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Terminations

Clearly document the rationale for disciplinary decisions you make

10/22/2018
Before disciplining a worker, be sure to think about how you might defend the decision later. Then document all the reasons why the employee deserves the punishment you propose.

Check layoff rationale for signs of hidden discrimination

10/03/2018
A layoff based on legitimate business reasons can still form the basis for a retaliation claim if the layoff decision was based on ulterior motives.

Employees who resign aren’t usually eligible for unemployment compensation benefits

09/25/2018
Generally, an employee who voluntarily resigns is ineligible for unemployment compensation benefits. However, there are some exceptions.

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.

How to avoid a wrongful-discharge suit

08/15/2018
How can you discharge or discipline an employee without ending up in court? Here are seven key tests of whether there was “just cause” for your action.

OK to fire disabled worker who cannot perform job duties

08/08/2018
Sadly, some employee disabilities just can’t be accommodated, which means the employee can be terminated. Just make sure you can back up your contention that there was nothing that could be done to allow the employee to keep working.

Layoffs and union contracts: When seniority collides with disability, seniority prevails

08/06/2018
When conducting layoffs, some employers give preference to more experienced workers, letting them keep their jobs while less senior workers must go. Disabled employees who get bumped may claim they should have been given preference, keeping their jobs as a reasonable accommodation.

Reorganization can justify termination decision

08/06/2018
Courts are naturally suspicious when employees who have filed lawsuits end up getting fired. But when an employer can explain that someone lost her job because of a valid business reason, courts seldom second-guess that decision.

Home Depot could pay for mishandled firing

08/02/2018
Maurice Rucker, a 60-year-old black man, was a long-time employee at a Home Depot store in Albany, N.Y. He doesn’t work there anymore. His response to a customer’s racist rant got him fired.

Resist temptation to rubber-stamp terminations

08/01/2018
Don’t just automatically approve a manager’s recommended discipline. Always conduct an independent investigation to verify that the manager is being fair and reasonable.