Stephen Berger v. Costco Wholesale Corporation

Juneau, Alaska, employment law lawyer represented the Plaintiff on an employment discrimination theory.



Employment discrimination law prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants and employees based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and transgender status), national origin, age (\(40\) or older), disability, or genetic information. Key laws include Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. These laws cover all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, promotion, and harassment, and they also protect against retaliation for reporting discrimination. Key aspects of employment discrimination law: Protected characteristics: Federal law prohibits discrimination based on:Race, color, religion, sex, or national origin (Title VII)Age (\(40\) or older) (Age Discrimination in Employment Act)Disability (Americans with Disabilities Act)Genetic information (Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act)Pregnancy, sexual orientation, or transgender status (as extensions of sex discrimination)Prohibited actions: Employers cannot discriminate in:Hiring, firing, and promotionsPay, compensation, and benefitsJob assignments and training programsHarassment based on a protected characteristicAdvertising or job postings that indicate preference or limitation based on a protected characteristicRetaliation is illegal: It is illegal for an employer to punish an employee for:Filing a discrimination charge or complaintParticipating in an investigation or lawsuitOpposing discriminatory practicesReasonable accommodation: Employers must provide a reasonable accommodation for an employee's religious beliefs or disability, unless it causes an undue hardship to the business.Enforcement: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) (EEOC) is the federal agency that enforces these laws. An individual must typically file a charge with the EEOC before they can file a lawsuit.State laws: Many states have their own anti-discrimination laws that may offer broader protections or apply to smaller employers. 

Motion for summary judgment granted.



10/16/2025 50 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Motion for Attorney's Fees (UNOPPOSED) by Costco Wholesale Corporation. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Nesbett, Michelle) (Entered: 10/16/2025)