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HR Management

Not a union employer? Proposed EFCA could soon change that

01/13/2009

Union-free employers should consider acting now to keep their operations union-free, given the nature of the changes that are likely to come with enactment of the Employee Free Choice Act. The law would make it more difficult for employers to oppose union organizing, and would limit employers’ bargaining power if they do become unionized.

4 ways to bring domestic violence out of the workplace shadows

01/13/2009

There’s a widespread understanding of the grave impact domestic violence has on personal lives and the havoc it wreaks on families and communities. Now more attention is being paid to its effect at work. Sometimes, incidents of domestic violence actually happen in the workplace. But the impact goes far beyond immediate safety concerns.

Require those on FMLA leave to call in sick, just like any other employee

01/13/2009

Good news from the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals: If you have a system for employees to call in sick, you can require everyone to use it—even employees on approved intermittent FMLA leave. The trick is to make sure that the employee taking FMLA leave understands she still must call in.

Employee wrongly snared in e-mail scandal to receive $25,000

01/09/2009

The City of New York has agreed to pay $25,000 to William Hallowell, a former library assistant at Riverdale Country School in the Bronx, for arresting him following an e-mail mix-up at work.

Termination and the right to see records

01/09/2009

Q. In New York, does a terminated employee have the right to see his personnel file or other documents?

Have policy, act fast to cut racism liability

01/09/2009

When racism raises its ugly head at work, employers must do two things. First, make sure everyone understands your company policy prohibits any form of harassment, including that of a racial nature. Then punish anyone caught violating that policy. And if racist graffiti is involved, remove the graffiti as soon as possible.

Family of trampled Wal-Mart worker files suit

01/09/2009

The family of Jdimytai Damour, the temporary worker who was trampled to death by shoppers at the Valley Stream, Long Island, Wal-Mart on Black Friday, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company.

Michigan employers, colleges to collaborate on training

01/09/2009

Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed legislation in December that will help Michigan employers work with community colleges to train and develop employees for high-demand positions. The bills, signed into law as Public Acts 359 and 360, will encourage community colleges to tailor job training to meet local employers’ needs.

OSHA adds teeth to protective equipment standards

01/06/2009

The stakes just got higher for employers that fail to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) or give employees the necessary safety training. For every PPE and training violation, multiply the OSHA fine by the number of employees affected.

E-mail’s little helpers: 5 tools to help manage your in-box

01/06/2009

Here’s a New Year’s resolution that’s productive and easy to keep: Once and for all, take control of your e-mail! These five tips will help you stay organized, free up time and server space—and keep you from committing career suicide.