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Hiring

Rx for drug testing: A firm policy, legal knowledge

08/01/2001
If you’re not testing employees for drugs yet, some of your best excuses are going up in smoke. New testing devices are cheaper and less invasive than urine tests. Example: Products …

Failing to transfer allergy sufferer may violate ADA.

07/01/2001
William Woods’ doctor recommended that Woods leave central Texas to alleviate his severe allergies. Woods said his employer refused a transfer but suggested he resign and then reapply at its location …

Rethink your nepotism policy

06/01/2001
If you have a policy that bans hiring employees’ spouses, consider dropping it, or at least rewriting it. Reason: 14 percent of dual-income married couples now work in the same …

Bankruptcy bias: Handle deadbeat applicants carefully

06/01/2001
Don’t refuse to hire applicants, and don’t fire current employees, solely because they’ve filed for bankruptcy. The U.S. Bankruptcy Code bars such discrimination. However, you can consider an applicant’s overall …

Reduce company’s risk
of hiring ‘risky’ applicants

06/01/2001
If you’re willing to take a chance on a new employee with a shaky past, a government program can reduce your risk.
Through the little-noticed Federal Bonding Program, you can …

Even religious groups can’t favor employees based on religion

05/01/2001
Diane Roh worked her way up to director of nursing at a nursing home affiliated with the Church of Christ. She wanted to join a program that would train her for …

Court gives green light to arbitration; but proceed with caution

05/01/2001
Don’t believe everything you’re hearing about the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision supporting arbitration in employment contracts. True, it gives you more freedom to require employees to settle disputes via …

Don’t assume whether or not workers can pass job tests

05/01/2001
Jade McKenzie never had a negative job review in 10 years with the county sheriff’s department. Then came a psychological meltdown prompted, in part, by post-traumatic stress related to childhood sexual …

Unon ‘salt’ entitled to double pay.

04/01/2001
When Ferguson Electric refused to hire David Carr because he was a union organizer, the company was found guilty of unfair labor practices and ordered to pay back wages. The company …

Steer Clear of Asking About Religion

04/01/2001

Q. When, if ever, can our company legally ask an applicant about his or her religious affiliation? —R.M., Illinois