News Archive

Layoff Notices Issued to School Employees

Some 114 employees of the Madera unified School District has received layoff notices though the school says not all of them will be laid off, reports said.

Court Rejects Billionaire’s Former Assistant Overtime Claims

The former assistant of billionaire Henry T. Nicholas III has recently lost her last lawsuit alleging that she was not provided with overtime compensation wages.

LAPD to Pay $125,000 Over Discrimination and Retaliation Suit

A white police officer has won in discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against his Latino supervisor and will be awarded with $125,000 damages for pain and suffering.

Nuclear Plant Allays Workers’ Fear of Retaliation

Workers at the San Onofre nuclear power plant have expressed fears of retaliation from their supervisors after two workers filed a federal whistle-blower complaint and claimed they were punished for reporting a safety problem at work.

Court Finds Billionaire’s Former Assistant Not Wrongfully Terminated

The former assistant of Broadcom Corp. co-founder Henry T. Nicolas III failed to prove in court that she was wrongfully terminated by the company partly owned by Nicholas.

Wal-Mart to Pay $12 Million Settlement over Gender Discrimination Suit

As part of the settlement in gender-discrimination lawsuit, Wal-Mart Stores has agreed on Monday to pay nearly $12 million to women who accuse the retail giant of committing discriminatory practices in its distribution center in Kentucky.

Former Model Sues CBS for Discrimination

Brandi Cochran, former model for “The Price Is Right”, has filed a lawsuit against the CBS network alleging that the stress and abuse she suffered from staff and producers caused her to miscarry in 2007.

Report says Apple Suppliers Hire Underage Workers

Technology giant Apple Inc. said that three of its suppliers have hired 11 underage workers to build computers, cell phones, and music players last year.

State to Appeal Back Pays of State Workers

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said that the state will appeal the ruling that orders them to pay all federally-funded employees the salary they lost because of the illegal furloughs imposed by the state, reports said.

Teacher Layoffs to be Reduced

The Santa Ana Unified trustees are confident that the number of teachers that will receive layoff notices will be reduced to less than a hundred, reports said.

California Boeing Workers to be Laid Off

Many of the Boeing’s technical employees will be affected in the layoffs that is expected to take effect on April 23 is said to come from the states of California and Washington, reports said.

Black Farmers to Receive $1.25 Billion over Discrimination Claims

Thousands of black farmers will receive $1.25 billion settlement over discrimination claims after the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently agreed to settle their cases.

Revised Policy to Lessen Suspect-Deputy Violent Confrontations to be announced

A revised policy that can lessen violent or fatal confrontations between suspects and deputies will be announced by Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca as a response to the boost in the number of deadly shootings involving the department’s deputies.

Workers Group’s Discrimination Protest Halts San Francisco Construction; Threatens Violence

Protests by an African-American group about the bidding process has placed a multi-million dollar plan to tear down an old library in the Bayview area on hold.

San Mateo to Lay-Off City Workers to Cut Costs

A proposed cost-cutting plan could result in the lay-off of a number of city workers in the community development department of San Mateo, a community development agency said recently.

First Round of Layoffs for RT Workers Begins

The Sacramento Regional Transit District has announced that layoffs in the department, which is expected to eliminate 300 employees by summer, will begin Friday.

Contra Costa Superior Court Terminates 16 Workers due to Budget Deficit

In an effort to manage its budget deficit, the Contra Costa Superior Court will be laying off 16 workers this February. The affected workers include 15 courtroom and legal clerks and a maintenance employee.

Redwood School District Plans to Lay off More than a Dozen Employees

The planned mid-year budget cutting plan of the Redwood City School District will involve the lay-off of more than a dozen employees.

Santa Barbara News-Press to ask Courts to Vacate Arbitration Decision on Case vs. Former Editor

The Santa Barbara News -Press is now trying to get the courts to reverse an arbitration ruling that sided with their former editor and ordered them to pay about $900,000 in fees that was brought on by the dispute.

Fisker to Consolidate Operations in California; Will Hire New Staff

A luxury plug-in hybrid car manufacturer is planning to consolidate its operations from Michigan into its Irvine headquarters.

42 Workers to be Laid-Off by Lockheed Martin’s Irvine Plant Closure

About 42 workers are expected to be affected by the planned closure of a ballistic missile valve plant in Irvine this year.

Hotel Management Company Settles Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Lawsuits

A company which was hired to manage the San Gabriel Hilton Hotel has agreed to settle two lawsuits filed by the Equal employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 2007.

Boeing to Settle Gender Discrimination Lawsuits by Paying $380,000

Aircraft maker Boeing Company has expressed willingness to pay $380,000 to settle gender discrimination lawsuits filed by three female engineers who claimed that the company “has allowed their male coworkers to harass them.

SSU to Implement Two-Day Monthly Furloughs

Employees working at the Sonoma State University (SSU) will be having their furloughs by closing the campus for at least two Fridays each month, authorities said.

OSHA Targets Industries with High Rate of Workplace Accidents

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said it will impose stricter investigation among employers from industries with a high rate of accidents after several studies suggested that thousands of workplace accidents were not reported by employers.

Disney Credit Union Operations Closing Anaheim Operations Center

The Anaheim operations of Walt Disney Co. Partner’s Federal Credit Union will be consolidated with the work in Orlando and Burbank over the next months.

Former Fresno Zoo Employee Files Harassment Lawsuit when Retaliated

A former zoo groundskeeper has filed a lawsuit against Fresno Chaffee Zoo, alleging that she was retaliated after complaining that a co-employee groped her and made continued sexual comments addressed to her.

Agency Rejects Same-sex Spouse Benefits, Worker Files Discrimination Lawsuit

A federal employee has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the Obama administration for not recognizing her same-sex marriage which prevents her wife to receive spouse benefits.

Insurance Companies, Small Business Oppose New Healthcare Plan

Medical groups, small businesses, and insurance companies which follow manage-care policies have opposed a Senate health bill that will impose higher annual tax on them while excluding employers who pay their workers’ health insurance.

Budget Crisis Prompts Police Department Layoffs, Demotions of Officers

Two police officers have been laid off and at least 17 others will be demoted in the Vallejo Police Department as part of budget cuts in the department, reports said.

State Unemployment Rates Declines, Valley Rate Rises

Unemployment rates in counties across the valley have risen while the overall rate in California has declined by about one-tenth of a percentage point, the state Employment Development Department said in a released statement.

Officer Files Discrimination Lawsuit Vs Police Department

A police officer has filed racial discrimination lawsuit against the San Jose Police Department claiming that he was repeatedly passed over for promotion because he is black.

State Declares Average Rate Increase for Worker's Compensation

State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has announced that the average rate hike for worker’s compensation starting January 1 will only be 4.1% and will be relatively stable in 2010.

Workers Laid-Off in December May Not Qualify For COBRA Subsidy

A number of workers who will be laid off this December may not be eligible for the 65% government subsidy of the COBRA health insurance.

Former Councilman Collects Unemployment Benefits, Angers City Officials

Former City Councilman John Nunez has been collecting $450 unemployment benefits every week, or more than $11,000 since he has lost his reelection bid in March, City Manager Jeff Allred said.

California Places 3rd in Overall Job Growth

California has placed third overall, behind Texas and Michigan, in job growth from September to October. According to the State Employment Development Department Data, there were about 25,700 jobs added in California.

$28M Budget Cuts Threatens 125 Fresno Employees

Mayor Ashley Swearengin has suggested to the City Council Thursday a budget cut plan which will save the city around $28 million but will likely cost 125 job positions.

Cheesecake Factory Agrees to Pay $345,000 Settlement over Harassment Case

US restaurant chain Cheesecake Factory Inc. has agreed to pay $345,000 to settle a federal lawsuit filed by six employees who accused the company of allowing other workers to sexually harass them in its Arizona branch.

Mediation Set to Tackle Racial Discrimination Suit against Mercedes-Benz Dealership

A court-ordered mediation session is planned on Tuesday at a Tustin law office in efforts to resolve a discrimination lawsuit against a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Anaheim.

Obama Signs Bill Extending Californians Unemployment Benefits up to 14 Weeks

President Barrack Obama has recently signed a bill which would extend unemployment benefits received by workers in states, like California, where the rates of job loss and unemployment are higher.

Labor Groups Push for New Law to Criminalize Nonpayment of Wages

Labor groups and wage-earners are urging the city government to pass a law that will criminalize wage theft that is currently considered only a civil offense. If pass into law, the city ordinance will target employers who will not pay workers and will violate the minimum wage and overtime pay laws.

Sun Microsystems, Oracle Delay Merger

Recession has taken its toll on most companies in the US. Sun Microsystems is one of them with a proposal to take out 3,000 employees for the next on year which will cost them from $75 million to $125 million. It will delay its supposed merger with Oracle.

Obama Administration Mulls Introducing New Bills to Protect Workers

In line with the government’s plan to provide a safe environment to workers and prevent wage discrimination, US President Barack Obama and his aides will introduce new bills to protect employees from workplace hazards, unlawful discrimination, and other unfair labor practices.

Gender Discrimination Law Reason for Dropping Lawsuit

A lawsuit challenging gender rating that allegedly violated the California law will be dismissed because of law that bans gender discrimination in terms of health insurance prices. This developed after Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill.

$200,000 Settlement Offered to Female Firefighter for Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

City officials have offered $200,000 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Julia LaBlanc, a fire engineer who previously worked at Station No. 6.

EEOC Upholds Latino Janitors Charges of Unfair Treatment against Employer

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on Wednesday filed a discrimination lawsuit against a service contractor for mistreating, harassing, and terminating Latino janitors without valid reasons.

US Clothing Giant Faces Religious Discrimination Lawsuit

US clothing giant Abercrombie & Fitch is facing religious discrimination lawsuit for allegedly not hiring a Muslim teenager for wearing hijab which is a religious head cover.

Employment Issues Greatly Stress Baby Boomer Employees

A recent survey done by an online source revealed that “baby boomers” or those who were born between 1946 to 1964 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, are finding it difficult to land a job. The survey was conducted online in late July with over 1,300 respondents over age 40.

Ventura County Charged with Discrimination Lawsuit after Refusing to Hire a Deaf Worker

The US Justice Department on Thursday filed a discrimination lawsuit against Ventura County for refusing to hire a qualified worker because of her disability.

UCI Workers Laid Off, More to Follow Before Month Ends

Twenty-one workers from facilities and maintenance division were laid off August 20 as a result of the budget cuts in UC-Irvine, reports said.

Layoffs of Hundreds of Farmers Insurance Workers

Farmers Insurance, which is the state’s biggest auto insurance provider, is planning to layoff hundreds of its employees working at their Woodland Hills offices.

Sacramento's Fire District Eliminates 24 Job Posts

The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District announced Wednesday that 24 of their non-firefighting employees will be laid off in accordance with the cost-cutting efforts of the organization.

EEOC Says California Company Committed Racial Discrimination

A California-based company has committed unlawful discrimination based on race by favoring white applicants over a black worker, the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) said on Wednesday.

Talk between Firefighters, District Officials Enters an Impasse

The negotiation for the salary increase between Menlo Park fighters and the district board entered an impasse when the union recently filed a complaint against the officials for allegedly engaging in “regressive bargaining”.

Dahn Youg Sued by Former Employees

Two dozen former employees of the popular Dahn Yoga and Health Centers have filed a federal lawsuit against their former employers claiming financial and emotional distress caused by the leader’s psychological and manipulation and indoctrination.

Pay Cuts OK'd by Majority of Senators

More than half of the total number of senators have agreed to various pay cuts starting July 1 in order to aid the state’s budget deficit, reports said Friday.

Group Files Lawsuit against Local Government for Gender-and Race-based Policy

A political watchdog group on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to reverse its new policy that will award 6.75 percent of federally-assisted contracts to women and workers from ethnic minorities.

Lesser Sacramento Employees to be laid Off

Despite the state’s release of more than 168 notices to employees, a lot less are expected to be laid off because of labor unions’ tentative deals with the local government.

Officers Seek $10 M in Lawsuit against Police Department

The police department and seven police officials are named as the defendants in a suit filed Thursday by five police officers regarding allegations of retaliation and acts of discrimination and sexual harassment.

5 Police Officers Charge Department for Discrimination

Five police officers filed a discrimination lawsuit against seven department officials over allegation that they tolerated severe discriminatory acts and sexual harassment.

Kobe Bryant Countersues Former Housekeeper

Basketball celebrity Kobe Bryant said he and his wife Vanessa filed a countersuit against their former maid who is seeking back pay, overtime pay, and punitive damages.

Layoffs to Affect Cali’s Prison and Parole System workers

Around 5 percent of the total number of state workers in California’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will lose their jobs as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger imposed layoffs for the next four months, authorities confirmed Friday.

HP to Layoff 6,400 Workers

Following its merger with a technology company, Hewlett-Packard Co. announced on Tuesday its plan to reduce its workforce by 2 percent which will affect 6,400 workers.

More Employees of Standard Pacific to be Laid Off

Homebuilder Standard Pacific Corp. has laid off more than 30% of its workers in 2009's first quarter, and yet, more cuts are expected to come.

Labor Market Sheds Half-million Jobs in April

The labor market shed 539,000 jobs in April, pushing the unemployment rate to 8.9 percent, according to the Labor Department report.

Villaraigosa and Schwarzenegger Announces Youth Jobs Plan

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Monday the plan to seek jobs for 16,500 youths over the next year as part of the Hire L.A.’s Youth program.

Around 200 Disney Employees in Anaheim to lose Job by May

Walt Disney Co. has filed a notice with the Employment Development Department regarding the first batch of employees that they will be cutting in its Disneyland Resort as a part of the company’s downsizing.

LA Airport Needs More Air Controllers

The Los Angeles International Airport, one of the busiest in the US, is losing air traffic controllers since most of them have already reached their retirement age. To close the gap, the Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) decided to hire new trainees while giving higher salaries to retain veteran controllers.

Almost 50 Workers to be Laid-Off in Alcoa this Month

Alcoa Fastening Systems announced Thursday that their employees are now facing layoffs after escaping last January’s cuts on workforce.

Teachers' Lay-Offs Postponed, Might Be Cancelled

Hope sparks among teachers who have been handed out with layoff notices as new deals are set to be approved.

Villaraigosa Proposes 10% Salary Cuts

Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced on Sunday a new cost-cutting measure that will close the city’s $530 million budget deficit. In his proposal, the mayor said employees from local agencies should have their salary cut by 10 percent, including those who are working from police and fire departments which used to be exempted in contingency plans.

Firefighters' Labor Contract Ratified with Cuts

It was announced by Mayor Jerry Sanders that city firefighters have agreed on a two year contract that will give up all of their holiday hours and pick up a bigger share of retirement contributions.

Governor Calls for 1,150 unemployed to work for EDD

As unemployment rate soars to 11.2%, the governor opens 1,150 job opportunities in assisting around 2 million jobless employees by working for the Employment Development Department, reports said.

More Layoffs in Technology Sector Seen

An international outplacement firm which tracks employment trends have released a report saying that employers in the tech industry are seeing its worst layoff in seven years.

Massive Layoffs, Cause of Delay in Claimants' Benefits

Social Security Administration (SSA) commissioner Michael Astrue has announced that benefits of thousands of Americans with severe disability are postponed due to massive layoffs implemented by local officials and businesses.

County Cuts off 20 in its Workforce

Twenty positions will be eliminated as the County Board of Supervisors agreed on Tuesday that the layoffs will help minimize county expenses, reports said.

Manufacturer Finds Solution to Layoffs using EDD program

Cambro Manufacturing Company, the makers of cafeteria bars and plastic banquet coffee urns, has found a way to limit their lay-offs using the state Employment Development Department (EDD) work sharing program.

More Layoffs Expected In May

At least 358 employees from five companies would lose their job by the end of May, the Employment Development Department (EDD) said.

Unemployment Extension signed by Schwarzenegger

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation which will extend unemployment insurance benefits for another five months.

State Senate Passes Bills for Benefits Extension

A legislation that involves money from President Obama's economic stimulus package was passed last Thursday by the state Senate on a 38-0 vote.

State Unemployment Rate, Predicted to Record High

The University of the Pacific predicted that the state unemployment rate will be on its highest at 12 percent on the latter months of 2009, reports said Tuesday.

Employment Union Agrees to Compromise of State's Measures

The largest state union approved on Saturday a contract which modifies Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s emergency measures in bridging the budget gap, reports said.

Police Officer wins Lawsuit against Department

Newport Beach police Sgt. Neil Harvey was awarded $1.2 million in damages Tuesday regarding his suit against the department for mistreating him.

Broadcom Ex-general Counsel to Receive $2.97 million

Broadcom Corporation will pay a total of $2.97 million to its former general counsel, David Dull to leave the company, according to a securities filing Wednesday.

Fresno cuts $8.8 million from city budget

The city of Fresno will about to cut almost $9 million from the budget this year and lay off around 50 temporary workers as city officials prepare for an anticipated deficit of over $11 million next year.

California's Long-term Unemployment Rate Zooms

Workers in California who have been jobless for more than 27 weeks has increased by 72.6% to 283,000 last year, according to an analysis of the state’ s unemployment statistics last December.

UC and Employees Union End Labor Dispute, Reach tentative agreement

The University of California and the union that represents the system's 8,500 drivers, cafeteria workers, gardeners, and custodians announced Wednesday a tentative contract settlement. The agreement ends the dispute that lasted for 18 months which triggered protest rallies at meetings of regents and elsewhere, and a five-day strike last summer.

Los Angeles County to Lose $1.4 billion for programs

Los Angeles County officials said last week that the county would lose approximately $1.4 billion over the next seven months for social services and health programs if the state continues with its plan to put off such payments beginning next week.

O.C. large firms announce 2,500 layoffs

CA - Orange County large firms announced 2,500 layoffs this year, more than double the anticipated number in December.

LAUSD Receives $15 million Settlement in Payroll Disarray

The Los Angeles Unified School (LAUSD) officials have accepted a settlement of around $15 million for the district in its suit against Deloitte & Touche they said last Wednesday, a LAUSD official said.

Jury Awards $48 million to Employee Injured at Work

A former Union Pacific Railroad worker will be awarded with $48 million after being left a quadriplegic in a work-related car accident while at job, last year.

Prep School that Fired Employee in Retaliation on Sex-based Wage Discrimination Claim, Charged

A preparatory school is set to pay nearly $1 million for unlawfully firing in retaliation an employee who opposed sex-based wage discrimination through voicing his concern about unequal payment for woman.

Irvine Professor Refuses to Attend Sexual Harassment Training

One of UC Irvine’s most prominent biologists is being threatened to be suspended or placed on unpaid leave for refusing to attend sexual harassment prevention training.

Veteran Police Officer Facing Raps on Alleged Sexual Assault

An eight-year Los Angeles Police Department veteran was charged with sexual battery, prostitution, and other felonies against young women he allegedly came across with during his patrol in West L.A.

Top Executives of Daily Grill Restaurant Chain Takes 10% Pay Cut

A dozen top executives of the Daily Grill chain of restaurants will take a 10% pay cut to aid in balancing the effects of the ailing company announced by the parent company last Wednesday.

Wyndham Hotel Pays $370, 000 for Harassing Teen Employees

The WorldMark by Wyndham, owned subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, will pay $370, 000 and provide significant remedial relief to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Federal Judge rules Against LAX Hilton in Wrongful Suspension of Employees

A federal administration judge ruled in favor of union labor leaders on the dispute against LAX Hilton for wrongfully suspending 77 workers and threatening others who engaged in protected activities.

FedEx on violation of ADA Grants $100, 000 to Employee

The Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), a Memphis, Tenn-based global shipping giant, will award $100, 000 punitive damages to an employee after being charged of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

AIG agrees to withhold Executive Pay

American International Group Inc. submitted last month to a U.S. government bailout and agreed to hold $19 million in compensation to be put down for a former chief executive and $600 million slated for other executives.

Judge Denies Costco’s Motion to Dismiss Harassment Lawsuit

A judge denied the motion filed by Costco to dismiss a lawsuit filed by one gay employee who alleges that he was discriminated against and made the subject of an offensive and disparaging video because of his sexual orientation.

SEDC Violates Law, Granting Smith $100, 350 Severance Pay

After the court’s order of delaying the severance payment of Southeastern Economic Development Corporation (SEDC)’s former president severance payment, a citizen activist still pursued that the agency’s board violated the law.

71-year old Man Files Discrimination Suit Against Employer

A 70-year-old man who worked for Bay Area Catholic Charities, a non-profit organization that helps seniors, filed a discrimination lawsuit after he was fired and replaced by someone less qualified than him and half his age.

Living Wage Complaint filed by Los Angeles Carwash Workers

Echo Park workers filed a complaint with the City of Los Angeles alleging the facility of violating the wage ordinance of then city.

San Diego Firefighters’ Lawsuit to be Retried Due to Mistrial

A San Diego judge declared a mistrial in the lawsuit brought to court by four San Diego firefighters. The lawsuit alleges that they were sexually harassed sexually during the 2007 gay pride parade.

LAX Service Workers Push Demand for Better Pay and Benefits

Despite the severe economic downturn in the airline industry, Los Angeles International Airport Workers still pressed their demand for better pay and benefits and remained very optimistic that they will win.

San Diego City Sued by Four Firefighters for Gay Parade Harassment

The city government is being sued by four firefighters for damages because they were purportedly sexually harassed when they involuntarily participated in the 2007 gay parade.

Labor Department to Protect Employment Opportunities for American Workers

The Department of Labor has begun placing pending permanent labor certification applications filed by the Cohen & Grigsby law firm into department-supervised recruitment in a bid to protect employment opportunities of the workers.