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Texas

Feel free to alter jobs to suit business needs

11/05/2008

Employers have the right to meet business needs by changing the jobs their employees do, and they can set the minimum qualifications for any new positions they create. It’s the company’s prerogative to then decide whether to replace existing employees with others who meet the requirements.

Feds offer relief for benefits plans affected by Ike

11/04/2008

In response to damage caused by Hurricane Ike, the IRS, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation have issued a federal notice allowing leeway for compliance with employee benefits plan requirements.

Demand fitness exam when performance slips

11/04/2008

You don’t have to ignore a sudden and shocking deterioration in an employee’s performance and behavior. You can and should ask for a fitness-for-duty exam. Just be prepared to discuss possible accommodations if it turns out the employee is disabled.

Thorough and confidential investigation is best HR response when harassment strikes

11/04/2008

It’s bound to happen. An employee will complain about supposed sexual harassment and you will have to investigate. How you handle that investigation could make the difference between winning a retaliation lawsuit and losing it—big time. Here’s the best approach:

Warning: Even legit firing can lead to lawsuit

11/04/2008

You’d think terminating someone for obviously gross misconduct and behavior that was simply unacceptable would be a slam-dunk. No chance such an employee could bring a lawsuit, right? Wrong. There’s always the potential for a discrimination suit …

Minor schedule change isn’t an adverse employment action

11/04/2008

Judges sometimes use common sense. Take, for example, a recent case involving a woman who sued after her employer changed her days off so that she had to work six days straight.

Employee or independent contractor? It matters for FLSA

11/04/2008

True independent contractors aren’t covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employees are. But sometimes it’s hard to tell who is a true independent contractor and who isn’t.

Unemployment claims rise in wake of Gulf hurricanes

11/04/2008

The number of new unemployment benefits claims filed nationwide increased by 32,000 in late September, a spike at least partially attributable to layoffs that followed hurricanes Gustav and Ike. That brought total late September unemployment claims to 493,000.

EEOC sues Sonic for harassment

11/04/2008

The EEOC has filed a lawsuit against a Sonic drive-in restaurant located in Kingwood, alleging that several female teen employees were subjected to sexual harassment.

Alleged discrimination brings claims against insurance agency

11/04/2008

The EEOC recently filed an employment discrimination lawsuit against Time Insurance Agency of Austin, alleging pregnancy discrimination against a female job applicant.