Since March 17, there have been 364 lawsuits (including 46 class actions) filed against employers due to alleged labor and employment violations related to the coronavirus. The filings have increased rapidly over the past few months:
- 7 complaints from March 17-31;
- 52 complaints in April;
- 100 complaints in May;
- 141 complaints in June; and
- 64 complaints as of July 16.
California is leading the way with 59 cases filed, with Florida (47), New Jersey (38), and New York (34) following closely behind. The most common complaints have focused on retaliation (116), wrongful termination (107), discrimination (72), and workplace safety (69). The healthcare industry has been hardest hit by COVID-19 employment litigation with 80 alleged violations.
Originally published 18 July, 2020
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