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Texas

OSHA proposes $237,500 in fines against refinery

11/02/2009

OSHA last month announced it has issued $237,500 in proposed penalties against a Big Springs oil refinery accused of cutting corners on safety. The fines will be levied against Alon USA after an OSHA inspection found numerous safety violations.

DFW-area firm settles harassment suit for $60,000

11/02/2009

Greater Metroplex Interiors, a Southlake drywall and light construction company, has agreed to settle claims that it fired a female employee in retaliation for her complaints about sexual harassment and gender discrimination.

Supreme Court’s new term: Arbitration, disparate impact on docket

11/02/2009

Several cases on the U.S. Supreme Court’s docket this term involve employment and labor-related issues. One of the most notable of these will decide how much time plaintiffs have to file a lawsuit when they believe they have been unfairly penalized by hiring tests. Other cases will resolve issues involving an alleged whistle-blower, pension benefits, race discrimination and labor arbitration.

Should we change our policy to require that all harassment complaints be made in writing?

11/02/2009

Q. Our new plant manager wants me to revise our sexual harassment policy to require employees to submit complaints in writing. He says this will formalize the procedure and help ensure that only valid complaints are filed. I don’t think this is a good idea. Is it?

Can we require an exempt employee to use vacation time to coach his son’s sports team?

11/02/2009

Q. One of our supervisors wants to coach his son’s basketball team and has asked to leave work an hour early twice a week. We told him we do not have a problem with leaving early, but that he would have to use vacation time to cover the time lost. He refuses to do that and says we cannot dock his pay for the two hours because he is a salaried supervisor. Is that right?

Must we accommodate beliefs that don’t seem particularly ‘religious’?

11/02/2009

Q. We have an employee who claims to be a witch. She contends that witchcraft is her religion and has asked for certain holidays off. Are we required to accommodate this employee’s request?

Don’t use discipline system to settle old scores

10/22/2009

Do you have a progressive disciplinary system? Don’t short-circuit it!

Record infraction, punishment for every rules violation

10/21/2009

Make a note every time you take disciplinary action against an employee. You need documentation that explains why each employee was punished.

Investigate even ‘frivolous’ complaints

10/09/2009

It may be tempting to ignore complaints you suspect are frivolous or unfounded. Don’t give in to that temptation! Instead, investigate the case as you would any other. Then resolve the matter and document everything—including whom you talked to and what they said. It’s the best way to short-circuit a meritless employee lawsuit.

Seek attorney’s help on noncompete agreements

10/05/2009

It’s important to carefully tailor noncompete agreements, also known as covenants not to compete. Employers can prohibit employees from poaching customers, but it’s essential to have an attorney help you craft a covenant that will prevail in court.