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Discipline / Investigations

Avoiding employee lawsuits: 5 lessons from the court

01/27/2009
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Beware firing based on police polygraph tests

01/27/2009

Employee theft is a big problem, and it could get bigger during hard economic times. Sometimes employers learn about “inside jobs” from police. When that’s the case, watch out for an interesting trap that can lead to litigation.

Former police officer repays missing youth-program funds

01/27/2009

A former Greensboro police officer has repaid $16,600 that disappeared from a fund he directed. David Andrew Moore made the payment after being found guilty of failing to discharge his duties.

Proven way to win shaky bias suits: Be specific about reasons for discharge

01/27/2009

Discharged employees who sue over alleged discrimination often must prove that the reason their employers gave for firing them was really a cover for discrimination. If you’re very specific about your reason for terminating an employee, you’re likely to win these kinds of lawsuits.

Former Gloucester police chief jailed for theft from MADD

01/27/2009

Frank Winters, former police chief in Gloucester County, has been sentenced to seven years in jail for stealing money from Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD).

Can you discipline workers for their raunchy Facebook postings?

01/21/2009

The Internet has created a whole new pond for employment lawyers to fish in. But you’re not powerless to your employees’ embarrassing—and potentially illegal—online activities. You can discipline employees who go over the line. Here’s a recent example, plus five tips to help you avoid legal trouble …

Tell victims how to report future harassment

01/16/2009

Here’s how to end a co-worker sexual harassment case when your organization decides not to discharge the alleged harasser.

Clamp down on teasing to stop hostile environment suit

01/13/2009

Unless it’s egregious and outrageous (something like a clearly racist epithet or a dangling noose), a one-time derogatory comment likely won’t become the foundation for a hostile environment lawsuit—if you take immediate steps to stop any escalation.

If you’re well enough to steal, you’re well enough to work

01/13/2009

Michael Villafana, a registered nurse at the Highland Pines Nursing Home in Clearwater, Fla., called in sick the day before Thanksgiving. Then he allegedly showed up at work later that day—to rob the place.

USDOJ sues Bonita Springs for racial discrimination

01/13/2009

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against the city of Bonita Springs, claiming it violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by harboring a racially hostile environment in the Department of Parks and Recreation.