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Unemployment Discrimination Could Become Illegal in California

Even though the labor market is improving, thousands of unemployed Californians are caught in a bind: Some employers only want to hire them if they already have a job. Discrimination? Perhaps. But so far it's legal. It won't be, however, if a bill introduced this week by Assemblyman Michael Allen (D-Santa Rosa) is approved by California lawmakers. The proposed legislation would fine employers or employment agencies that refuse to consider out-of-work applicants for openings. "To say that otherwise qualified individuals cannot even apply for a position solely because they are unemployed, particularly in light of the fact that so many of our unemployed workers have been out of work for extended periods of time, is truly unconscionable," Allen said in a statement released by his office. New Jersey, to date, is the only state to approve such anti-discrimination legislation. Click here to read more.
 
 



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