News from 2016
EEOC targets Rent-A-Center for discriminating against transgender employee allegations
URBANA, Ill. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has taken action against Rent-A-Center, a company that owns and operates more than 3,000 stores nationwide offering products in rent-to-own agreements, suing the company for alleged discrimination against a transgender employee.
EEOC, Guardsmark settle allegations of ADA, GINA violations
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has announced that Guardsmark, a major security company in North America, will pay $329,640 to settle allegations of disability and genetic information discrimination. The settlement impacts more than 1,100 job applicants.
Chief of SEC whistleblower program departs after 'pro-employee' tenure
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced the departure of its chief of the Whistleblower Program.
Procter & Gamble denies assertions in suit over baby wipes
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A class-action lawsuit has been filed by a California woman over whether an infant product manufacturer’s products are actually natural.
Two Austin drivers accuse Uber of wrongful termination, face uphill battle
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – In May thousands of drivers lost their jobs when Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. removed their services from Austin, Texas.
California woman alleges pension provider violated federal telephone statutes
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — A California woman is suing a pension provider, alleging unwanted phone calls.
EPA settles with BP, Hilcorp after allegations of Alaska oil spills
SEATTLE (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a settlement with BP Exploration Alaska and Hilcorp Alaska after allegations they violated the Clean Water Act when spilling oil on Alaska’s North Slope.
Idaho attorney general settles with boat builder who allegedly deceived consumers
BOISE, Idaho (Legal Newsline) — Christopher Bohnenkamp, owner of the now-defunct Bohnenkamp’s Whitewater Customs Inc. and Treasure Valley Marine Inc., has agreed to settle allegations of failing to deliver custom-built boats and trailers to clients as promised, Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said.
Par Hawaii Refining, Tesoro Corp. settle allegations of violating Clean Air Act
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — Par Hawaii Refining and subsidiaries of Tesoro Corp. will pay $425 million to settle allegations of violating the Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice have announced.
Pre-trial proceedings for Garrett Miller case begin July 27
Pre-trial proceedings for the case of State of Maryland v. Garrett Miller are set to commence on July 27, 2016.
Consumer alleges Florida company's health claims were false
SAN DIEGO — A California consumer is suing a Florida company, alleging false advertising.
Consumer alleges Earthlink collected payments illegally
SACRAMENTO — A California woman is suing an Internet provider, alleging unlawful collection of payment.
Subscriber accuses More magazine publisher of contract breach
ST. LOUIS — A subscriber is suing a magazine publisher, alleging breach of contract and unjust enrichment.
EEOC releases revised proposal to collect summary pay data from employers
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced it has released a revised proposal to collect pay data through the Employer Information Report (EEO-1).
Kwong Tung Foods barred from distributing allegedly adulterated products
MINNEAPOLIS (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice has announced Kwong Tung Foods Inc. has been barred from distributing allegedly adulterated noodles and sprouts.
Billing Services Group of North America to pay $53,000 after allegations of 'cramming'
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline) — Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane has announced Billing Services Group North America Inc. has agreed to a civil settlement after allegations of placing unauthorized charges on consumers’ telephone bills using a practice commonly called “cramming.” The company will pay $53,000 in restitution.
Court rules Workplace Staffing Solutions must pay $179,000
JACKSON, Miss. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced a court ruling against Workplace Staffing Solutions LLC after allegations it violated federal law when it failed to hire six women for residential temporary trashcan collector (RTCC) positions because of their gender.
Washington State Association for Justice to pay $9,240 to settle campaign finance laws allegations
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) — The Office of Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has announced the Washington State Association for Justice (WSAJ) will pay $9,240 to resolve allegations that it failed to timely and properly file lobbyist employer reports. This includes a $1,500 penalty and $7,740 in costs.
Herbalife to pay $200 million, restructure operations in settlement with FTC
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced Herbalife International of America Inc. Herbalife International Inc., and Herbalife Ltd. will pay $200 million in consumer compensation and restructure their U.S. business operations after allegations of deceiving consumers.
D.C. decision, expected in fall, could reverse CFPB's actions, change structure
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - A highly anticipated decision from the Washington, D.C., federal appellate court in a dispute between the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and a New Jersey mortgage company may not only affect that particular industry, but also significantly impact the actions of the federal agency, attorneys say.