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Policies / Handbooks

Specify some offenses as dischargeable, and follow through

02/01/2008

Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment, and that includes taking reasonable measures to ensure that violence stays outside the workplace gate. Your employee handbook should include “no violence” and “no threats” clauses, explaining that verified violence or threats mean immediate dismissal …

EEOC sues Folks restaurants for religious discrimination

02/01/2008

The EEOC has filed a religious discrimination lawsuit against Folks, the metro Atlanta and North Georgia restaurant chain, for allegedly refusing to employ a woman because of her religious attire …

Setting sound vacation policies requires understanding NC law

02/01/2008

Employers and employees alike often misunderstand North Carolina’s legal requirements concerning vacation benefits. Those misunderstandings often can become emotional and heated. The best way to avoid such disputes is to publish a clear vacation benefits policy based on a solid understanding of North Carolina law …

Set crystal-Clear rules governing employee absences

02/01/2008

Employers are free to set reasonable no-call/no-show rules for all absences, including those that qualify for FMLA time off.  On the other hand, if you discharge someone for failing to follow a rule that doesn’t spell out exactly how you expect employees to call in, don’t be surprised if you end up embroiled in a long, time-consuming and expensive legal battle …

Use two-Pronged approach to protect against harassment

02/01/2008

Sexual harassment cases continue to plague employers. Whether the harassment allegations involve a co-worker or a supervisor, the bottom line is simple: You need a two-part defense …

Handbook helps convince court to overturn discrimination decision

02/01/2008

The Indiana Court of Appeals reversed a decision by the Michigan City Human Rights Commission finding that Filter Specialists Inc. discriminated against two employees because they are black. Dawn Brooks and Charmaine Weathers were fired in 2003 for time-card fraud …

Supreme Corporation takes $427,000 hit for discrimination

02/01/2008

Goshen-based Supreme Corporation, the nation’s leading truck body manufacturer, has agreed to pay $427,000 to settle a race discrimination lawsuit with the EEOC and seven former employees …

Giving employees a reason for discharge

02/01/2008

Q. I own a small business with 27 employees. Last month I was forced to terminate one of my employees who had been caught stealing. Because I knew he was having some trouble at home, I agreed not to contest unemployment. However, I just received an e-mail from this former employee asking me tell to him, in writing, why I fired him. I cannot shake the feeling that I am being set up for something. After all, I told him during his termination meeting that he was being fired for stealing. Do I have to respond to this request? …

Monitoring Internet usage

02/01/2008

Q. Our IT manager wants to install software onto our company computer system that will allow us to monitor Internet and e-mail usage on company equipment. Our employee handbook prohibits the use of company equipment or the Internet to surf inappropriate web sites, but does not specifically warn staff that management may monitor their use. Do we need to amend our computer-use policy before installing the monitoring software? …

Scheduling summer vacations in the most fair and efficient way

02/01/2008

A reader of the Forum section of HR Specialist posed this question: “We’re going to be incredibly busy this summer. What’s the best way to schedule vacations without employees complaining?” Here’s how some HR professionals replied …