Older workers in Minnesota and across the nation have a lot to offer their employers. Their years of experience often makes them strong employees in their chosen fields. Moreover, they can serve as mentors to younger workers, passing on their knowledge and through that making the entire workplace stronger.
Advocating for victims of age discrimination in the workplace
Can there be age discrimination against subgroups of workers?
As Minnesota residents may know, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibits those age 40 and older from being discriminated against in the workplace. However, the question of how this type of discrimination applies to those above age 50 in comparison for those between ages 40 and 50 has come up in a number of cases, one of which might end up going before the United States Supreme Court. The Act doesn't prohibit all discrimination based on age, just that affecting those over age 40. Therefore, if an employer gives preference to someone who is age 20 over someone age 30, this isn't covered by the Act.
Gretchen Carlson to testify before Congress on sexual harassment
Minnesota native and ex-Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit six months ago, alleging that she was sexually harassed by Roger Ailes, who was network chief at the time. Alies was subsequently let go from his job, but not before trying to force the case into arbitration, which would have kept witnesses, including other women reportedly harassed by Alies, from testifying. The case was ultimately resolved in September, to the tune of a $20 million settlement.
Being A Whistleblower: Is It Worth The Risk?
When someone provides you with the money you need to pay for food, shelter and your bills, you may feel some sense of loyalty or dependence. That's how you may feel about your employer - necessary to your livelihood.
How can victims of workplace sexual harassment address the issue?
Being sexually harassed at work can make a person feel scared, angry, humiliated and ashamed. Minnesota workers in such a situation may want to address the issue, but may not know where to start. They may even be wrongfully told that they have no options with regard to ending the harassment. However, that is not true. The following are some steps that victims of sexual harassment in the workplace can take to address the issue and protect their rights.
Was University of Minnesota's football coach illegally fired?
The college football season may be over, but one incident involving the University of Minnesota's football team is still garnering national attention. As Minneapolis residents might already know, the University of Minnesota fired football coach Tracy Claeys after he stated that he supported a boycott by some football players with regard to a situation in which 10 other football players were suspended after being involved in an alleged sexual incident that was deemed inappropriate. The University bought out the remaining two years on Claeys' contract for $500,000.
Despite difficulties, reporting sexual harassment may be worth it
People in Minneapolis may recall the $20 million sexual harassment settlement between Gretchen Carlson, who was working as an anchor for Fox News, and Roger Ailes, who was the Fox News chief at the time of the reported events. Carlson has since announced that she will move on from being a news anchor to advocate against arbitration clauses in many employment contracts that require that sexual harassment claims be resolved in a private manner.
