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Terminations

Use blind process to decide who loses during RIF

10/07/2008

No one likes a layoff, especially the affected employees—who may look for a reason to sue. Smart employers can stop many baseless lawsuits by using objective, neutral criteria to select which workers will lose their jobs. That’s what happened in the following case …

OK to fire slackers even if out on FMLA leave

10/06/2008

It’s a myth that being off on FMLA leave means an employee can’t be terminated. The employee can be—as long as the employer has good reasons for the termination. Being on FMLA leave doesn’t give someone immunity from being fired for incompetence …

Texas congresswoman’s staffer loses discrimination case

10/06/2008

A federal court in Washington, D.C., has ruled against Elizabeth Howie, a 46-year-old black staffer for Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson.  Howie claimed she was fired because of her race and age …

Document when you first told worker of termination

10/06/2008

Employees who have been terminated don’t have long to file a complaint about alleged discrimination. Employers that suspect they might be sued can capitalize on the short statute of limitations by starting the clock as soon as possible. Here’s how …

Can someone who resigns get unemployment?

10/06/2008

Q. Is an employee who resigns entitled to receive unemployment compensation under Texas law? …

Lawmaker objects to DHL, UPS co-op deal

10/03/2008

U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur said DHL is reneging on promises made to the city of Wilmington and to the state by proposing to make UPS Inc. its exclusive air shipper …

Handbook must explain leave payout terms

10/03/2008

Employee handbooks should spell out exactly what it takes to earn time off—and what happens when an employee resigns or is fired. Make sure you spell out the limitations, or you may end up stuck paying for accrued time when you discharge an employee for serious problems, such as a failed drug test …

Ohio state troopers accused of cheating are fired

10/03/2008

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) fired 12 state troopers in September for allegedly cheating on an exam that certifies police officers to administer breath-alcohol sensing tests to suspected drunken drivers …

By The Numbers: Expertise walks away

10/03/2008

Employers are dragging their feet when it comes to capturing the knowledge of soon-to-retire baby boomers …

Prayer breaks may be reasonable accommodation

10/01/2008

Gone are the days when employers could accommodate employees’ religious practices by being flexible about who worked Saturdays and Sundays. Today, employers may have to offer additional prayer breaks in the middle of the workday, too …