It is very important that all Broward County employers understand how both federal and Florida state wage and hour laws effect their payroll. Sometimes, smaller businesses have trouble navigating these statutes. This is for a number of reasons including the fact that small businesses usually have an owner that must wear many hats, including those of accountant and human resources manager. Additionally, the roles can be more casual in small business or in personal contractor relationships, which can lead employment issues to fall by the wayside.
According to the Miami Herald, actress Sharon Stone was recently sued by her former nanny and live-in housekeeper, who reported overtime issues. The woman said that she was fired when Stone found out that she had been paid for overtime hours. But, the complaint does not end there. The former nanny also alleges Stone exhibited a pattern of harassment and discrimination.
The lawsuit states that Stone made derogatory comments about the woman’s Filipino heritage and accent as well as her religion. Stone reportedly would not let the woman read the Bible in her house and also mocked her frequent church attendance.
The nanny worked for Stone for four years. She was hired as an assistant nanny and later promoted to head nanny. She was fired more than a year ago after Stone found out her accountants paid her overtime, compensating for holiday and vacation work, according to the lawsuit.
She is seeking an unspecified amount of damages for the allegations of harassment, wrongful termination and retaliation.
Stone’s spokesman has denied the allegations.
Source: Miami Herald, “Former nanny sues Sharon Stone, claims harassment,” May 23, 2012