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2005 PLUS International Conference The New Face of Employment Litigation: Class Actions and Beyond Lucy Ann Galioto VP - National Union/AIG David Keenan VP – EPL Claim Manager, Chubb John Lozada Chief of Enforcement, Mass. Comm. Against Discrim. Jack McCalmon, Esq. Partner: Titus, Hillis, Reynolds, Dickman & McCalmon Philip R. Voluck, Esq. Partner: Kaufman, Schneider & Bianco, LLP Lucy Ann Galioto VP - National Union/AIG David Keenan VP – EPL Claim Manager, Chubb John Lozada Chief of Enforcement, Mass. Comm. Against Discrim. Jack McCalmon, Esq. Partner: Titus, Hillis, Reynolds, Dickman & McCalmon Philip R. Voluck, Esq. Partner: Kaufman, Schneider & Bianco, LLP
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND AGENDAAGENDA Explore Current Trends In Employment Litigation (Lucy) Impact of Class Actions (Dave) State and Federal Protections in the Workplace (John) Loss Prevention Strategies (Philip) Explore Current Trends In Employment Litigation (Lucy) Impact of Class Actions (Dave) State and Federal Protections in the Workplace (John) Loss Prevention Strategies (Philip) Jack McCalmon, Esq. – Titus, Hillis, Reynolds, Dickman & McCalmon
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND Overview of 2004 EEOC EPLI Statistics Employees filed 79,432 charges in FY 2004. This presents a decrease in the number of charges filed when compared to those filed in FY 2002: 84,442 and 2003: 81,293. This decrease is the result of more plaintiffs filing state charges where there are no caps on punitive damages. During 2004 the EEOC recovered a record $419 M in compensatory damages for employees. $251 M was recovered through pre-litigation resolutions and $168 M was recovered through lawsuits filed in federal district court. Employees filed 79,432 charges in FY 2004. This presents a decrease in the number of charges filed when compared to those filed in FY 2002: 84,442 and 2003: 81,293. This decrease is the result of more plaintiffs filing state charges where there are no caps on punitive damages. During 2004 the EEOC recovered a record $419 M in compensatory damages for employees. $251 M was recovered through pre-litigation resolutions and $168 M was recovered through lawsuits filed in federal district court.
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND EEOC EPLI Statistics RACE DISCRIMINATION: Employees filed 27,696 charges; EEOC recovered $61 M for these complainants. SEX DISCRIMINATION: Employees filed 24,000 charges; EEOC recovered $100 M for these complainants. AGE DISCRIMINATION: Employees filed 17,837 charges; EEOC recovered $69 M for these complainants. DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION: Employees filed 15,000 charges; EEOC recovered $47 M for these complainants. RACE DISCRIMINATION: Employees filed 27,696 charges; EEOC recovered $61 M for these complainants. SEX DISCRIMINATION: Employees filed 24,000 charges; EEOC recovered $100 M for these complainants. AGE DISCRIMINATION: Employees filed 17,837 charges; EEOC recovered $69 M for these complainants. DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION: Employees filed 15,000 charges; EEOC recovered $47 M for these complainants.
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND EEOC EPLI Statistics SEXUAL HARASSMENT: Employees filed 13,000 charges; EEOC recovered $37 M for these complainants. 15% of the sexual harassment charges were filed by males. NATIONAL ORIGIN: Employees filed 8,000 charges; EEOC recovered $22 M for these complainants. RELIGION: Employees filed 2,500 charges; EEOC recovered $6 M for these complainants. PREGNANCY DISCRIMINATION: Employees filed 4,500 charges; EEOC recovered $11 M for these complainants. SEXUAL HARASSMENT: Employees filed 13,000 charges; EEOC recovered $37 M for these complainants. 15% of the sexual harassment charges were filed by males. NATIONAL ORIGIN: Employees filed 8,000 charges; EEOC recovered $22 M for these complainants. RELIGION: Employees filed 2,500 charges; EEOC recovered $6 M for these complainants. PREGNANCY DISCRIMINATION: Employees filed 4,500 charges; EEOC recovered $11 M for these complainants.
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND EEOC Litigation Against Small and Mid-Size Employers Since 2002 the EEOC has aggressively pursued small and mid- sized companies who have allegedly engaged in discriminatory practices. Many of these settlements have been in excess of $1 M. Since 2002 the EEOC has aggressively pursued small and mid- sized companies who have allegedly engaged in discriminatory practices. Many of these settlements have been in excess of $1 M.
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND Examples of EEOC Litigation Against Small and Mid-Size Employers Apollo Colors: Apollo Colors, a Chicago paint manufacturer with 200 employees, settled a racial harassment action brought by the EEOC on behalf of African American employees of Apollo Colors for $1.8 M. NY Lutheran Medical Center at Brooklyn: Hospital settled a sexual harassment suit brought by the EEOC on behalf of female employees for $5 M. Long Prairie Packing: A Minneapolis packing company with 235 workers settled a male-on-male sexual harassment matter brought by the EEOC on behalf of male employees for $1.9 M. Apollo Colors: Apollo Colors, a Chicago paint manufacturer with 200 employees, settled a racial harassment action brought by the EEOC on behalf of African American employees of Apollo Colors for $1.8 M. NY Lutheran Medical Center at Brooklyn: Hospital settled a sexual harassment suit brought by the EEOC on behalf of female employees for $5 M. Long Prairie Packing: A Minneapolis packing company with 235 workers settled a male-on-male sexual harassment matter brought by the EEOC on behalf of male employees for $1.9 M.
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND Employment Litigation Statistics Today 1/5 of the employment practice matters brought to trial result in a plaintiff’s award of $1 M or more. More than 1 in 5 Americans have experienced employment discrimination according to a FindLaw Survey released July 2004. The 2004 Jackson Lewis Workplace Survey revealed that respondent employers experience an increase in gender discrimination and sexual harassment complaints filed against them: In 2004 58% of respondents defended gender discrimination complaints compared to 48% in 2003. In 2004 63% of respondents defended sexual harassment matters compared to 57% in 2003. Today 1/5 of the employment practice matters brought to trial result in a plaintiff’s award of $1 M or more. More than 1 in 5 Americans have experienced employment discrimination according to a FindLaw Survey released July 2004. The 2004 Jackson Lewis Workplace Survey revealed that respondent employers experience an increase in gender discrimination and sexual harassment complaints filed against them: In 2004 58% of respondents defended gender discrimination complaints compared to 48% in 2003. In 2004 63% of respondents defended sexual harassment matters compared to 57% in 2003.
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND Employment Litigation Statistics (cont.) According to USA Today, an estimated 550 employment lawsuits are filed in the United States every day. 57% of the Retaliation claims brought in Federal Court are won by Plaintiffs. The National Compensatory Jury Award Median for Employment Practices Liability in 2003 was $250 K. That same award in 2001 was $168 K. (Jury Verdict Research 2004) According to USA Today, an estimated 550 employment lawsuits are filed in the United States every day. 57% of the Retaliation claims brought in Federal Court are won by Plaintiffs. The National Compensatory Jury Award Median for Employment Practices Liability in 2003 was $250 K. That same award in 2001 was $168 K. (Jury Verdict Research 2004)
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JURY AWARDS National Compensatory Jury Award Median for Discrimination Cases (1997-2003): National Compensatory Jury Award Median for Discrimination Cases (1997-2003): 2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND Age $255,143 Disability $210,000 Sex $151,625 Race$150,000
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND CLASS ACTIONS
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND Mass. General Law 151B: Employment Engaging in harassment and other employment actions based on these factors is unlawful: Age Color/Genetics National origin or ancestry Disability Religion Retaliation Criminal records (applications only) Race Sexual Orientation Active Military Status Sex/Gender Engaging in harassment and other employment actions based on these factors is unlawful: Age Color/Genetics National origin or ancestry Disability Religion Retaliation Criminal records (applications only) Race Sexual Orientation Active Military Status Sex/Gender
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND Complaints by Type - 2004 Employment 85% Housing 9% Public Accommodation 5% Other 1%
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND Sex 24% Race/Color 22% Sexual Orientation 2% Age 11% Children 1% Creed 2% Disability 20% Family 1% Other 8% National Origin 8% Public Assistance 1% Bases of Complaints - 2004 (100% = 4,323)
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND Loss Control Employee Handbooks Training Arbitration Agreements Audit Pay Classifications and Payroll Products and Policies Recruit and Maintain a Diverse Workforce Hold Managers Accountable CONSULT EMPLOYMENT COUNSEL BEFORE THE DECISION! Employee Handbooks Training Arbitration Agreements Audit Pay Classifications and Payroll Products and Policies Recruit and Maintain a Diverse Workforce Hold Managers Accountable CONSULT EMPLOYMENT COUNSEL BEFORE THE DECISION!
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND What the Future Holds Chief Justice Roberts Justice ___________? Partnering of Govt. Agencies More Claims More Defense Costs More Settlements Chief Justice Roberts Justice ___________? Partnering of Govt. Agencies More Claims More Defense Costs More Settlements
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND Emerging Issues The smoke bomb: Weyco Inc. terminated four employees because they smoked…on their own time. 21 states do not protect the rights of smokers, including Michigan. Estimated $157 billion spent annually on medical expenses related to smoking and lost productivity. Michigan courts do not view nicotine addiction as a disability. The smoke bomb: Weyco Inc. terminated four employees because they smoked…on their own time. 21 states do not protect the rights of smokers, including Michigan. Estimated $157 billion spent annually on medical expenses related to smoking and lost productivity. Michigan courts do not view nicotine addiction as a disability. Jack McCalmon, Esq. – Titus, Hillis, Reynolds, Dickman & McCalmon
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND Emerging Issues The obesity bomb: New Stanford study shows that obese employees earn $3.41 less than non-obese counterparts. One possible reason: Employers believe obese workers cost more than non-obese in health care costs. 90% of American men and 70% of American women become overweight at some point in their life. 31% of U.S. adults are obese. Obesity is claimed to increase health care spending by 10x. Costs $1244 more per year to treat an obese person. Obesity tied to a 64% increase in diabetes. Fraser v. Goodale, 342 F.3d 1032 (9th Cir. 2003), eating is declared a major life activity. The obesity bomb: New Stanford study shows that obese employees earn $3.41 less than non-obese counterparts. One possible reason: Employers believe obese workers cost more than non-obese in health care costs. 90% of American men and 70% of American women become overweight at some point in their life. 31% of U.S. adults are obese. Obesity is claimed to increase health care spending by 10x. Costs $1244 more per year to treat an obese person. Obesity tied to a 64% increase in diabetes. Fraser v. Goodale, 342 F.3d 1032 (9th Cir. 2003), eating is declared a major life activity.
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND Emerging Issues The chicken bomb: When the Asian bird flu crosses over, how will employers react to employees afflicted? The chicken bomb: When the Asian bird flu crosses over, how will employers react to employees afflicted? Jack McCalmon, Esq. – Titus, Hillis, Reynolds, Dickman & McCalmon
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND Questions & Answers Jack McCalmon, Esq. – Titus, Hillis, Reynolds, Dickman & McCalmon
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2005 PLUS International Conference THE NEW FACE OF EMPLOYMENT LITIGATION: CLASS ACTIONS AND BEYOND Thank You! Lucy Ann Galioto Vice President, National Union/AIG David Keenan VP – EPL Claim Manager, Chubb John Lozada Chief of Enforcement, Mass. Comm. Against Discrim. Jack McCalmon, Esq. Partner: Titus, Hillis, Reynolds, Dickman & McCalmon Philip R. Voluck, Esq. Partner: Kaufman, Schneider & Bianco, LLP Lucy Ann Galioto Vice President, National Union/AIG David Keenan VP – EPL Claim Manager, Chubb John Lozada Chief of Enforcement, Mass. Comm. Against Discrim. Jack McCalmon, Esq. Partner: Titus, Hillis, Reynolds, Dickman & McCalmon Philip R. Voluck, Esq. Partner: Kaufman, Schneider & Bianco, LLP
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