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OSHA fines tire recycler $219,800

01/01/2008

OSHA issued $219,800 in fines against Tires Into Recycled Energy & Supplies Inc. (TIRES), of Jackson, following a fire at its plant last May that resulted in an employee’s death …

Beware the impact of romantic affairs on other employees

01/01/2008

A workplace affair can wreak havoc if the couple breaks up—especially if one is a supervisor. There may be a sexual harassment claim lurking in the affair. But that’s not the only problem. Sometimes an office affair can create an uncomfortable situation for other employees …

The 10 rules every HR pro must know

01/01/2008

Lawsuits may be inevitable in today’s litigious society, but losing them is not. Follow these 10 rules to prevent the most common employment-related lawsuits—or at least increase your chances of winning them.

Wage-and-Hour compliance: How to win the numbers game

12/01/2007

Have you or any of your organization’s supervisors ever given the go-ahead to hourly employees to work through lunch so they could leave work an hour early for a special occasion? Sure you have. Who hasn’t? But know this: Every time you do it, you’re probably breaking the law …

$4.3 million to settle Hispanic workers’ discrimination suit

12/01/2007

B & H Foto and Electronics Corp., the enormous 9th Avenue photo mecca in Manhattan, will pay $4.3 million to settle a race discrimination lawsuit by the EEOC. The lawsuit alleged B & H paid Hispanic warehouse workers less than others …

Train managers: Don’t tell customers why employee was fired

12/01/2007

Some things are better left unsaid. That’s especially true when it comes to telling customers and others outside the company why someone was fired—especially if the reason involves dishonesty. Spilling the beans can lead to a slander lawsuit, which can cost your organization time and money even if you ultimately win …

Say what!? Gen Y employees bring great expectations to work

11/06/2007

Perez Hilton, who? d-listed, what? And what in the world does “OMG” mean? If you’re feeling out of touch with workers from younger generations at the office, you’re not alone. Generation Y is reshaping the workplace.

No ‘Hands-Off’ status just because of discrimination complaint

11/01/2007

Employers can’t retaliate against employees for filing discrimination claims. But that doesn’t mean you have to treat such employees with kid gloves. Just tell managers and supervisors to apply the “smell test” to any proposed change to the complaining employee’s work assignments …

Fired Co-op City worker makes good on threat to kill boss

11/01/2007

Over the years, the RiverBay Corporation disciplined Co-op City porter Paulino Valenzuela for drinking beer on the job, cursing and threatening to kill his supervisor, Audley Bent. Finally the company, which manages the Bronx housing complex, fired him. On Aug. 30, Valenzuela made good on his threats …

‘Reverse racism’ or ‘Racism’—Victim says it’s all the same

11/01/2007

Mark Pasternak, of Buffalo, a former youth aide for the Office of Child and Family Services, won a $150,000 verdict for discrimination he suffered nearly a decade ago. Pasternak said, “They called it reverse racism, but for me, I thought all along it was just plain racism” …