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Texas

Houston bakery sued for refusing to hire non-Hispanics

02/10/2015
The EEOC alleges that Houston-based Lawler Foods violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by carrying out a pattern and practice of refusing to hire non-Hispanic applicants.

Beware slow-to-emerge need for accommodation

02/10/2015
Can you reject an applicant you previously agreed to hire because you discover a disability you don’t think you can accommodate? Maybe—but expect a court fight.

Constitution doesn’t protect workplace cliques

02/10/2015
Public employees have some workplace protections based on constitutional rights to free speech and association. But those rights don’t extend to the right to be part of a co-worker clique.

It could be retaliation: Think twice before forcing transfer that greatly affects commute

02/10/2015

Employees who complain about alleged discrimination, either to their employer or to an agency such as the EEOC, are protected from retaliation. Ordinarily, that re­quires a so-called adverse employment action like discharge or demotion. Lesser actions, such as a lateral transfer, don’t count.

When cooperation drops as discipline escalates, OK to fire for insubordination

02/10/2015

Some employees don’t take discipline well. What may have started as a reprimand over a rule violation or poor work can quickly escalate for one of these workers. Don’t be afraid to increase the disciplinary consequences if the em­­ployee won’t cooperate or accept correction.

Don’t hide behind your handbook! Formal harassment complaint isn’t required

02/10/2015
Here’s something to remember when planning your sexual har­­assment training sessions for management: Be sure everyone understands that they must report any sexual har­­assment complaints employees make—even if the employees don’t follow the procedures for reporting sexual harassment laid out in the employee handbook or company policies.

Choose one: Total disability or accommodation

02/10/2015

Here’s something to consider if a discharged disabled employee who simply could not do her job sues, alleging disability discrimination. Check to see if she has applied for disability benefits and get a copy of the application. If she didn’t qualify her disability by claiming she could perhaps do some work if reasonably accommodated, she may have killed her chances to argue she was qualified for her old position, too.

Defend discipline with detailed records

01/13/2015

You discipline an employee for a serious rule violation, perhaps by firing the employee. Because you had good reasons for discharging the employee, you may think that you can’t be sued for discrimination. That’s not necessarily true.

What are some resources for classifying employees and independent contractors?

01/05/2015
Q. I am assistant HR director for a small company that uses independent contractors as well as full- and part-time employees. In my role, I must ensure that these workers are accurately classified as either employees or contractors, and that my company fully complies with federal and state tax and labor laws. What is out there to assist me in accurately classifying the workers performing services for our firm?

Supreme Court: No pay for security screening time

01/05/2015
A recent ruling held that time workers spend waiting to undergo and undergoing security screenings is not compensable under the FLSA.