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Texas

Is that hate speech … or merely offensive?

03/06/2019
When it comes to offensive speech at work, context matters. Simply put, some terms have a history as expressions of racial hatred and bigotry. Therefore, they’re always inappropriate. However, other terms are not so fraught with hatred; they are just offensive.

Need to lay off older employee? You can do so without violating age discrimination laws

03/06/2019
Eliminating an older worker’s job doesn’t necessarily mean you are committing age discrimination—as long as you don’t replace the worker with someone substantially younger.

Light duty for pregnant employees? Not if you don’t offer it to other disabled workers

03/06/2019
Pregnant employees are entitled to light-duty assignments if the employer allows other disabled employees to be assigned to temporary light-duty positions. But what if no such work is available?

FMLA: Keep records of all absences, whether or not they were approved

03/06/2019
Sloppy attendance record-keeping can lead to lengthy and expensive litigation. Particular trouble awaits if you fire an employee for poor attendance around the time she requests or takes FMLA leave. That almost guarantees a lawsuit.

Have a hotline? Take all complaints seriously

03/06/2019
Most employers have heard that setting up a hotline so employees can report discrimination will help them defend against lawsuits later. But that hotline can also bite the employer if it doesn’t take complaints seriously and try to fix reported problems.

Denied lateral transfer isn’t adverse action

03/06/2019
Generally, a worker cannot win a discrimination lawsuit without showing he experienced an adverse employment action such as discharge or demotion. A denied lateral transfer may not count.

Bill would ban local paid-leave laws in Texas

03/06/2019
In the wake of passage of paid-leave ordinances in Austin and San Antonio, state Rep. Matt Krause (R.–Tarrant County) has proposed legislation that would clearly state that Texas municipalities do not have the authority to enact laws requiring employers to offer paid leave.

Taxpayers no longer on hook for Capitol Hill harassment

02/12/2019
President Trump signed legislation that holds members of Congress personally liable for legal bills incurred as a result of civil actions that result in damage awards or settlements.

Honest business decisions are rarely discrimination

02/12/2019
Terminating a service contract based on the contractor’s race may violate Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866. However, that’s a tough case except in cases of blatant discrimination.

Track requests to show: It was his idea!

02/12/2019
When an employee asks for a transfer or some other change to his working conditions, be sure you track the request. That way, if he later alleges coercion, discrimination or retaliation, you can show it was all his idea in the first place.