News from October 2017
GE to make incentive payments until completing divestiture of GE Water
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced Oct. 17 that General Electric (GE) has agreed to make incentive payments until it completes its global divestiture of GE Water, a move originally undertaken to resolve anticompetitive concerns after the company acquired Baker Hughes Inc.
U.S. accuses Japanese manufacturer of price fixing
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced Oct. 18 that Nippon Chemi-Con Corporation in Japan has been indicted by a federal grand jury for participating in a conspiracy to fix prices for electrolytic capacitors sold in the United States.
FTC, 11 states create 'Operation Game of Loans' to combat debt relief scammers
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission announced Oct. 13 that, along with 11 states and the District of Columbia, it will coordinate an initiative aimed at deceptive student loan relief scams.
Orchid farm to pay settlement after EEOC lawsuit
FRESNO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Oct. 16 that Dash Dream Plant Inc., an orchid grower in Merced County, California, will pay $110,000 after allegations of pregnancy discrimination.
Farmer John settles sexual harassment allegations for $100K
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Oct. 16 that Clougherty Packing LLC, doing business as Farmer John, a meat processing company in Los Angeles, will pay $100,000 after allegations of sexual harassment.
Insurance agents file racketeering lawsuit against Nationwide
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — Three Insurance agents are suing their former employers, alleging fraud and unjust enrichment occurred as a result of their being enrolled in the companies' "business ownership" programs.
Jersey gym customer claims deception in fitness contract
HACKENSACK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) — A former gym member has filed a class action lawsuit against a New Jersey fitness facility for alleged fraudulent misrepresentation and unjust enrichment.
Pennsylvania lender accused of fraud and misrepresentation
Stockholders of a Canadian company are suing operators of a Pennsylvania lending firm, alleging fraud and unjust enrichment involving a real estate loan.
U.S. bans California drug distributor for alleged adulterated supplements
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced Oct. 13 that Custompax Inc. of Fremont, California, and owner and chief executive officer Cedric P. Ling have been banned by a federal court in California from distributing adulterated dietary supplements.
Attorney: Lawsuit against CFPB's 'unfortunate' arbitration rule helps protect businesses
Joe Rubin, who recently was named senior vice president of government relations and public affairs at Washington, D.C.-based public relations firm MWWPR and who previously served as senior counsel at Arnall Golden Gregory LLP, said the plaintiff groups’ arguments are “very strong.”
Bottled water company, citing letter from state drinking water program, seeks to dismiss proposed class action
Defendant Nestle Waters North America Inc., based in Stamford, Conn., filed its motion in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut Oct. 6.
EEOC accuses Idaho company of disability discrimination
BOISE, Idaho (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit Oct. 2 against Jackson Energy, a division of Jackson Food Stores, for allegations of disability discrimination.
EEOC: Children's Home refused to consider male employee for position in maternity care
TAMPA, Fla. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit Oct. 2 against The Children’s Home Inc., a nonprofit children’s organization in Tampa, for allegations of refusing to consider a male employee for a promotion based on his sex.
Illinois Home Depot store allegedly fired employee because of disability
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit Oct. 3 against Home Depot for allegations of discriminating against an employee who suffered a disability-related emergency.
EEOC launches two training programs regarding respect in workplace
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Oct. 4 it will launch two new training programs for employers:
Philadelphia water company accused of racial harassment
PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit Oct. 4 against Aqua America Inc. for allegations of subjecting black employees to a racially hostile work environment and firing a foreman who complained about the treatment.
Pennsylvania real estate investment firm accused of firing pregnant employees
CAMDEN, N.J. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit Oct. 4 against Freidman Reality Group Inc., a real estate investment firm, for allegations of firing at least three employees because of their pregnancies.
EEOC, Majestic Steel in Ohio reach voluntary conciliation agreement in hiring discrimination case
CLEVELAND (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Oct. 4 that Majestic Steel USA, a family-owned steel distributor in Cleveland, agreed to a voluntary conciliation agreement after allegations of race and gender discrimination.
Chicago Kia dealership owner allegedly mocked employee for sexual orientation, disability
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit Oct. 5 against Evergreen Kia, a car dealership in Chicago, for allegations of subjecting an employee to harassment because of his sexual orientation and disability.
EEOC: Mississippi financial loan company agrees to strengthen gender discrimination policies
NEW ORLEANS (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Oct. 6 that First Tower Loan LLC, a Flowood, Mississippi. financial loan company, will strengthen its discrimination policies after allegations of sex discrimination.