Employment Law Insights Blog | John J. Zidziunas & Associate

Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are often used in sexual harassment settlements to ensure confidentiality but raise concerns about accountability. While NDAs protect victims' privacy and help resolve cases quickly, they can also shield perpetrators and limit transparency. High-profile cases like Harvey Weinstein and Activision Blizzard show the negative impact of NDAs in perpetuating harassment cultures. Recent legislative changes, like California’s Silenced No More Act and New York’s anti-NDA law, aim to empower victims and increase transparency. Balancing confidentiality and accountability remains a critical issue for employers and lawmakers.

Maureen O’Reilly, represented by John J. Zidziunas & Associates, is suing Horizon Blue Cross and Beacon Health Options for denying addiction treatment that could have saved her son, Ed Fahy. Forced into inadequate care in Florida, Ed tragically overdosed. The case highlights systemic insurance failures and calls for reform to prevent similar tragedies.

The 15-year statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases allows victims more time to seek justice, especially in high-profile cases. This extension empowers victims to come forward without the pressure of tight deadlines, promoting accountability for abusers. High-profile cases like Harvey Weinstein's have highlighted the significance of these changes in the legal landscape.

Expecting a child can be both exciting and challenging, particularly in the workplace where pregnancy discrimination remains a concern despite legal protections. Discrimination can include biased hiring practices, denial of reasonable accommodations, and unfair treatment. Key laws like the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, ADA, FMLA, and state-specific regulations safeguard employees’ rights, ensuring accommodations and leave are provided. Understanding these laws, documenting incidents, and seeking legal advice can help address unfair treatment. Employers are encouraged to create supportive environments, promoting equity and respect for expecting employees.

New Jersey's employment discrimination laws, particularly the NJLAD, protect workers from discrimination based on characteristics like race, gender identity, and disability. These laws cover hiring, harassment, equal pay, retaliation, and accommodations for disabilities and pregnancy. Additional protections include the New Jersey Family Leave Act and Equal Pay Act. Workers can take legal steps if they experience discrimination, including filing complaints and lawsuits.

Cassie’s lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs highlights abuse, power imbalances, and systemic failures. It underscores the need for workplace reforms, including clear boundaries, policies on relationships, leadership accountability, and bystander empowerment. The case also calls for stronger legal compliance, victim support, and zero-tolerance policies. This is a wake-up call for cultural change, especially in industries like entertainment, to prioritize transparency, accountability, and employee well-being.

Severance pay in New Jersey is often provided for layoffs or restructuring but is generally not mandatory unless required by a contract or the NJ WARN Act. This law mandates severance for mass layoffs at large companies, calculated as one week’s pay per year of service. Severance is taxable and may include negotiated benefits like health coverage.

The legal battle between Cassandra Ventura (Cassie) and Sean "Diddy" Combs highlights the pervasive issue of power imbalances and systemic abuse across industries. Cassie’s allegations of physical abuse and exploitation underscore the urgent need for accountability, ethical leadership, and survivor support. This case is a powerful reminder that organizations must prioritize oversight, transparent policies, and safe spaces to prevent abuse and foster workplaces rooted in safety and justice.

Learning to recognize retaliation, understanding your rights, and knowing how to respond are vital steps to protect yourself after reporting harassment or discrimination. Take action to ensure a fair and respectful workplace.

Anti-Asian discrimination in U.S. workplaces has risen sharply since the onset of COVID-19, with AAPI employees facing verbal harassment, stereotyping, exclusion from opportunities, and retaliation for reporting bias. Legal protections under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and state-specific laws empower employees to address these challenges through documentation, internal reporting, and formal complaints to agencies like the EEOC. Combating this issue requires collective action—employees advocating for their rights and employers fostering respect, accountability, and inclusivity to create equitable workplaces for all.