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Employee Relations

Employee’s comment can serve as harassment ‘Notice’

01/01/2007

It doesn’t take much for employers to become liable for sexual harassment once someone in authority knows (or should have known) about the probability that harassment will occur. Actual knowledge that harassment has occurred isn’t necessary. In fact, liability can be triggered by something as minor as an employee’s comment that she is “uncomfortable” around a co-worker …

Sample Policy: Absenteeism/tardiness

01/01/2007
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Sample Policy: Progressive Discipline

01/01/2007
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Remind bosses: Don’t tolerate rude acts for fear of lawsuits

01/01/2007

When employees behave rudely or in an insubordinate fashion, supervisors shouldn’t back off discipline because they fear a legal complaint. Your organization can, and should, enforce civility standards …

One-Time pay penalty can’t be challenged years later

01/01/2007

A temporary suspension without pay is a one-time event, and employees can’t use it as the basis of a lawsuit years later. Those who allege such a pay loss must file a complaint promptly; they can’t argue that later consequences open the door to a lawsuit again …

NYC chef accused of sexually harassing waitress

01/01/2007

Employers should never look the other way if they know about a supervisor’s harassing behavior. Investigate every complaint and promptly discipline harassers …

Whistle-Blower claims can be forced into arbitration

01/01/2007

Texas law makes it illegal to discipline health care workers for reporting wrongdoing to authorities. But when such employees feel they’ve been retaliated against for blowing the whistle, they can’t automatically run to court …

Pregnancy shouldn’t affect employees’ discipline

01/01/2007

Q. If an employee is already on probation when she becomes pregnant, how does an employer continue with progressive discipline measures, including possible discharge? —P.A.

State police officer wins $340,000 judgment in retaliation lawsuit

01/01/2007

A Gibson state police corporal was awarded $340,000 by a federal jury in a lawsuit alleging the department retaliated against him for reporting wrongdoing by fellow officers …

Progressive discipline: How to apply a fair, firm policy

01/01/2007

While no federal or state law requires you to create and follow a progressive discipline policy, courts often come down hard on employers that promise progressive discipline but fail to deliver it …