• The HR Specialist - Print Newsletter
  • HR Specialist: Employment Law
  • The HR Weekly

Employment Law

Genetic information and testing under Michigan law and GINA

11/20/2008

Advances in medical research have resulted in the early detection and treatment of illnesses. One of the most significant advancements is testing that can identify genetic differences that could increase an individual’s chance of developing a particular disease. But there’s a downside to such progress …

What are the basic changes resulting from the ADA Amendments Act of 2008?

11/20/2008

Q. I have had a number of questions about recent amendments to the ADA. Can you provide a brief explanation of what the changes mean?

What should we do? Employee on active duty wants to apply for open position

11/20/2008

Q. Our manufacturing company has a current job opening for an engineer. One of our employees who is on active duty in Iraq for six months learned of the position and would like to apply. Do we have to consider his application?

What are the risks of firing a problem employee?

11/20/2008
Q. We have an employee who has a history of clashing with others at work. Her supervisors have addressed this with her many times. Recently, she sent an e-mail that was unprofessional and insulting to co-workers. If we fire her, could she successfully sue us for sex discrimination or harassment?

The 7 most important steps for minimizing layoff risks

11/18/2008

Many employers looking for ways to deal with the financial hardships of today’s tough economy are considering reductions in force (RIFs), layoffs and other forms of organizational restructuring. But how you conduct a RIF may spell the difference between a fresh start for the company and a nightmare of litigation …

The new FMLA: Top 10 changes you must comply with

11/18/2008

On Nov. 17, the U.S. Department of Labor finalized the first major overhaul of the FMLA regulations in 15 years. Some changes favor employers, but others will make FMLA compliance trickier than ever. Here’s what’s in store. BONUS! HR Specialist will hold an audio conference briefing to help you comply with the new regs.

Expect suit to follow last-minute MDHR filing

11/12/2008

Employees who file a discrimination claim with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights within the one-year deadline set by the Minnesota Human Rights Act get an extension of time to file a lawsuit directly in court. That’s the conclusion recently reached by the Court of Appeals of Minnesota.

Get legal advice before settling with employee

11/12/2008

Sometimes, it’s tempting to offer a disgruntled employee a quick cash settlement in exchange for her signature on a liability release. If a few thousand dollars will avoid an expensive lawsuit, it’s worth it, right? Maybe, maybe not …

Deadline! Contractors must be certified—or you could pay!

11/12/2008

If you hire individual construction contractors to work for you, you have only a few weeks to make sure they are in compliance with a new state law. Beginning on Jan. 1, individual independent contractors working in the construction industry must obtain an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate.

Don’t deduct FMLA leave from hours worked when calculating absenteeism ratio

11/12/2008

Just when you thought you had mastered the intricacies of the FMLA, employees and their lawyers have come up with a new trick that could trip you. This one involves how employers calculate attendance under no-fault absenteeism programs.