Appeals Court Says Shortened Time to Sue Violates Public Policy Underlying Bias Law

A former security worker suing for sex discrimination and retaliation isn’t bound by a six-month statute of limitations included in her employment agreement, because the period is too short and therefore violates state public policy, the California Court of Appeal ruled March 20 (Ellis v. U.S. Sec. Assocs., 2014 BL 77893, Cal. Ct. App., A136028, 3/20/14).

Justice James A. Richman said the shortened time to sue contained in the employment agreement Ashley Ellis signed when she was hired by U.S. Security Associates couldn’t stand because it was “unreasonable.” To be reasonable, a contractually shortened limitation period must ...