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As genetic testing becomes more prevelant, employers need to be aware of the Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act, or GINA. That is why the EEOC is inviting employers and the public to comment on proposed GINA regulations until April 25, 2009 at www.eeoc.gov.

When the Human Genome Project began the cataloguing of human DNA back in April of 2003, it was hailed as a scientific milestone. It also raised fears of an Orwellian future in which “Big Brother” would sort people by their genetic tendencies. There was concern that a worker’s future would be determined by the results of his or her genetic tests.

Now there is a law that addresses such concerns. It is the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act or GINA. Under GINA it is illegal for employers to make job decisions based on genetic information. Such decisions would include, hiring, firing, pay, training, working conditions, status, raises, and promotions. The law means it is illegal (more…)

 A firm specializing in information technology has been ordered to pay nearly $1.7 million in back wages to H-1B non-immigrant workers following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor in a case that should sound a warning for every employer.

The company, GlobalCynex, Inc. ,  is a division of Sterling information technology. According to its website, the company bills itself as “a leading Global Consulting and IT services company, providing a broad array of solutions customized for a range of key verticals and horizontals. From strategy consulting right through to implementing IT solutions for customers, providing innovative business and technology services that deliver measurable results.”

The total award of $1,683,584 to 343 workers amounts to (more…)

Every employer should be aware of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act or GINA, which was signed into law by President Bush on May 21, 2008. This law makes it illegal to discriminate against employees in hiring, firing, job placement, promotion or other employment decisions based on an individual’s genetic profile.

According to Francis S. Collins, M.D., PhD., director of the Human Genome Research Institute,  under GINA “No one will need to fear their DNA is going to be used against them.”  Dr. Collins adds, “This law will protect everyone with DNA—and that is all of us.”

GINA also prohibits (more…)