The New York Attorney General’s office filed a lawsuit against B&H Photo and Video in November. The suit alleges that B&H failed to pay sales taxes on $67 million in instant rebates, which are point-of-sale discounts. The company had to pay sales tax because they were able to pass the discount along to consumers. The complaint states that the company failed to collect the tax. The state also accuses the retailer of violating the False Claims Act. The Attorney General is seeking treble damages as well as penalties and interest.
The B&H store is a two-floor operation in Manhattan that is part of a larger operation, which includes warehouses in Brooklyn.
The company hired Hispanic workers to work in the warehouses below the store. White employees were promoted to higher positions, while Hispanic workers were assigned to manual labor. Regardless of the reason for the hiring practices, B&H employees have a right to be free from discrimination and retaliation.
In February 2016, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs filed a complaint against B&H, alleging that the company violated the Equal Employment Opportunity Act. The lawsuit cites 15 violations of workplace discrimination. These violations include hiring only Hispanic men for entry-level jobs, denying Hispanic women promotions, and using segregated restrooms. It also states that B&H ignored complaints of harassment from Hispanic employees and ignored their racist remarks.
The B&H lawsuit is about illegal practices at the company. The plaintiffs claim that the company failed to promote people of color or issue pay raises. Another group of employees claims that Hasidic Jewish managers refused to promote women for religious reasons. The company paid a $4.3 million settlement to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2007 and has maintained that it pays equal wages for all its employees. It is hard to imagine that B&H could be sued for these alleged violations.
While B&H has denied any wrongdoing, the company’s actions are illegal.
The company’s alleged actions were aimed at increasing profits and reducing salaries. Despite the complaints, the company has not yet admitted any wrongdoing, but it has been fined with a $4.3 million settlement to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. However, the lawsuits are not enough to stop B&H from implementing its policies.
The lawsuit was filed last week after a whistleblower reported the allegations. In the suit, the plaintiffs are requesting that B&H pay penalties and damages. In the meantime, the company has released a statement explaining the circumstances behind the lawsuit. Its employees have not been discriminated against in this way, and the company is paying the full amount. The federal government has also acted by the law and will be liable if it fails to comply with these rules.
While these lawsuits are rare, they are very common. Some companies have a policy of not paying taxes, and this is no different. However, if it does not, it is best to avoid the situation. The federal government may be able to help B&H pay the penalties by changing the law. The company has been working with the Department of Justice since October 2010 and has been forced to settle several claims related to tax evasion.
Although the New York AG is attempting to force B&H to pay penalties, it is unclear how this could affect the company’s reputation.
It is unclear whether B&H will be forced to pay its legal fees, but the actions of the AG are unprecedented. In addition, the case has the potential to harm its credibility. There are several ways to prove that the B&H is at fault in the lawsuit. It will be difficult to convince the public that the company did nothing illegal.
The company is trying to halt the lawsuit before it reaches court. The lawsuit, filed in New York State by the attorney general’s office, claims that B&H violated the Equal Employment Opportunity Act. To prevent future discrimination, the company must pay back the penalties. If B&H is not liable for the damages, the agency will force it to pay its employees. This lawsuit is a good example of what B&H can do to prevent the company from cheating on its federal contracts.
