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Employment Law

How to prevent some class actions: Let local managers make compensation decisions

09/04/2019
Having a highly centralized pay and promotion system may make employers more vulnerable to class-action litigation. On the other hand, giving some pay and promotion authority to local managers and supervisors may prevent class actions.

New employee just isn’t working out? Document specific problems before firing

09/04/2019
Sometimes, you discover that an employee you or your predecessor hired simply isn’t qualified or capable of doing her job. Before you fire her, possibly triggering a lawsuit, take the time to document why she’s not working out.

Yes, you can fire workers who take FMLA leave

09/04/2019
Some employees incorrectly think that if they take FMLA leave, they cannot be fired. That’s just not true.

Investigate every claim of sexual harassment

09/04/2019
With the rise of the #MeToo movement, many employers worry that alleged victims will falsely accuse someone of sexual harassment. It’s a realistic fear, but you should never use that as an excuse not to investigate sexual harassment complaints when they surface.

DOL seeks employer comments on proposed FMLA form revisions

09/03/2019
The U.S. Department of Labor is soliciting feedback on proposed revisions to seven forms used to certify the need for FMLA leave and provide notice of FMLA rights and responsibilities.

Objective measures are most persuasive, so focus on performance criteria

09/02/2019
Remind supervisors to always focus on performance—not intangibles like “attitude”—using as many objective measures as possible. If an employee later alleges some form of discrimination, you’ll be able to demonstrate that you kept things professional by focusing on what really matters: doing the job.

HR pro tip: Never ignore a lawsuit

08/29/2019
Courts set tight deadlines for responding to lawsuits once they have been served. Miss a deadline without a rock-solid excuse, and you’re probably looking at a default judgment. Then it’s merely up to the plaintiff to provide some elementary proof that he’s entitled to damages.

Prevention key to cutting harassment liability

08/29/2019
The best way to avoid liability for sexual harassment is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. That’s why it’s so important to educate supervisors on your sexual harassment policy.

Removal from dangerous duty brings ADA suit

08/29/2019
A federal court has reinstated a Georgia police detective’s case against her employer after she produced evidence the police department regarded her as disabled when she was not.

Security company zapped for overtime violations

08/23/2019
Star Pro Security Patrol of Costa Mesa, California, has agreed to settle charges it failed to pay proper overtime to 63 employees.