But the ruling raised doubts about whether employees may sue when dismissed or denied promotion.

Four employees sued and were given back pay in the settlement, Mr. Rose said.

Moreover, many disabled employees facing harassment do not sue at all for fear of losing their jobs.

Still, a fear of lawsuits has led many Japanese companies to consider buying insurance that could cover them if an employee sues for sexual harassment.

They also said that employers wanted a record in case the employees sued or were sued.

Under major league baseball rules, employees of baseball cannot sue baseball.

In 2000, the court held that employees could not sue states for violating the federal law against age discrimination.

The employees are suing the landlord and management company.

Many employees sued for back wages and many trade creditors will probably never collect.

Section 16(b) of the Act enables employees to sue to recover lost wages.