Instead of damage caps, improve workplaces

I read a column in the business section of this newspaper (Can caps, waivers save an employer millions? June 22) by a lawyer who represents corporations when they are sued for discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. He discussed the growing problem of Iowans suffering repeated discrimination or sexual harassment at work. From his perspective, though, the growing problem was the corporation's bottom line, not the safety and security of employees.

He proposed caps on damages. That is where politicians place a low, arbitrary, government-mandated limit on the extent to which negligent corporations can be held financially accountable, instead of a jury deciding the outcome of a particular case after hearing all the facts from both sides. He went further, recommending that corporations and government entities force workers to sign away their rights when they are hired.

Employers should focus on creating workplaces free from discrimination and harassment not on simply avoiding responsibility.

Veronica Weeks

Walford