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What do we need to do before implementing a drug and alcohol testing program?

11/11/2009

Q. My company wants to begin substance-abuse testing of employees that it suspects are under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the workplace. We already have a drug- and alcohol-free workplace policy. Is there anything else we need to do to allow us to test employees for illegal drugs or alcohol?

Family ties: Discrimination trend … and trap!

11/10/2009

Discrimination against employees because of their family caregiving duties has become a hotbed for litigation against employers, and every indication is that this trend will continue. So it’s critical for employers to recognize the potential for liability and take necessary steps to avoid being the next defendant. Here’s how.

How to tactfully handle ‘Hire my relative’ pleas

11/09/2009

 Q. “What would be the best way to tell an employee we don’t want to hire her daughter? We’ve had her as a temp, but never would’ve hired her for a full-time job.” Here’s how readers of our HR Specialist Forum answered that question:

New law: N.Y. employers must spell out pay for new hires

11/09/2009

An amendment to Section 195(1) of the New York Labor Law now requires New York employers to give new employees written notification of their regular and overtime rates of pay and their regular payday.

How you can be sued for bias even if you don’t discriminate

11/09/2009

A New York City broker of apartment rentals and sales may face legal liability for alleged age bias—not because it discriminated, but because its independent contractor did. It’s a cautionary tale for any organization that outsources hiring.

Said you would create jobs? Get ready to prove it

11/09/2009

If you’re one of the hundreds of Ohio employers that capitalized on job-creating state tax incentives a few years ago, expect to hear from state authorities shortly. Attorney General Richard Cordray has an assignment for you: Prove Ohio’s subsidy paid off in actual jobs.

Can I hold obesity against job applicants?

11/09/2009

Q. Can I implement a rule against hiring people who are overweight?

Make sure your policy is understood before rejecting applicants because of bankruptcy

11/09/2009

As the effects of the recession linger on, personal bankruptcy filings are still climbing. If you’re a private employer that doesn’t want to hire managers who can’t handle their financial affairs, be careful before rejecting someone because he’s filed for bankruptcy.

Cincinnati, Columbus shine on working mothers list

11/09/2009

Ohio fared well in a recent Forbes magazine ranking of how hospitable the nation’s 50 largest cities are to working moms. Cincinnati ranked the nation’s sixth-best metro area for working mothers, while Columbus came in 13th.

Does an employee’s bankruptcy affect whether we can terminate him?

11/02/2009

Q. I recently discovered that an employee who handles my company’s accounts receivable has filed for bankruptcy. Can I discharge this employee?