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Hiring

Hire illegals? Feds send message with record fine

01/16/2009

IFCO Systems, the nation’s largest pallet manufacturer, agreed last month to pay a record $20.7 million fine to settle claims that it knowingly employed illegal immigrants.

State agency cuts drug testing to stretch shrinking budget

01/16/2009

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has stopped conducting drug tests on job applicants as a cost-cutting measure. DCFS introduced the drug tests in February 2008 for all applicants for jobs that involved direct contact with children and families.

Independent contractor can sue top contractor for injuries

01/15/2009

If you thought that one advantage of using independent contractors was that those contractors couldn’t sue you for injuries suffered at work, think again.

Don’t assume privacy clause guarantees privacy

01/15/2009

Some employers include a privacy clause in their applications and handbooks that tells employees they can opt out of having their names and addresses released to third parties. However, if a worker who is suing for wage-and-hour violations wants to get his hands on employee names and contact information for the purpose of building a class-action case, those privacy clauses can’t stop it.

Immigration compliance issues and changes to track in 2009

01/15/2009

Employers have a number of immigration compliance issues to track in 2009, affecting the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9, business travel, no-match letters and employment authorization documentation.

Use this simple rule when interviewing: If it could be a slur, don’t say it

01/15/2009

Remind all hiring managers and supervisors that absolutely no racial slurs are allowed during an interview—not even in passing or in jest. Applicants who aren’t hired will get a jury trial if they can show that someone with hiring authority uttered a racial slur.

Watch out for rogue managers who bring hidden biases to hiring, promotions

01/13/2009

If the workplace rumor mill tells you that one of your managers or supervisors may harbor antiquated ideas about equality, watch out—especially if he or she has any input into hiring and promotion decisions. Instead, investigate the rumors and take a look at past hiring practices.

Native American status may mean extra bias claim

01/13/2009

People who identify themselves as Native Americans and believe they have been discriminated against may be able to sue based on two distinct claims for the same characteristic. Such individuals can claim discrimination based on national origin or race.

Can we have an English-only rule?

01/13/2009

Q. Is it OK for our company to prohibit employees from speaking in languages other than English in front of our customers?

Michigan employers, colleges to collaborate on training

01/09/2009

Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed legislation in December that will help Michigan employers work with community colleges to train and develop employees for high-demand positions. The bills, signed into law as Public Acts 359 and 360, will encourage community colleges to tailor job training to meet local employers’ needs.