off. People typically choose to inform their employers of their pregnancies for logistical reasons around planning time-off. If someone...
How do OSHA’s whistleblower laws define retaliation?
You have a right to call attention to it when your Washington employer engages in dangerous or unethical business practices. There are also specific whistleblower protections that outline your rights in this regard. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration...
Is slander a form of sexual harassment?
Workplaces across the country have made concerted efforts in recent years to eliminate sexual harassment in all forms. However, it continues to persist, especially in the forms that media do not cover as often. In order to fully combat sexual harassment at work, it is...
What is age-based discrimination?
Employers across the board try to make the workplace accommodating and comfortable for all employees, but unfortunately, no manager can oversee the entire workplace on their own. Instances of discrimination can easily slide by unreported. This means it is more...