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Don’t panic when former employee files massive lawsuit—most claims go away

12/24/2008

These days, employees and their attorneys often go to great lengths to intimidate employers. One way to do that is to file a huge lawsuit—one that takes up pages and pages, and includes a laundry list of allegations … Before you panic, call your attorneys

Feds issue new I-9 form: Start using it by Feb. 2

12/18/2008

U.S. employers must begin using a revised version of the I-9 Form starting Feb. 2. Employers that use the current edition of the I-9 (dated 06/05/2007) after Feb. 2 may be subject to fines.

Obama to inherit dispute over SSN ‘no match’ letters

12/18/2008

How should employers respond to a government “no-match letter” that identifies discrepancies between an employee’s name and the Social Security number provided for I-9 purposes? The Department of Homeland Security tried to clarify that issue last year with new regulations, but a lawsuit held it up.

As economy falls, résumé fraud and in-house theft rise

12/18/2008

Raise your skepticism level a few notches—and tell supervisors to do the same. Experts say the sinking economy is leading to desperation from both employees and applicants.

Tactics for tough times: 5 techniques for managing part-time employees

12/16/2008
As U.S. companies struggle to weather the recession, many are cutting back employee hours. In fact, part-timers now make up 5% of the workforce. Using part-timers may make economic sense, but it can give supervisors fits. Here are five ways to get the most out of part-time workers.

Marion veterans hospital to pay for hiring lethal doctor

12/11/2008

The VA Medical Center in Marion has agreed to pay $975,000 to Katrina Shank, whose husband, Robert Shank III, bled to death after former staff surgeon Dr. Jose Veizaga-Mendez operated on him.

Legal drug, legal drug test … and a legal mess for the employer

12/11/2008

Employers routinely require applicants to whom they have extended job offers to take tests for illegal drugs. If they pass, they get the jobs. If they don’t, employers can legally rescind the offers. But here’s a case in which an employer completely mishandled this everyday procedure, and now will probably pay a high price.

University of Minnesota tries ‘hiring pause’

12/09/2008

Faced with budget woes, the University of Minnesota has decided to control costs “sooner rather than later” with a “hiring pause,” University President Robert Bruininks told the Associated Press.

Job applications: What can you ask? How long should you retain them?

12/09/2008

No federal or state law requires employers to use job applications. But if you do require applicants to fill them out, know the legal do’s and don’ts of what questions to ask. Here’s the topic-by-topic guidance you need, along with relevant records-retention rules.

Employee in drug treatment? Consider DATWA before firing

12/09/2008

Do all your supervisors and HR staff understand how Minnesota’s Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace Act works? If not, train everyone now or face the possibility of punitive damages.