• The HR Specialist - Print Newsletter
  • HR Specialist: Employment Law
  • The HR Weekly
Connection failed: SQLSTATE[HY000] [2002] No such file or directory

Minnesota

8th Circuit reiterates: Employees who sue have no right to free legal assistance

07/24/2018
The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals had reaffirmed that former employees who are poor and who are struggling to represent themselves aren’t entitled to the help of an attorney at no charge.

Warn supervisors: Never delete texts and emails related to employee’s complaint

07/24/2018
Be sure to warn supervisors and managers that if an employee has filed an EEOC or internal complaint or a state or federal lawsuit, deleting texts or emails related even tangentially to the underlying complaint can be risky.

Even with FMLA, enforce no-show/no-call rule

07/24/2018
Employers can and should set reasonable standards for how employees let their bosses know they won’t be coming to work. Those rules can require calling in before the start of a shift if the employee is ill or has a medical emergency, even if it may be covered by the FMLA.

Mind deadlines when employee files bias charges

07/19/2018
Employees must meet strict deadlines when filing discrimination claims with the EEOC and state anti-discrimination agencies.

Skipping disciplinary step? Document why

07/19/2018
If you have a progressive discipline system that gives poor performers or rule breakers a chance to reform, be sure your policy includes an escape hatch that lets you skip steps when necessary.

Prepare to turn over disciplinary records if employee files a discrimination lawsuit

07/18/2018
When an employee sues for alleged discrimination, he or she is generally entitled to access all relevant employer documents. If you disciplined the employee, chances are you will have to turn over disciplinary records concerning other staff. Don’t expect to keep those records confidential.

Some employers get a break from Minneapolis leave law

06/26/2018
A state court has issued an injunction exempting employers that are not based in Minneapolis from having to comply with the Minneapolis paid sick leave ordinance.

Bill would lower standard for harassment complaints

06/26/2018
A bill before the Minnesota legislature would establish a lower bar for sexual harassment victims under the Minnesota Human Rights Act than the one required to file claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

Part-time job may be reasonable accommodation

06/26/2018
The ADA requires employers to consider transfer to open positions as reasonable accommodations for disabled workers. But what if an employee isn’t qualified for any open full-time positions? A part-time position may suffice.

ADA doesn’t guarantee right to pick a different supervisor

06/26/2018
An employee may claim that the stress of having a difficult boss creates a mental disability such as major depression. She can ask for another supervisor as a reasonable accommodation—but employers don’t have to grant it.