Three cases before the U.S. Supreme Court could result in a precedent-setting verdict with serious ramifications for federal antidiscrimination laws, says Philadelphia employment discrimination attorney, Edith Pearce, Esq.
— A U.S. Army Reservist in Illinois has filed a discrimination suit against the hospital where he worked for 11 years. Vincent Staub claims he was fired because his supervisor resented absences required by his Army Reserve duty, a violation of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act. The hospital says Staub’s military service was not a consideration in his termination and that he was fired for failure to complete tasks and poor attitude on the job. A federal district curt agreed with Staub and awarded him $58,000 in damages; however, the U.S. Court of Appeals overturned the decision.
— Kevin Kasten claims the plastics firm he worked for fired him for complaining about the illegal placement of a time clock.
— Eric Thompson claims he was fired in retaliation for a discrimination complaint filed by his fiance, an employee at the same company.
Philadelphia personal injury attorneys who specialize in workplace discrimination law say the combined cases seek to expand worker protection from employer retaliation when the employee or someone close to him angers the boss. The Supreme Court will hear the three cases together.
Legal analysts are debating the possible outcome of these workplace discrimination cases. While Chief Justice John Roberts has a record of being pro-business, the court has made a point of upholding the law, as opposed to legislating from the bench, the practice of some previous courts. Philadelphia employment discrimination attorneys say it is likely that the justices will uphold the numerous federal and state laws that protect workers’ rights against discrimination, but nothing is certain.
If you have been discriminated against at work or unfairly terminated, contact a Philadephia personal injury attorney with proven employment discrimination expertise. That’s why you should always turn to the Pearce Law Firm.