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Kansas

‘Just cause’ clause may stop firing after ‘last chance’

06/16/2014
If your union contract has a “just cause” for termination clause, get the union’s sign-off on a covered employee’s last chance agreement.

Ensure past FMLA leave doesn’t affect decision to rehire rebound applicant

06/16/2014
Here’s a warning to pass on to everyone involved in the hiring process: If the most qualified applicant for an open position happens to be a former employee who used FMLA leave in the past, you can’t use that leave as an excuse not to rehire him. That’s retaliation under the FMLA.

Appeal jury’s out-of-the-blue verdict against you

05/22/2014
Sometimes a case that looks like it will end in a win for the employer ends in a surprise adverse jury verdict. Before you despair, remember that it’s not over. There may be room for a reversal.

Employee must be open to compromise before quitting

04/15/2014
Employees can sometimes quit and sue for constructive discharge if their employer made work life intolerable. That doesn’t mean an employee can quit anytime she faces a difficult situation. She has to let her employer try to resolve the problem first.

Focus on behavior, not possible disability when disciplining employees

04/15/2014
Here’s a tip that may save you from unnecessary litigation: When it comes to disciplining a disruptive worker, focus on the behavior. Don’t speculate on the reason the employee may be disruptive.

Informal hiring input does not an exec make

04/15/2014

Managers and supervisors are often classified as exempt from overtime under the FLSA’s executive exemption. It requires that the employee have the authority to hire and fire or make hiring and firing recommendations that carry particular weight. Some employers believe they can meet this requirement by asking for recommendations or insight into potential hires. That’s not enough.

Prepare to justify any adverse employment action affecting members of the military

03/17/2014
Members of the military who are called to active duty service have rights while deployed. Employers must be prepared to defend any decision that adversely affects the deployed employee.

Act fast on hostile workplace complaints–or prepare for costly, complicated lawsuit

03/17/2014
Employers that ignore the first or second complaint about a racially hostile workplace do so at their peril. The fact is, if you don’t do something to stop the harassment fast, it’s likely to get worse—much worse.

Court: Less than stellar review isn’t retaliation

03/17/2014
Proving retaliation is often easier than proving the underlying discrimination that was the basis for the original complaint. Still, an ordinary employer action—such as preparing a performance review that’s generally favorable—isn’t retaliation, even if the employee thinks he deserved a better review and more praise.

Employee doesn’t have to be a minority to file a racial harassment complaint

03/07/2014
When nasty racial words are tossed around in a workplace, you may think the target of those words is the only person who can sue for racial harassment. Not true. It’s not necessary for someone to have protected status to complain about harassment or discrimination.