Discipline / Investigations

Don’t bury your rights in fine print

01/01/2002

When a Dunkin’ Donuts customer stormed away after an exchange with sales clerk Richard Ferguson, a supervisor followed and talked with him out of Ferguson’s earshot. A few days later, Ferguson …

Bar workers from driving company car after drinking

01/01/2002

Q. We recently learned that an employee who drives a company vehicle is stopping on the way home for a few drinks. How should we handle this employee? Should we notify all employees that if they use drugs or alcohol in the workplace or while driving a company vehicle, they will be terminated? —R.O., California

Blue Mondays? Thwart Attempt at 3-Day Weekends

01/01/2002

Q. How can we handle an employee who routinely uses vacation and sick time on Mondays? —D.M., Ohio

Liability doesn’t stop at company door

12/01/2001

The president of Windermere Relocation Services really wanted to win the Starbucks account. He told Maureen Little, the firm’s top corporate services manager, that he wanted to “do whatever it takes …

React quickly to employee threats; don’t be wedded to discipline policy

12/01/2001

The Illinois toll authority settled Robert Merheb’s discrimination charge by giving him a new job. The agreement also said that if Merheb committed any infraction, the employer would follow its progressive …

Staring can be sexual harassment

12/01/2001

Assembly-line worker Michelle Birschtein complained to her foreman when a forklift driver made sexual remarks to her. The driver never spoke to her again, but he did stare at her, five …

Court upholds workers’ right to bring co-worker to meeting

12/01/2001

A federal appeals court has upheld a controversial labor rule that gives employees the right, even in nonunion workplaces, to bring a co-worker along with them during an investigative meeting …

Off-Duty Parties Sometimes Carry Liability

12/01/2001

Q. A recent sexual harassment complaint reported the conduct of management employees at a private party. The party was outside the normal workday and wasn’t sponsored by the company. What is the company’s liability? —W.S., Wisconsin

‘Paid time off’ bank
avoids sick-leave policing

12/01/2001

Q Our policy grants workers five sick days per year. Should we make sure employees aren’t using these days for other purposes? —T.W., Maryland

Worker’s outburst wins NLRA protection

11/01/2001

Disciplining an employee who protests working conditions at your company will put you at risk of being charged with an unfair labor practice, even if you’re a nonunion employer. Case in …