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Compensation & Benefits

Not everyone counts for COBRA threshold

04/01/2000

Q. This year our company may exceed 20 employees for the first time. Is it true that employers of 20 or more employees have to offer COBRA? Do part-time employees and independent contractors count toward that total? —M.K., Minnesota

Poor performers still may collect unemployment

04/01/2000

Q. The job performance of one of our employees no longer meets our standards. While she used to be a good worker, she’s now making a lot of errors, coming in late from time to time and not getting along with her co-workers. We’ve talked to her about these issues, but her performance has not improved. If we fire her for poor performance—which we would consider termination for cause—will she be eligible to collect unemployment compensation? —W.T., District of Columbia

Failure to document disability nixes employee’s ADA protection

04/01/2000
When United Parcel Service (UPS) grounded pilot Gary Walsh, he agreed that he shouldn’t be flying. A recent car accident had affected his memory …

One tough, tearful job evaluation doesn’t equal emotional distress

04/01/2000
On Michael Jarrard’s first day back to work at United Parcel Service (UPS) after six weeks of leave for psychiatric care, his supervisor gave him a harsh 20-page …

Workers at smallest firms using ‘public policy’ loophole to file suits

04/01/2000
If you operate a small business, don’t take it for granted that you’re immune from state discrimination laws. It’s true that state anti-bias laws don’t apply …

Businesses in other states fear spread of California overtime law

04/01/2000
California employers are fretting about a renewed state law that will raise their overtime costs. It requires time-and-a-half pay for work beyond eight hours …

Labor is following through on pay-equity crackdown

04/01/2000
Sunoco Inc. is one of the latest companies caught up in the federal government’s increased enforcement of equal pay laws. The company was ordered to pay a total of $250,000 …

You must pay for all work, even if it’s not authorized

04/01/2000

Q. In the October 1999 issue, you explained that nonexempt employees who work more than 40 hours in a week are entitled to overtime for all hours over 40, regardless of whether the overtime was authorized. Do we owe overtime if a nonexempt employee works more than his or her scheduled hours even if the total number of hours worked does not exceed 40? —J.P., Illinois

Don’t Ban Breast-Feeding if You Allow Baby at Work

04/01/2000

Q. Can we legally prohibit female workers from breast-feeding at work? —R.B., California

A costly mistake: Demoting employee after workers’ comp claim

03/01/2000
Deloris Beckwith worked for Dillard Department Stores for 25 years as an area sales manager. Most of her reviews rated her work as “very good” or “outstanding.” But then she injured …