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Former pregnant employee files sexual harassment lawsuit against McDonald’s store manager

A former McDonald’s employee filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the store manager alleging that he inappropriately touched her and “belittled” her.

The woman, who was pregnant at the time of the incident, began to work at McDonald’s in 2006 and she became pregnant in 2010. After an incident in October 2010, the woman left work for the day and did not return.

The woman is alleging that her employers violated the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. This act prohibits sexual harassment while pregnant and the woman claims that she was discharged because a pregnant employee could not work in those conditions. She is seeking compensation for damages and punitive damages as well as back and front pay.

If you or a loved one has been treated unfairly at work, you need representation on your side at this time. Contact the Austin sexual harassment lawyers of The Melton Law Firm today by calling 512-330-0017.


Austin icon remains in hospice care

A local Austin icon, Leslie Cochran, remains in hospice care at this time and residents are joining together in order to raise funds for any medical bills that may arise.

According to the Daily Texan Online, Cochran has been in the hospital since Feb. 16 when he was found unconscious on South Fifth Street. Officials have stated that Cochran’s condition is a result of a motorcycle accident that occurred 25 years ago in Colorado combined with another head injury that occurred in 2009 when he fell down a curb.

The head injuries left Cochran with seizures that would occur once a month. Friends stated that he would go into the hospital when he knew a seizure would be coming.

Recently, Cochran was unable to always make it to the hospital before they occurred and it is thought that this is what happened on the day he was found.

 


Omaha discusses new workplace discrimination bill

The Omaho’s City Hall is having a debate on a discrimination bill that is on its second attempt at getting passed.

A city councilman is working to get the bill passed which states that it will ban discrimination based on the gender identity of a person or their sexual orientation. This bill did not pass in 2010, but officials have stated that they are much more organized now.

The chief organizer held a news conference today in order to spread the word. Many say that discrimination on gender orientation and sexual orientation is a large issue in the area and that it is costing the area certain job opportunities.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of gender discrimination, you need representation on your side that can help you through this time. Contact the gender discrimination lawyers of The Melton Law Firm by calling 512-330-0017.


Austin news: ‘No Refusal’ initiative continues through Fat Tuesday

Austin police held a ‘No Refusal’ initiative this weekend in order to prevent impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel after Mardi Gras celebrations.

According to the Austin-American Statesman, the initiative began on Feb. 17 and will continue through Fat Tuesday on Feb. 21. Additional patrol will run from 9 p.m .to 5 a.m. During a ‘No Refusal’ initiative, a person’s blood can be drawn if they are pulled over and suspected of drunk driving, but they refuse a breathalyzer.

These initiativse are put into place during times of heavy drinking such as holidays and the Super Bowl.  Austin has a very high rate of DWI arrests and last year alone nearly 24 percent of their traffic fatalities involved alcohol.

The Austin employment lawyers of The Melton Law Firm are wishing you and your family and fun and safe Mardi Gras.


Austin florists prepare for busiest day of the year

Florists in the Austin are preparing for the busiest day of the year, Valentine’s Day.

According to KXAN news, the Ben White Florists in South Austin has stated that they will be delivering at least 400 bundles of flowers this holiday. The owner of the Ben White Florist has stated that the only other time of year that there is this  much business is the Christmas season.

Since last year, the business has increased its revenue by 50 percent. In order to plan for this holiday, flower shops begin to prepare as far back as the summer months.

 


Record numbers of complaints reported to EEOC in 2011

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, there was a record high number of discrimination complaints in 2011.

This is the second year in a row that the number has peaked and officials have stated that the most common filing was related to retaliation. Racial discrimination was the second-highest topic of complaint.

The agency stated that over 99,000 complaints were filed and nearly $455.6 million was awarded to those who were found to be have been discriminated against in the workplace.

There were over 7,000 complaints that involved federal employees and their claims totaled to nearly $58 million in relief. Also, the commission stated that they were able to resolve more cases then they had pending in 2011 and decreased the pending cases by 10 percent.

If you or a loved one has been treated unfairly in the workplace, you need representation your side that may be able to help you receive the representation that you are entitled to. Contact the Austin discrimination lawyers of The Melton Law Firm by calling 512-330-0017.


Walmart still facing gender discrimination claims

Even after the Supreme Court decision sided with Walmart last year when stating that the women who claimed that Walmart was guilty of gender discrimination did not have similar enough claims to qualify as a class action, women still state that these claims are true.

Walmart has always stated that these claims against them are false, but interviews with employees(former and current) have showed evidence that this might be true. Some have stated that although the Supreme Court case sided with Walmart, it made the company more aware of the issues.

Even though this may be true, women still claim that the company is still not paying women fairly or promoting them appropriately. Women have joined the original complaint from women in California and Texas and also new lawsuits have been filed.

Last week, a group of Texas women filed a class action lawsuit against Texas Walmart stores after stating that the stores were treating women differently.

If you or a loved one has been treated unfairly in the workplace because of your gender, you need representation on your side that is committed to helping you fight for the justice you deserve. Contact the Austin gender discrimination lawyers of The Melton Law Firm by calling 512-330-0017.


Tickets for Austin Food and Wine Festival on sale today

The Austin Employment Lawyers of The Melton Law Firm are happy to announce events in the Austin community. Today, the tickets for the Austin Food and Wine Festival are going on sale for the three day event that will take place in April.

This year’s festival will feature 40 events including food testing, cooking demonstrations, local favorite chefs, and more. The festival takes place April 27 to April 29. Events begin at 9 a.m. daily and go on till 4 p.m.

The Austin Food and Wine Festival is presented by Food and Wine Magazine and is a collaborated effort with C3 Productions, local chefs and restaurants.

For the event schedules, please visit the Austin Food and Wine Festival web site today.


Supreme Court rules on religious leaders

The Supreme Court has made a ruling on federal discrimination laws and whether or not they protect religious organizations.

This ruling states  that workers in certain religious organizations can not seek protection under federal workplace discrimination laws because religious leaders can choose the best person to lead their mission separate from the state. This is because of the First Amendment right that guarantees the freedom of religion.

Although some agree with this new law, others thing it will an easy way for abuse to occur in religious workplaces. This ruling came about after a teacher at a religious school claimed that she was fired for having narcolepsy and that this violated the Americans with Disability Act. The court ruled against her claiming that the religious organization have the right to chose who preaches their beliefs.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of workplace discrimination, you need experienced representation on your side. Contact the Austin discrimination lawyers or The Melton Law Firm by calling 512-330-0017.


Austin celebrates free music events for a week

Last week, the city of Austin celebrated Free Week where local bands played in venues down Red River Street and no covers were charged to enter.

The free lineups kept venues on Red River packed all of last week. Officials involved in the event have stated that this year was the biggest that the event has been. Many venues that have never participated in Free Week participated this year.

Venues including, Antone’s, Mohawk, Frank, Hotel Vegas and Skinny Ballroom all hosted free shows for Austin residents to enjoy. Bands that took advantage of the exposure include, Austin Crooks and A Giant Dog.

The Austin employment lawyers of The Melton Law Firm enjoy supporting local events in the area and making them known to residents. For further details, visit the Austin 360 website today.

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