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New law, pending bill extend workers’ rights to use deadly force

05/01/2007

Gov. Rick Perry recently signed new legislation that extends an individual’s right to use force without retreat in the face of a criminal attack. Until now, a 1995 exception to a 1973 statute required persons to retreat except when an intruder unlawfully entered their home. Senate Bill 378, however, extends the right to persons in their vehicles and workplaces as well …

Can we make smokers pay higher premiums?

05/01/2007

Q. I have to admit I am not a fan of smokers, but what really concerns me is the cost they are adding to our benefits programs. I don’t think it is fair to the nonsmokers that their costs should keep going up year after year when it’s likely smokers are fueling a part of that cost. Can I make smokers pay more in premiums?—S.S.

Set clear rules on office romance

05/01/2007

Have a no-dating policy at your workplace? If the answer is “no,” it may be time to consider one. While some office romances may seem innocent enough, trouble can follow an ugly breakup between co-workers. That’s why it pays to have clear rules in place …

Choosing Employees for Promotion: A 6-Step Legal Process

04/22/2007
You’re probably relying more heavily on internal promotions than in the past. And as internal candidates compete more and more for coveted “inside” jobs, expect a corresponding rise in the number of failure-to-promote lawsuits when expected promotions don’t materialize. These six steps will help keep you out of court.

Terminations: 5 Tips for Avoiding Lawsuits

04/21/2007
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Put incentives in writing; don’t let managers blurt them out

04/01/2007

Remind supervisors to avoid the temptation of making oral promises that they may not be able to keep, even if that means losing an employee who has another job offer. …

Personality Conflict With the Boss Isn’t a ‘Disability’

04/01/2007

Employees who claim an ADA-protected disability will have to cite more than a simple personality clash with their boss. Such conflicts won’t win an ADA lawsuit even if working with a particular supervisor makes the employee anxious, depressed and angry …

Establish rules on internal promotions to avoid lawsuits

04/01/2007

When it comes to internal promotions, you’re on the safest legal ground if you set clear procedures. That way, employees who don’t land coveted promotions can’t claim the reason was discrimination …

Make sure your arbitration agreement is valid in Ohio

04/01/2007

Arbitrating employment disputes in lieu of going to federal court can save your organization time and money if the agreement sticks. But just one mistake in drafting and implementing the agreement could end up costing you more, not less …

Lessons From Strip-Search Case: Train Managers on ‘Dignity’

04/01/2007

When managers suspect theft, it’s easy for tempers to rise. But don’t allow the incident to erupt into an ugly confrontation and public humiliation of employees …