Businesses can face many different types of legal issues involving their employees. Employment law issues should be taken very seriously by businesses as litigation can result in costly settlements and a tarnished reputation.
Employment litigation can result from many different kinds of alleged employment law violations. Companies can face lawsuits for a variety of legal issues but one of the most common types of lawsuits filed by employees is over allegations of discrimination.
Employment discrimination is a very serious legal issue. A recent employment lawsuit filed against a Sears store in New Jersey is an example of the legal action businesses can face over claims of employee discrimination.
The store has been sued for discrimination by two former employees who said they were fired by Sears because they are Muslim. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for wrongful termination based on religious discrimination and for violating the state’s Law Against Discrimination.
The lawsuit says that the two employees were both “exemplary” employees. Despite that, they were fired for giving discount coupons to customers. The two employees were the only two terminated even though other employees also gave away the same coupons, according to the lawsuit.
One of the employees in the lawsuit also claims that an assistant manager threatened her at work, and their attorney said the two employees were mistreated at work during the months leading up to being fired.
This case is an example of the legal action companies can face over allegations of discrimination against employees. Discrimination lawsuits as well as wrongful termination lawsuits can result in serious consequences for companies, including damage to the company’s reputation.
Allegations of discrimination and other employment law violations should be taken seriously by employers. However, not all allegations have merit and companies should consult a business law attorney to discuss their specific cases to protect their business.
Source: The Star-Ledger, “Two ex-workers sue Sears for discrimination, claiming they were fired because they are Muslims,” Ben Horowitz, Sept. 30, 2013
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