California Files Serious Employment Law Allegations Against Disney

A former African-American Disney employee filed a lawsuit in June 2020 against Disney. The 57-year old California man claims discrimination and harassment, workplace retaliation, and wrongful termination. 

Disney Faces Serious California Employment Law Allegations: 

Douglas Keith Harris, a former California Disney employee, filed a lawsuit against the happiest place on earth. Harris claims he experienced discrimination, harassment, and retaliation due to his veteran status, his age (57 years old), disability, and race (African-American). Harris also claims wrongful termination. Disney allegedly terminated Harris' 32-year career abruptly after one unfounded accusation from a co-worker.  

Plaintiff in California Employment Law Case Seeks Unspecified Amount: 

Harris filed an employment law suit seeking an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages against his former employer out of Los Angeles, California, Disney. According to the lawsuit, Harris's long term career at the company was ended abruptly when Disney fired him after one of his coworkers made a false accusation. 

Can One False Accusation Lead to a Longterm Employee's Termination? 

One of Harris' coworkers at Disney accused him of brandishing a gun at work. Harris, who insists the accusations are false, also claims there was no evidence he actually had a gun at work. Harris' complaint was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. 

A History of Harassment on the Job: Hostile Work Environment 

In Harris' complaint, he describes what many might call a hostile work environment leading up to the eventual allegedly false accusation and termination. Harris claims his younger superiors on the job frequently: 

• Ridiculed him for being deaf in one ear

• Encouraged him to retire in a derisive manner that dismissed him due to his age

• Abused their power over him at work

• Abruptly changed his schedule to the graveyard shift post-surgery

Employee's Complaints About Harassment and Discrimination Silenced:  

Harris' complaints about the harassment and discrimination were abruptly silenced when his coworker accused him of bringing a gun to work to show a coworker. When he coworker made the allegedly false accusation, Disney did not approach Harris, but notified the local authorities immediately who conducted a thorough search of Harris' car and on-site belongings. No weapons were found. Following Harris' insistence that he did not bring a gun to work, Disney suspended him. Harris claims Disney treated him, a longterm, dedicated employee, like a criminal and that due to their treatment he suffered extreme emotional distress. After one week of suspension, Disney fired him. 

If you have questions about workplace discrimination or if you need to file a wrongful termination lawsuit, please get in touch with Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Experienced employment law attorneys are ready to assist you in any one of various law firm offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago. 

ACLU of Southern California Faces Wrongful Termination and Discrimination Lawsuit

A black former attorney of the ACLU of Southern California, Sarah O. Clifton, recently filed suit against the ACLU of Southern California. Clifton alleges wrongful termination and discrimination.

Alleged Discrimination at ACLU of Southern California:

Clifton is suing ACLU of Southern California for allegedly racist actions and wrongful termination. The organization fired Clifton in February 2020 after she spoke out against discriminatory treatment. Clifton claims the organization labeled her an "angry woman" and she feels the lawsuit is of particular concern in the current climate in light of the recent murder of George Floyd and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. The ACLU is aware of the lawsuit, but isn't offering comment, since they don't comment on personnel issues.

The Allegations and the Damages:

Clifton filed suit seeking unspecified damages. The allegations include wrongful termination, workplace retaliation, harassment and discrimination, hostile work environment, and failure to prevent harassment. With her lawsuit, she wants to bring the persistent illegal practices taking place throughout the employment sector into the light. She feels there is a particular issue at nonprofit organizations.

An Alleged Hostile Workplace Environment:

Clifton claims that the emergency lawsuit filed by the ACLUE in "support" of the Black Lives Matter movement in Los Angeles on June 3rd was actually a convenient way to insert the ACLU into the public spotlight surrounding the issue. She insists their "help" was nothing but a quest for self-interested gain. Clifton alleges that while the ACLU Executive Director criticizes city officials for taking meaningful action to stop racist activities and policies, he does not hold his organization to those same standards because he allegedly allows obviously racist policies and procedures to proceed unhindered.

The Plaintiff: Sarah O. Clifton

Sarah O. Clifton was hired as a staff attorney by the ACLU of Southern California in September 2018. She was hired to work under supervising attorney Jessica Farris, organizations director or criminal justice and drug policy. Clifton claims that Farris exhibited a near immediate, and obvious irrational fear of Clifton. Clifton claims she attempted to downplay the situation by being overly polite and "less black." However, sometimes Clifton did speak out in the workplace. When she did speak about racial inequality in the workplace, her managers (who Clifton described as overwhelmingly white or "white-presenting") misconstrued her comments, perceiving them as angry and aggressive.

If you need to discuss how to file a discrimination lawsuit or wrongful termination lawsuit, please get in touch with Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Experienced employment law attorneys are ready to assist you in any one of various law firm offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago.

Disney Facing Discrimination, Harassment, and Wrongful Termination Claims

Douglas Keith Harris, a 57-year-old African American and former Disney employee, filed a California employment law lawsuit alleging discrimination, harassment, and workplace retaliation based on his age, disability, race, and veteran status. The discrimination and retaliation lawsuit was filed after Harris’ 32-year career with the company was abruptly terminated. 

Former Disney Employee Files California Discrimination Lawsuit:

Harris’ lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages. The lawsuit is filed against Disney in Los Angeles and alleges that veteran Harris’s exemplary 32-year career suddenly ended after he was falsely accused of brandishing a firearm at work to another co-worker. Harris claims there is no evidence that he had a gun at work. 

History of Discrimination in the Workplace:

The complaint outlines an alleged history of discrimination in the workplace. According to Harris, his younger superiors regularly mocked him for his disability (being deaf in one ear) and frequently advised him to retire. Harris also claims that his superiors abused their power over him to change his schedule when he returned after a surgery – assigning him the graveyard shift. In January 2020, Harris’ discrimination and harassment complaints ended with the accusation that he brought a gun into the workplace.  

Disney’s Response to the Accusation Against Harris:

Harris claims that instead of speaking to him after the accusation was made, Disney instead contacted the police. As a result, Harris’ car and belongings were searched. The officers did not find a gun or any other weapons. Disney ignored Harris’ pleas that he did not bring a gun to work and did not have a gun, and immediately suspended him. Harris claims Disney treated him like a criminal, and he suffered extreme emotional distress. One week later, Disney fired Harris.

Allegations Include Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation:

Harris’ lawsuit alleges Disney violated California labor in several ways: discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and defamation. Harris claims the employment law violations were based on race, veteran status, and disability.

If you need to discuss workplace discrimination or if you need to file a wrongful termination lawsuit, please get in touch with Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Experienced employment law attorneys are ready to assist you in any one of various law firm offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago.

Lawsuit Alleging Unchecked Sexual Harassment on the Set of Popular TV Show Criminal Minds

In recent news, Disney, CBS, and the Criminal Minds executive producers face allegations that any who resisted the advances of the popular TV show’s Director of Photography were terminated. The show’s final episode aired in February 2020 after a successful run of several seasons. In June of 2020, California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the different studios and executive producers behind the CBS show.

Allegations of Sexual Harassment Amid Successful Completion of CBS’s Criminal Minds:

The Los Angeles Superior Court complaint alleges sexual harassment and “sexual touching” by Gregory St. Johns, Director of Photography for CBS’s Criminal Minds. Court action is not new for St. Johns, but this action is different because accusations are not aimed at him alone – authorities are also going after The Walt Disney Company, CBS Studios, ABC Signature Studios, and several other individuals in connection to the alleged sexual harassment on set.

Were Workers on the Popular CBS TV Series Subjected to a Hostile Work Environment?

According to the suit, the defendants made it possible for St. Johns to create an intimidating, hostile, and offensive work environment that went unchecked. St. Johns was allegedly protected by the executive production team (showrunner Erica Messer, Executive Producer Harry Bring, Executive Producer John Breen Frazier, Director Glenn Kershaw, and Unit Production Manager Stacey Beneville).

The Executive Teams Allegedly Supported Unlawful Sexual Harassment and Discrimination:

According to the lawsuit, St. Johns’ sexual harassment continued for years without recourse. The executive team allegedly had actual knowledge of the abusive behavior St. Johns subjected other workers to on the job, and even condoned his unlawful conduct. The executive teams took no actions to prevent any sexual harassment or discrimination throughout the years. Instead of administering appropriate corrective actions for unlawful behavior, the executives fired anyone that resisted or evaded St. Johns’ abuse/advances.

Allegations of Rampant, Unchecked Sexual Harassment in the Workplace:

• Anthony Matulic, former technician, allegedly resisted a butt slap and was fired after complaining.

• Dauv McNeeley, video playback department worker, was dismissed after corroborating similar allegations against St. Johns.

• Over a dozen other men were fired at St. Johns’ request due to similar scenarios.

Walt Disney’s Employee Relations department is accused of conducting several inadequate investigations allegedly designed to exonerate St. Johns due to various sexual harassment complaints. St. Johns was eventually removed, but only after a popular media outlet ran a story based on some of the allegations.

If you need to discuss how to file a discrimination lawsuit or wrongful termination lawsuit, please get in touch with Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Experienced employment law attorneys are ready to assist you in any one of various law firm offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago.

Will the Motherhood Penalty Fuel Workplace Lawsuits Following the Covid-19 Pandemic?

Stephanie Jones is a single mother who struggled to balance her day job for Eastern Airlines with additional responsibilities that resulted from school closures that left her 11-year-old home-schooling since March 2020 as part of the area's local response to the virus.

Repeated Requests for Time Off Denied:

Jones was the airline's director of revenue management, and she made repeated requests for two hours off per day. Her requests were denied because the time off wasn't in the "interest of the company or yourself." Soon after her requests for 2 hours off per day were dismissed, she was fired. The company claims her termination was in response to "conflict" with co-workers at the airline.

First Lawsuit Filed Under Families First Coronavirus Response Act:

Jones filed one of the first lawsuits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The Act requires parents to receive paid sick leave when the coronavirus closures result in school closures or daycare center closures. Many see Jones' lawsuit as an indication of what is to come. More parents and caregivers left in impossible situations due to school and daycare closures are bound to file lawsuits – with the majority being women or mothers.

Increased Family Responsibilities Discrimination Suits Citing the Motherhood Penalty

There is a significant risk right now for an increase in family responsibilities discrimination claims. Employers will make assumptions about who is valuable and who is performing up to snuff. Mothers and other essential caregivers will take note of discriminatory actions – purposeful or unintended – and the lawsuits will start.

What is the Motherhood Penalty?

The "motherhood penalty" is a phrase sometimes used to describe repetitive gender disparities encountered by working mothers. These gender disparities are documented by an increase in discrimination lawsuits connected to providing care for children and other dependents in the last few decades as more women continue to enter the workforce. The current pandemic exacerbates the issue, and many expect to see more claims of gender discrimination during hiring, firing, pay determinations, and promotions. Experts also expect to see an increase in pregnancy discrimination cases and family leave law violations claims as mothers are required to choose between their safety and getting a paycheck. These issues are felt more intensely by low-wage workers, single mothers, and women of color who often have less access to paid leave and other benefits that serve as job safety nets.

If you need to discuss employment law violations in the workplace or gender discrimination, please get in touch with Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Experienced employment law attorneys are ready to assist you in any one of various law firm offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago.

Google Engineer Ends Discrimination Lawsuit

The well-publicized discrimination lawsuit filed by a conservative Google engineer was dropped. The suit was high profile, and it shook Silicon Valley with discrimination allegations against Google. 

Did Google Discriminate Against Politically Conservative Workers? 

In the high-profile discrimination lawsuit, the plaintiff, a former Google engineer named James Damore, claimed that the company discriminated against conservative workers and that his allegations of discrimination ended in dismissal. After Damore filed the discrimination lawsuit, three other men joined the suit against Alphabet, Google’s parent company. In Spring 2020, the plaintiffs asked California’s Santa Clara Superior Court to dismiss the lawsuit, and Google joined their request. 

The Plaintiff’s Original Discrimination Allegations: 

The Plaintiff, Damore, initially claimed that Google supported a politically correct monoculture – maintaining it by shaming any dissenting employees into silence. Damore put his thoughts down in writing and issued it as a memo in 2017. That same year, after Damore wrote the memo, Google fired the conservative engineer. 

The Lawsuit Is Over, But It Already Caused Change: 

While the lawsuit is not proceeding, the case already resulted in change. As a result of this discrimination lawsuit, Google changed some of its workplace policies to address concerns raised in the suit. For instance, previously, Google banned workers from discussing working conditions at work. As a result of a settlement Google reached with the National Labor Relations board when addressing some workplace policies one of the plaintiffs complained about, the ban on discussing workplace conditions was lifted. This positive change is felt not only by the plaintiffs in the case, but by all Google employees. 

The Case if Affecting More Than Just Google: 

Due to the lawsuit, other Fortune 100 companies are changing workplace policies to avoid similar allegations based on the mistreatment of workers. Changes include additional human resources training, better human resources policies, and more. Positive changes have been implemented in various Silicon Valley corporations due to the Damore discrimination suit. 

If you need to file a discrimination lawsuit or if you need to discuss other employment law violations, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Experienced employment law attorneys are ready to assist you in any one of various law firm offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago.

Three Women Score Huge Win In Court Battle Over Equal Pay

Three women recently scored a massive win against Oracle Corp. in California court. The three female employees gained the right to represent thousands of other workers in a gender discrimination lawsuit alleging pay was based on gender. The judge certified class action allowing the suit to advance on behalf of over 4,000 women claiming the company pays men more to do the same job as female workers. Class certification in this case is a legal milestone that women in similar cases against other tech giants have failed to reach.

Are Jobs Substantially Equal or Similar?

The California judge that certified class, California Superior Court Judge V. Raymond Swope in Redwood City, issued a ruling rejecting the company’s claim that each plaintiff’s claims were individual cases. The company claimed people in their employ with the same job code did not necessarily perform substantially similar job duties. The judge pointed out that determining whether or not the jobs were substantially equal or similar was a question of fact for the jury. Judge Swope’s ruling gives the women critical leverage as they pursue the case under California’s Equal Pay Act.

Hoping for Equal Pay in the Tech Industry:

The plaintiffs in the case hope that their fight against Oracle will help get women at the company fair pay and that by waging this fight, they can help women throughout the entire tech industry get closer to equal pay. Similar cases with female plaintiffs seeking equal pay from tech companies tend to have difficulty gaining traction. Similar cases have had similar results in other industries, as well.

Similar Claims Failed to Gain Traction in the Fight for Equal Pay:

For instance, in 2011, 1.5 million female Walmart workers were blocked by the U.S. Supreme Court when they tried to pursue discrimination claims as a group. Female engineers at Twitter Inc. and Microsoft Corp. got similar results. The courts seem to hesitate to certify classes making broad gender discrimination claims. However, California’s legislature made it easier to bring a class-wide suit based on gender pay disparities.

If you need to discuss employment law violations or if you need to file a gender pay discrimination lawsuit, please get in touch with Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Experienced employment law attorneys are ready to assist you in any one of various law firm offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago.