Jottings By An Employer's Lawyer |
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Disparate Impact and the Non-Traditional Plaintiff
Meditz alleges that the residency requirement adopted by Newark for its non-uniformed work force has a disparate impact on white, non-Hispanics because Newark‟s population does not reflect the racial make-up of the relevant labor market in the surrounding area. As a result, white, non-Hispanics are under-represented in Newark‟s non-uniformed work force.Although there were a number of statistical comparisons, one was between the City of Newark and Essex County, the county had 42.96 % white, non-Hispanic employees in the non-uniformed ranks compared to Newark's 9.24%. The decision has a good discussion not only about the statistical basis for finding disparate impact, but how to determine the relevant job market and the correct standard for the business necessity defense. About the only thing that this case does not stand for is that lawyers are being more receptive to bringing claims on behalf of non-minority plaintiffs. Mr. Meditz represented himself, including at oral argument. Labels: discrimination
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