On May 30, 2019, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reached an agreement in a class-action lawsuit regarding its parental leave policies. The father who initiated the case had been denied the 16 weeks of paid parental leave offered by the company because he was deemed not to be the child’s primary caregiver. The proposed settlement will include changes to the company’s policy and training to make sure that the parental leave policy is handled in a gender-neutral and nondiscriminatory manner. It will also establish a $5 million compensation fund for other fathers who have experienced similar discrimination in the past.
A Pattern of Gender-Based Discrimination
JPMorgan Chase is not the only company that has faced criticism and legal action based on its unequal application of parental leave policies. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) settled a case in 2018 against Estée Lauder that netted a $1.1 million payout for 210 male employees. Estée Lauder had offered only two weeks of paid leave for new male parents, which contrasted unfavorably with the six weeks of leave afforded to female parents in the same situations. The EEOC found that the actions taken by Estée Lauder in offering less paid parental leave for male parents than for female parents were in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Understanding Your Rights as an Employee
If you have been treated differently from other employees because of your gender, age, race, sexual orientation or other protected class, working with a qualified New York employment law firm is crucial to protect yourself from the negative repercussions stemming from this unequal treatment. Failing to take action to address these issues could result in further negative and adverse effects and a reduced ability to earn throughout your working career. By working with a qualified and knowledgeable employment law attorney, you can take the appropriate steps to reduce unfavorable consequences and create a fairer and more even playing field for all employees within your organization.
The Role of Your New York Employment Lawyer
By retaining the services of an attorney with experience in the employment law field, you can rest assured that your case is evaluated accurately and that you receive the best possible representation for your situation.
As leaders in the field of New York employment law, Risman & Risman offer focused assistance for clients in the New York metropolitan area. Our team will work diligently on your behalf to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcomes for your case. To learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation with our team, call us today at 212-233-6400. At Risman & Risman, we work for you.