Connecticut Employment Law Blog Insight on Labor & Employment Developments for Connecticut Businesses

Tag Archives: human rights

Employer Alleges “Inherently Conflicted and Irreparably Unfair Proceedings” at CHRO; Seeks Injunction

By Daniel Schwartz on Posted in CHRO & EEOC, Discrimination & Harassment, Human Resources (HR) Compliance, Litigation

A new lawsuit filed last Thursday in Connecticut state court by an employer alleges that the employer’s due process rights are being violated by “inherently conflicted and irreparably unfair proceedings” at the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) — the state agency responsible for investigating and enforcing the state’s anti-discrimination laws.  In the lawsuit, NERAC v. Krich,… Continue Reading

Computer Problems Continue to Plague CHRO

By Daniel Schwartz on Posted in CHRO & EEOC

Over the last year or so, I have been hearing on and off about problems that the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) has been having with its computer system.  Want statistics about how many cases are open or closed? Good luck, I’ve been told.  In fact, the detailed statistics that the CHRO… Continue Reading

CHRO Attorney Agrees Emphasis at Agency “Has Shifted From MAR to Mediation”

By Daniel Schwartz on Posted in CHRO & EEOC, Legislative Developments

Earlier this week, I wrote about the perception among some that the CHRO has been retaining more cases for investigation by letting more cases through the Merit Assessment Review.  These cases that used to be dismissed — mainly “frivolous” ones as  I’ve collectively termed them — mean more headaches for employers who have to spend… Continue Reading

Audit Highlights Significant Issues with CHRO

By Daniel Schwartz on Posted in CHRO & EEOC

A new state auditor’s report released this month shows that the CHRO continues to struggle with compliance with statutory timeframes. The report — which can be downloaded here — shows that from 2007-2009, 56 percent of the cases exceeded the statutory maximum of 370 days.   As the report notes, “the longer it takes to… Continue Reading

Appellate Court’s Footnote Suggests Faults in CHRO’s Interpretation of Emotional Distress Damages

By Daniel Schwartz on Posted in CHRO & EEOC, Discrimination & Harassment

Back in February 2009, I talked at length about whether compensatory damages (for things such as emotional distress) was properly awarded in employment discrimination claims that proceeded to a hearing at the CHRO.  I went on to say back then that I believed the agency and the human rights referees at the agency had been… Continue Reading

General Assembly Approves Significant Changes to CHRO Process

By Daniel Schwartz on Posted in CHRO & EEOC, Legislative Developments

The dust is still settling on the flurry of activity in the closing hours of the General Assembly last night. It’s going to take a few days to get caught up on all the bills that were passed.  Watch for more updates soon. One of the bills that will merit a closer look is House… Continue Reading

CHRO Executive Director Acknowledges Past Shortcomings, Promises Changes

By Daniel Schwartz on Posted in CHRO & EEOC

At a packed gathering last night, new CHRO Executive Director Robert Brothers, Jr. did his best to defend the agency over the past mistakes while urging that he not be judged on that past history. He acknowledged in a meeting of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Labor & Employment Law Section that there "have been a… Continue Reading