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Employee Relations

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.

Sarasota whistle-blowers receive $1 million reward from feds

01/13/2009

Carolyn Ferrara, a former office manager for Sarasota dermatologist Michael Rosin, and Ellen Murray, a former patient, received a $1 million reward from the U.S. Department of Justice for their roles in sending Rosin to prison for Medicare fraud.

Court rules DCF employees not immune to lawsuit

01/13/2009

The adoptive parents of three children who were sexually abused in foster care may proceed with their lawsuit against three former Department of Children and Families (DCF) employees, a three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled.

Made a mistake? Fix it fast to avoid liability

01/13/2009

It can happen to the best manager or HR professional. You discipline or demote an employee, and then, when she files an internal grievance or asks the company to reconsider, you conclude she shouldn’t have been disciplined or demoted in the first place. What should you do?

Stuffed monkey on noose rankles firefighters

01/13/2009

St. Paul Fire Chief Tim Butler said he will discipline two employees responsible for hanging a stuffed monkey by a noose in a fire station service garage in August. Butler said he learned about the monkey in September, when he ordered an investigation and had the items taken down.

Former Minnesota U.S. Attorney retaliated against whistle-blower

01/13/2009

Former U.S. Attorney Rachel Paulose retaliated against John Marti, a former first assistant U.S. attorney for the district of Minnesota, according to an investigation by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel.

Review all options for disabled worker seeking accommodation

01/13/2009

Employees with disabilities may be entitled to transfer to open positions that they are qualified to hold. Remember, that means jobs they could do with or without an accommodation.

Are employees obligated to keep wages and salaries confidential?

01/12/2009

Q. Can an employer prohibit employees from sharing confidential wage information with each other, such as rates of pay or the amount of wage increases?