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Employment Law

Be consistent: Don’t slap harasser on wrist, then fire victim

09/01/2000
Michelle Johnson complained that her boss, a police chief, exposed himself, touched her inappropriately and verbally abused her. The employer launched an investigation. Johnson saw the chief as he was …

Company’s ‘head in the sand’ response racks up punitive damages

09/01/2000
Faced with a bad situation, Wax Works record stores managed to make it even worse, and paid a big price. One of Wax Works’ store managers, Kerry Ogden, had compiled …

Beware greater use of job-discrimination ‘testers.’

09/01/2000
A federal appeals court says that people who pose as job applicants solely to find out if a company discriminates in hiring can still sue the employer under Title VII. These …

Don’t trip over wiretap laws

09/01/2000
An African-American worker claimed he “accidentally” turned on a tape recorder in his duffel bag that just happened to catch two co-workers making racial …

Employers usually win when ADA claims go to trial

09/01/2000
Employers last year prevailed in a whopping 96 percent of federal lawsuits filed under the employment section of the Americans with Disabilities Act, according …

Which disability questions are legal? Check new EEOC rules

09/01/2000
If you’re confused about when you can ask an employee about his medical condition or medical tests, new guidance from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) tries to clear up …

Trade-Secret clauses aren’t necessary for all workers

09/01/2000

Q. To protect my business’s trade secrets, do I need to have all my employees sign employment contracts that include a trade-secret clause? —K.R., Michigan

Waiver protection is limited

09/01/2000

Q. Many of my former employees want me to provide post-employment references, but I’m afraid of liability. Can I ask them to sign a release giving me permission to provide references that would absolve me from any liability? —A.K., Virginia

Go the distance to deliver final paycheck

09/01/2000

Q. Over the last six months, we have made several attempts to mail a former employee her last paycheck by certified mail. We believe that we have the correct address because we mailed her other items by regular mail during this period and none have been returned. What legal obligations do we have, if any, to get this check to her? —R.Y., Washington, D.C.

Don’t rely on written policy to prevent harassment

09/01/2000

Q. Our company is considering anti-harassment training for all employees. Some individuals are concerned that it will stir up lawsuits. Do you recommend such training? —J.R., Maine