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Employment Contracts

Don’t jump the gun on job offers; control who promises what

10/01/2000
Based on an oral offer from a hospital’s interim CEO, James Greisi accepted a job as a physical therapy manager. A few days later, Greisi received a written offer …

Set reasonable limits on noncompete agreements

09/01/2000
Redd Pest Control tried to turn its financial fortunes around by setting a $7,500 per-month quota for each technician’s route. Wayne Foster and Isadore Smith …

Trade-Secret clauses aren’t necessary for all workers

09/01/2000

Q. To protect my business’s trade secrets, do I need to have all my employees sign employment contracts that include a trade-secret clause? —K.R., Michigan

Waiver protection is limited

09/01/2000

Q. Many of my former employees want me to provide post-employment references, but I’m afraid of liability. Can I ask them to sign a release giving me permission to provide references that would absolve me from any liability? —A.K., Virginia

More reason to prevent race bias: Courts open new avenue for claims

08/01/2000
Jackie Lauture, an African-American, was an at-will employee at IBM for 16 years before she was fired for poor performance. She sued for race discrimination …

Leave nothing unsaid or undone when settling a lawsuit

08/01/2000
William Gilbert III agreed to settle his age discrimination case against Monsanto Co. by accepting a lump sum payment and immediate access to his pension. Because the company’s attorney said …

Plan for legal consequences of flextime, job sharing

08/01/2000
It’s no secret that offering flextime and job-sharing arrangements can help your company retain valued employees and develop a more committed work …

Two May Be a ‘Group’ Under OWBPA

08/01/2000

Q. I know that the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA) requires that I provide an employee who has been discharged as part of a “group” termination at least 45 days to consider the terms of a release waiving his or her rights under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). How many employees constitute a “group”? —N.W., Pennsylvania

Beware of Restrictions on Right to Fire at Will

08/01/2000

Q. I would like to fire an employee who is unpleasant to work with. We simply don’t “click.” Do I have to have cause to terminate him? —A.C., Virginia

It’s not always best to challenge a handbook’s implied contract

07/01/2000
Continental Airlines followed a detailed attendance policy with machinist Kevin McGuire. He first got verbal and written warnings, then was fired. McGuire contested …