On the surface, it seems just a label: employee or independent contractor? But how an employer classifies a worker can make a big difference in the protections and benefits he or she is entitled to. The issue has become particularly important today, as many companies are filling their rosters with what they deem independent contractors. In many cases, that is just what they are. But not always. And the misclassifications can prove costly for workers. There is no one particular thing that you … [Read more...]
Class Action Settlement: Verizon To Refund Customers for Unauthorized Cramming
Jacobs Kolton, Chtd., David Schachman & Associates, P.C., Keller Grover LLP and Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP announced today that a class action settlement has been reached that will make it possible for Verizon landline customers to receive 100% refunds for unauthorized third-party charges. The settlement, preliminarily approved by United States District Court Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong, comes in a suit alleging that Verizon billed its landline phone customers for charges … [Read more...]
California’s ‘Right To Know Act’ Brings Consumers More Privacy Protection
A new bill being considered by California lawmakers will bring California consumers additional privacy rights by requiring companies to disclose to consumers the data they've collected and with whom it was shared during the past year, if the consumer requests it. The bill, known as the "Right to Know Act of 2013," AB 1291 would require companies to provide a free report in response to a customer's request and respond within 30 days. The law defines "customer" as an individual who is a resident … [Read more...]
Can a Job Applicant Refuse to Sign an Arbitration Clause But Still Be Hired?
Forced arbitration agreements put job applicants in a no win situation. If they don't agree, they probably won't get hired and possibly be unable to financially support themselves and their families. If they do agree, are hired but management breaks the law, filing a lawsuit to protect their rights isn't an option. Instead, they're forced into an arbitration hearing where the process may be stacked against them. A bill that passed the California Assembly in May would change this … [Read more...]
CDC Program Charged With Discrimination Against Obese Workers
Could the federal government be behind a movement of obesity discrimination in the workplace? Some are asserting that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) LEAN Works! program is boosting anti-fat sentiment at work by tying the costs of overweight employees to their bottom line. LEAN Works! provided employers with an obesity cost calculator, which allowed them to draw a parallel between the cost associated with the overweight employees and their financial losses. The CDC stated … [Read more...]