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

Employment Law

Personality traits are not disabilities under the ADA

09/23/2019
Asking a worker to undergo a psychological exam to determine his fitness for work isn’t the same as regarding him as disabled under the ADA.

Men are responding to #MeToo: Backlash may open door to more lawsuits

09/23/2019
For almost two years now, the #MeToo social media movement has helped bring down powerful men accused of sexual harassment. But #MeToo has also triggered a backlash of sorts, mainly from men who claim they have been falsely targeted.

Supervisor’s name-calling enough for lawsuit

09/23/2019
When a supervisor regularly calls employees derogatory names, that may be enough to move a discrimination lawsuit forward. It’s one reason you should warn all managers and executives that they must treat all subordinates with respect.

DOL opinion letters address FMLA, FLSA, CCPA

09/23/2019
The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division recently issued three opinion letters addressing employer-submitted questions about the FMLA, the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Consumer Credit Protection Act.

Docking manager’s pay can end exemption

09/19/2019
While certain types of deductions are allowed, be aware time- or work-based deductions could destroy a manager’s exempt status.

Firing for vacation during FMLA? Hit ‘pause’

09/19/2019
Even if it appears that an employee is misusing his FMLA leave, you must make discipline or termination decisions based on a rational review of the facts, including the doctor’s certification.

Study: Workplace bullying also harms safety, health

09/19/2019
Bullying bosses can crush morale. But a new Portland State University study says employees’ responses can lead to more work accidents and injuries.

Don’t withhold info needed to apply for promotion

09/19/2019
If you often promote workers from within, make sure everyone has a chance to apply. If you withhold information or otherwise thwart efforts to apply, a disappointed employee can sue if she has reason to believe you had some discriminatory reason to prevent her from being promoted.

Can telecommuters claim hostile environment?

09/19/2019
Don’t assume that an employee who works from home can’t launch a hostile work environment claim. Prevailing in such a lawsuit doesn’t depend solely on demonstrating a pattern of direct interpersonal hostility. Other factors count, too.

Scalia formally nominated to head DOL, set for confirmation hearings

09/18/2019
President Trump on Sept. 11 formally nominated employment law attorney Eugene Scalia to replace Alexander Acosta as Secretary of Labor.