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New York Employment Discrimination Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination for New York on
Q: Can a fashion designer not hire you as a model for a show if you’re diabetic with an insulin pump?

I was first offered the opportunity but then he had second thoughts because I wear an insulin pump. He’s afraid it may show or something would happen.

Jack Mevorach
Jack Mevorach
answered on Aug 13, 2023

Both of his concerns can be overcome. I'm thinking ADA, but I don't think a lawsuit is in your interest. Other attorneys may disagree.

Jack

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Employment Discrimination for New York on
Q: I was terminated after my son took his life and they lied so I'd be denied unemploy. Do I have a case?

I worked there for 6 yrs. They paid family leave for 3 months after he committed suicide and when I tried to return I was told I wasn't needed any longer. When I went for unemployment I was then forbidden to ever step foot on the proerty and I was denied unemployment bc they stated that I... View More

Michael Diederich Jr.
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answered on Jul 24, 2023

Sad story. Unfortunately, statutes of limitations are controlling, and only in rare instances can be avoided.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for New York on
Q: What is grounds for suing for a hostile work environment or work place bullying?

I have a new supervisor who just started. I've been in the department longer than her. She's giving me unrealistic timelines to complete tasks, she's rude , she's and always undermining my work. She's always mentioning my age and thinks I'm too young for the position... View More

Michael Diederich Jr.
Michael Diederich Jr. pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 5, 2023

The ability to sue depends upon where you live. Federal law applies nationally but states and localities also enact laws protective of workers.

I recommend that you consult with an experienced employment lawyer, who can ask you relevant questions, for example, whether you are male and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination for New York on
Q: How many racial discrimination cases were successful in New York State in 2021?

This can be under The New York State Human Rights Law or The New York City Human Rights Law or Education Law § 3813 or any other employment law.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 2, 2023

This is something that the employment attorneys here would know best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Here is something from the EEOC that might be a starting point for research until you're able to consult with someone who knows this area well -... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Employment Discrimination for New York on
Q: I was denied employment by a temp agency based on my criminal history.

I was denied employment based on my criminal history by a temp agency. I was interviewed by the temp agencies client company and was told that I had gotten the job. The temp agency then screened me doing a drug test and background check. I disclosed on my background check my felony conviction that... View More

Jimmy M. Santos
Jimmy M. Santos
answered on Mar 10, 2023

In New York, discrimination based on a past criminal conviction could be unlawful depending on several conditions. Under the NYS Human Rights Law and NY Corrections Law, the prospective employer must conduct a multi-factor analysis to determine whether it can decline to hire you, such as the... View More

Q: Is it legal for a company to not hire me because I tested positive for marijuana?

If it's not, what do I do about it?

Daniel A. Johnston
Daniel A. Johnston
answered on Mar 11, 2023

While there are some exceptions, it is typically illegal for a company to not hire you in New York based solely on a positive drug test for THC. If that's what they did, and why they did it, and no exceptions apply, you can sue them.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Employment Discrimination for New York on
Q: Is it okay to have a dress code for men but not women in an office enviornment?

I work in a weld shop, but the front office, so I don't weld. The entire male staff has the same dress code, and the women in the weld shop area have the same dress code, but the women in the front office have no such dress code. Is this an enforceable thing?

Daniel Michael Luisi
Daniel Michael Luisi
answered on Feb 7, 2023

Whether this is legally permissible, in theory, is one thing. Whether it makes sense for you to make a big issue out of it is another matter, entirely. You need a cost benefit analysis of the problems you will create for yourself at work, versus the value and enforceability of the alleged harm you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Employment Law, Business Law and Employment Discrimination for New York on
Q: Racial exclusion by business owner legal?

When I own a business (e.g. bakery, coffeeshop etc.) am I LEGALLY allowed to deny service to people of a specific ethnicity (e.g. african-american), sexuality, gender etc. and/or deny them employment? I mean after all it is MY business and I can decide, whom I offer my service or who can enter my... View More

Brian Greben
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Brian Greben
answered on Jan 4, 2023

No, you cannot legally discriminate against patrons or employees. Yes, you can get sued.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for New York on
Q: Labor Law - Worked at energy service company becaus of bullying and manipulative practices by my Boss. Do i have a case?

I am a known for being a hard-worker and respected in the industry as at top energy service professional. Working over 70 hrs in a week. Sometimes my boss wants us to work more. One time i had to decline because i was too worn out. After i declined i became a target for my boss. He made my job... View More

Brian Greben
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Brian Greben
answered on Dec 13, 2022

There are too many variables that aren't addressed in your question to give an answer in this forum. You should reach out to an employment/labor attorney; many of us provide free consultations.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination, Employment Law and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: I have a swollen knee. I asked my boss if I can work from home and he said “he prefers me to come to the office”

Am I able to sue my employer for this? I have a picture of my knee with a date on it. Also I am not getting overtime paid for 3 years.

Brian Greben
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Brian Greben
answered on Oct 6, 2022

You quite possibly have a disability discrimination case, depending upon how "reasonable" your request to work from home was. Probably more important, however, is the fact that you haven't been paid OT in 3 years. If you are a nonexempt employee, and are therefore entitled to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for New York on
Q: Should HR have disclosed my identity to my subordinate upon filing a discrimination incident report against him?

I work for a state government office. One day, my subordinate began loudly uttering (using profanity), derogatory remarks about another worker whom has a slight mental disability. He was threatening to "tell him off" if approached by the other employee, and was making negative comments... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 12, 2022

I'm sorry your question remains open for two weeks. You could repost under the "Employment Law" and "Employment Discrimination" categories instead of "Uncategorized." There's no guarantee that every question here is answered. Some questions do go unanswered.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for New York on
Q: Can a person be discriminated because of their religion at their place of employment.
Lisa I. Fried-Grodin
Lisa I. Fried-Grodin
answered on Feb 4, 2022

It is unlawful to discriminate against an employee based on their religion under both federal, NY and NJ discrimination law. You should consult with an employment attorney to discuss your matter further and get advice on how to address this.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for New York on
Q: Can I take legal action against a current employer when I expressed repeated unsafe workplace activities?

Good evening,

I have an ongoing concern at my current workplace that does not seem to be changing. And I am seeking legal advice.

I have written a statement to a current employer about harassment, unprofessional discriminatory comments, and unsafe distribution activities with heavy... View More

Jordan T. Newport
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Jordan T. Newport
answered on Jan 24, 2022

First of all, I would like to tell you that I'm sorry that you are having to go through these things at your workplace.

As for the harassment and the discriminatory comments, largely, these will be lumped together as to how they are treated in the legal context. To constitute either,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Employment Discrimination and Legal Malpractice for New York on
Q: Do I have a case for false arrest & maliceous Prosecution?I was accused of commiting a crime and it got dimissed on 3030

I was accused of stealing a phone on my job on 9/11/2021.I got arrested for a felony Grand theft. When I went to count it got downgraded to mismenandor two counts(one for Petit Larceny and Criminal Possession of stolen property). I was offered a restitution to dismissal at the Arrangement and the... View More

Roy Warner
Roy Warner
answered on Jan 15, 2022

Depends on who made the criminal complaint, and whether it was false and done with malice. Any lawyer you consult will need far more facts that you have provided.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Employment Discrimination for New York on
Q: Physician Noncompete agreements: How enforceable are they? What are the consequences for breaking them?

I signed a noncompete that says I can’t work for 2.5 years and 15mi from the office location in Nassau county. I want to work for another group.

V. Jonas Urba
V. Jonas Urba
answered on Dec 6, 2021

About 5 years ago I conferenced with a physician who had worked for an organization for approximately 25 years. The physician was very highly compensated. This physician appeared "burned-out" and simply wanted a change of pace. The unfortunate part was that the employer had invested... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Cannabis & Marijuana Law, Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for New York on
Q: How does the process for pre-employment drug screening work with marijuana for remote work positions?

I received a offer from United Health Group and the preemployment process has a standard drug screening which includes marijuana. I reside in NYS. Would my offer be rescinded if the drug test comes back with positive marijuana if the employer resides outsides of NYS?

V. Jonas Urba
V. Jonas Urba
answered on Oct 31, 2021

No more Cannabis testing in New York except in special circumstances. See this link:

https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2021/10/22/new-york-employers-are-banned-from-testing-most-workers-for-weed

Apply for the job honestly. Complete all questionnaires, etc... honestly....
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for New York on
Q: How to look up Equitable Estoppel Employment Cases that was successful in relation to plaintiff mental illness

Statue of limitations ran out but knew evidence has surface and plaintiffs want to file action against former employer, to reopen retirement pension fund

V. Jonas Urba
V. Jonas Urba
answered on Oct 17, 2021

A retirement pension fund issue appears to fall under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, also known as "ERISA". Some of us have successfully fought on behalf of employees facing reduced severance pay. Employers sometimes allege breaks in continuous services by employees.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for New York on
Q: Can a school district put you on unpaid leave without it being in contract for refusing Covid-19 weekly testing

We were given a letter this week to submit for weekly Covid-19 testing starting next week in we are unvaccinated. A few of us bus drivers are refusing for various reasons and concerns. We were told they would put us on unpaid leave for refusing. I read that they cannot do this if it's not in... View More

V. Jonas Urba
V. Jonas Urba
answered on Oct 15, 2021

It's a public safety issue like wearing seat belts although you can't see the potentially deadly nature of the virus.

If you have a strongly held religious belief from a recognized religious group or organization speak with those authorities about an exemption. If your physician...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for New York on
Q: My boss hasn’t enforced a provision regarding promotions in over 25 years. They now r. It hurts women. Discrimination?

My school district hasn’t enforced a provision on teacher advancement in terms of salary in over 25 years. A new HR director is making it a point to enforce it, and is denying salary differentials for teachers who have more than a Masters degree coming in. Furthermore HR has decided teachers... View More

Derek John Soltis
Derek John Soltis
answered on Sep 27, 2021

You should talk with an employment lawyer. It sounds like discrimination to me. If the only people it has been enforced on are two black woman that is insane.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for New York on
Q: My manager changed my schedule while I was on vacation, which resulted in my termination. Is there anything I can do?

A couple years back I worked for wal-mart. I took a week long vacation with one of my friends/coworkers to another state. We both put in for the week off and we both got it approved. When we got back I noticed my manager changed my schedule so I would be a no call no show. I worked for the company... View More

Carrie Dyer
Carrie Dyer
answered on Sep 29, 2021

While this situation sounds very unfair, it is not unlawful for your employer to change your schedule at any time for any reason, even if this results in your termination. However, I imagine you would have been entitled to unemployment benefits if you could demonstrate that you had already been... View More

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