An independent arbitrator has found that regional health provider PermiaCare, engaged in a pattern of sex and pregnancy discrimination and harassment that caused a former accounting supervisor to resign. The arbitrator concluded that PermiaCare violated the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The decision is believed to be the first award of damages under PWFA, which went into effect in 2023. Under the law employers are required to provide “reasonable accommodations” to qualified employees’ known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions unless such accommodations create an “undue hardship” for the employer. Jacqueline Tarango joined PermiaCare in 2019 as a staff accountant before being promoted to accounting supervisor in 2021. During her first pregnancy in 2020, she alleged that her immediate supervisor subjected her to a hostile work environment. He left the agency but later returned in the same role.

Non-Profit Management Center Odessa 1000 Maple Ave., Odessa, TX  79761 SEPTEMBER 21 LUNCH & LEARN – EXEMPT vs. NON-EXEMPT STATUS

“No man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session.” – Especially true in 2022   Date: Tuesday, February 8, 2022 Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm CST Registration Fees:  $15.00 for active PBSHRM Members $20.00 for Non-Members $10 for Student PBSHRM Members Lunch will be provided Mid-Cities Church 8700 TX-191, Midland, TX 79707

Midland attorney Holly Williams was once again named a Texas Super Lawyer in the area of Employment and Labor Law.  This is her seventh year to be included in Super Lawyers.

Attorney and Williams Law Firm founder Holly Williams has once again been selected to Thomson Reuters’ annual listing of Texas Super Lawyers. This marks the fifth consecutive year Ms. Williams has been selected. As in previous years, she has been recognized for her work in labor and employment law. “Being named a Texas Super Lawyer is an honor,” Ms. Williams said. “And being able to stand alongside so many talented attorneys is humbling.” Texas Super Lawyers are chosen each year through a process of independent research and peer nominations. Of the roughly 100,000 attorneys in the state of Texas, only 5% make the final list. You can learn more at superlawyers.com.