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Terminations

Here’s more reason to reinforce anti-bias policy

07/01/2003
If it’s been awhile since you’ve reminded employees about your anti-discrimination policy, now’s a good time. Why? A big U.S. Supreme Court ruling last month makes it easier for workers to …

Clarify how you count FMLA year, and put entire policy in handbook

06/01/2003
When establishing or changing your Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) policy, don’t skimp on paper. Spread the policy far and wide. Rule of thumb: If you mention FMLA …

C-section caregiving can qualify for FMLA leave

06/01/2003
Courts typically don’t consider pregnancy alone to be a “serious medical condition” qualifying for job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). But, …

Supreme Court: Fewer small firms covered by ADA, but check state law

06/01/2003
It’s clear that companies with fewer than 15 employees aren’t required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). But do company shareholders …

Forcing a resignation kills your legal defense

06/01/2003
Here’s even more incentive to end harassment at the earliest opportunity: A new court ruling says employers could give up their best defense in court if they allow workers to suffer …

Nondisabled workers can claim ADA retaliation

05/01/2003
Warning: As odd as it may sound, don’t believe you’re safe from an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lawsuit if the employee fails to prove a disability. Most people think …

Don’t let abusive staff use disability as excuse; you can fire for behavior

05/01/2003
Don’t allow employees to use their disabilities as justification for poor behavior, especially if it clearly threatens your workplace. Even if an employee is …

Give employees advance notice of severance plans, waivers

05/01/2003
Don’t spring severance-plan details on employees right before a layoff. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) says you must give employees advance notice …

Look at job duties, not signed pact, to decide employee/contractor status

03/01/2003
What if your independent contractors wake up tomorrow and decide they actually should be considered employees? Too many companies think they’ve got a bulletproof …

Don’t try to block employee’s lawyer from talking with your staff

03/01/2003
If Disgruntled Don in accounting sues your company, his lawyer can talk with other employees and, under most state laws, there’s not much …