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Discrimination / Harassment

Baker Axed for Deserting Bagels Still Has a Wrongful-Firing Case

03/01/2007

A bagel baker at a BP Connect store will proceed with an HIV-discrimination and wrongful-firing suit even though he admitted his firing was justified …

Citigroup’s Cash-Balance Plan Fails the Smell Test, Judge Says

03/01/2007

A U.S. District Court judge has called Citigroup’s cash-balance pension plan “a bold and exploitative contortion” of the fractional rule, which guarantees that pensions accrue uniformly over an employee’s career …

Workplace rules can be flexible … if enforced fairly

03/01/2007

When it comes to creating workplace rules, don’t think you have to spell out every last detail. It’s OK to leave some rules intentionally vague, so you’ll have some wiggle room. Just be sure to exercise your discretion fairly …

Independent Contractors: Liability Issues

02/08/2007

HR Law 101: When independent contractors are acting as a company’s agents, the company is liable for their actions, according to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2003 …

Job Advertisements

02/03/2007

HR Law 101: Make sure your job advertisements are based on accurate, up-to-date job descriptions and comply with anti-discrimination laws. Don’t use phrases like “perfect for college students” or “ideal for working mothers” …

EEO-1 Reports

02/02/2007

HR Law 101: In an effort to monitor employment of minorities and females in the workforce, the EEOC requires certain employers to complete and file an Employer Information Report, commonly called an EEO-1 report, by Sept. 30 each year.

References, Background Checks

02/01/2007

HR Law 101: Make it your policy never to hire a candidate without a reference/background check. Your organization could be held liable for “negligent hiring” or “failure to warn” should the employee turn violent on the job. If the employee’s past history would have revealed a problem but you didn’t spot it because you didn’t check, the courts will say you “should have known.” Your firm not only might have to pay damages but also would suffer a loss of reputation …    
 

 

Prevent bias against men who take FMLA leave

02/01/2007

Would your hiring managers react negatively to male employees or applicants just because they took FMLA leave to care for a newborn or a sick family member? …

Offer wellness incentives? Follow new govt. rules

02/01/2007

New IRS and Labor Department rules make it easier to offer financial incentives to employees for meeting health goals (such as health-plan premium differences between smokers and nonsmokers) …

Managers who hire for ‘Right look’ may be discriminating

02/01/2007

Image is everything, as the saying goes. But be extra careful that your pursuit of a certain work-force image doesn’t result in the weeding out of legally protected employees (females, minorities, older workers, etc.) …