• The HR Specialist - Print Newsletter
  • HR Specialist: Employment Law
  • The HR Weekly

Hiring

Immigrant numbers fall as enforcement spikes

10/17/2008

The number of people immigrating to the United States, both legally and illegally, has slowed dramatically. Main reasons: increased enforcement of immigration laws coupled with the sputtering U.S. economy.

How should we handle background checks during a merger or acquisition?

10/14/2008

Q. We are acquiring another company and intend to hire hundreds of its employees. Can we rely solely on that company’s background and criminal checks? …

Illegal immigrants enslaved workers

10/14/2008

Five Mexican citizens living illegally in the United States pleaded guilty to forcing undocumented workers to labor on their family farm in Immokalee …

What are the rules for conducting pre-employment physicals and drug tests?

10/14/2008

Q. I have been asked to screen applicants for several positions. Can we lawfully ask selected candidates to submit to physical exams or drug testing? …

Obesity discrimination is common — and against the law

10/10/2008

A recent study by Michigan State University and Hope College found that employers perceive overweight workers as lazier, more emotionally unstable and harder to get along with than their “normal weight” counterparts.

New law: Employers must review outside investigators’ work

10/10/2008

In May 2008, Michigan enacted the Professional Investigator Licensure Act. The act has a significant impact on how employers can conduct background checks and investigations. A violation of the act is a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than four years or a fine of not more than $5,000, or both …

Follow promotion rules to stop unexpected suits

10/10/2008

HR can never know for sure exactly what’s going on in other parts of the organization. That means it’s easy to be blindsided by a sudden lawsuit. For example, co-workers sometimes spread unfounded rumors about who is up for promotion and who will be bypassed. Such gossip may give some employees an excuse to find a reason to sue …

Use blind résumé review for bias-free hiring, promotions

10/10/2008

Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act makes it unlawful to refuse to hire or recruit someone because of “religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight or marital status.” But applicants sometimes provide that information on their résumés. Have someone take those résumés and black out any information that hints at any of those protected categories.

Court tosses suit against state’s attorney for hiring interference

10/08/2008

A federal court has tossed out a lawsuit alleging that a government agency unconstitutionally interfered in another agency’s hiring and firing practices …

Columbus tackles immigration reform this legislative session

10/03/2008

Surveys suggest that nearly two-thirds of Ohio residents consider illegal immigration a serious problem, and state lawmakers have responded with legislation. One bill currently before the Legislature would make English Ohio’s official language. Another would grant local police the authority to investigate immigration violations …