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Pennsylvania

Good documentation wins discrimination lawsuits

08/31/2018
If you have to discharge a difficult employee, be patient—and carefully document everything. You need detailed records showing exactly how the em­­ployee interacted with other workers and why the behavior was unacceptable.

Embarrassing emails could wind up being aired in court

08/31/2018
Remind supervisors to choose their words carefully when composing emails. Generally, all forms of communication are fair game for discovery during litigation.

Minor schedule changes can add up to an FMLA interference claim

08/31/2018
Employees are entitled to reinstatement to an equivalent position when they return from FMLA leave. Any change to the terms and conditions of employment—even a seemingly minor one—may amount to FMLA interference.

Harassed employee may have legal case even if she ignored internal complaint procedures

08/31/2018
If supervisors and managers witness harassment and do nothing, an employee may conclude that the workplace is so permeated with harassment that it would be pointless to complain. That’s particularly true if HR personnel are among the managers apparently ignoring harassment.

EEOC paperwork flaw means Weis Markets won’t be sued

08/31/2018
The Weis Markets grocery chain is off the hook for a hostile environment harassment lawsuit because a Cumberland County, Pa. woman who sued mishandled the required EEOC paperwork.

Document mistakes occurring near FMLA leave

08/31/2018
Employees are entitled to take FMLA leave for covered serious medical conditions, which means they can’t be punished for taking leave. However, that protection doesn’t give them carte blanche to ignore workplace rules, and it doesn’t mean they can’t be punished for misdeeds that occur during FMLA leave.

Nail down all the details when settling lawsuit

08/29/2018
Sometimes, it makes sense to settle a lawsuit instead of pursuing long, drawn-out litigation. But if you do, make sure that the written settlement agreement (and any promises made along the way) is accurate and specific.

FMLA: Firing can easily trigger retaliation suit

08/29/2018
Thinking about terminating an employee who is currently out on FMLA leave? Proceed with the greatest of care! If ever there was a “red lights flashing” HR moment, this is it.

‘Clean slate’ law helps ex-cons, adds employer responsibilities

08/01/2018
Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf has signed a “clean slate” bill designed to help people convicted of nonviolent crimes obtain gainful employment.

Shapiro presses fast food biz about ‘no-poach’ contracts

08/01/2018
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has asked franchisees of eight fast food restaurants to disclose any “no-poach” agreements written into their employment contracts.