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Hiring

Bankruptcy bias: Handle deadbeat applicants carefully

06/01/2001
Don’t refuse to hire applicants, and don’t fire current employees, solely because they’ve filed for bankruptcy. The U.S. Bankruptcy Code bars such discrimination. However, you can consider an applicant’s overall …

Reduce company’s risk
of hiring ‘risky’ applicants

06/01/2001
If you’re willing to take a chance on a new employee with a shaky past, a government program can reduce your risk.
Through the little-noticed Federal Bonding Program, you can …

Even religious groups can’t favor employees based on religion

05/01/2001
Diane Roh worked her way up to director of nursing at a nursing home affiliated with the Church of Christ. She wanted to join a program that would train her for …

Court gives green light to arbitration; but proceed with caution

05/01/2001
Don’t believe everything you’re hearing about the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision supporting arbitration in employment contracts. True, it gives you more freedom to require employees to settle disputes via …

Don’t assume whether or not workers can pass job tests

05/01/2001
Jade McKenzie never had a negative job review in 10 years with the county sheriff’s department. Then came a psychological meltdown prompted, in part, by post-traumatic stress related to childhood sexual …

Unon ‘salt’ entitled to double pay.

04/01/2001
When Ferguson Electric refused to hire David Carr because he was a union organizer, the company was found guilty of unfair labor practices and ordered to pay back wages. The company …

Steer Clear of Asking About Religion

04/01/2001

Q. When, if ever, can our company legally ask an applicant about his or her religious affiliation? —R.M., Illinois

Forcing older staff to take exams singles you out for a lawsuit

04/01/2001
The New York City Transit Authority required employees over age 40 to undergo an electrocardiogram (EKG) to be considered for the job of station supervisor. Jack Epter, 46, passed the …

EEOC scowls at genetic testing

04/01/2001
If you’re weighing the costs of testing workers to predict future disabilities, don’t forget to count the attorney fees. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently called genetic testing by …

Overly broad noncompete deal gives you no protection at all

03/01/2001
Pinnacle Performance Inc. hired Lynn Hessing as an independent contractor for about four months to design a card shuffler for one of its client firms. Despite having signed a two-year agreement …