EEOC Settles Sex Bias Case

The New York State Department of Correctional Services will pay nearly $1 million to settle a sex discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, the two offices announced on May 21, 2008. The EEOC and the United States had charged the Corrections Department with violating federal law by providing inferior benefits to female employees on maternity leave.

New Jersey Governor Signs Family Leave Insurance Legislation

On May 2, 2008, New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine signed an historic family leave insurance bill, propelling New Jersey to become only the third state in the nation to enact a family leave program for workers caring for sick family members, newborn and newly-adopted children. The state of California implemented its program in 2004 while the state of Washington passed legislation last year.

Washington Grants Domestic Violence Leave

Effective April 1, 2008, Washington requires employers to provide time off to employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.

New Washington Law Requires Leave for Military Spouses

On March 19, 2008, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire signed S.B. 6447, requiring public and private employers of any size to allow eligible employees up to 15 days of unpaid leave when their spouse is notified of an impending call or order to active duty or on leave from deployment during a military conflict. This legislation takes effect on June 11, 2008.