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Minnesota

Woebegone, Keillor says he was fired without investigation

01/18/2018

Former “Prairie Home Companion” host Garrison Keillor alleges his firing from Minnesota Public Radio was completed without a proper investigation of sexual harassment allegations made against him.

Court offers extra help when workers represent themselves

01/18/2018

The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals has signaled it will continue to give lots of leeway to employees who act as their own attorneys. 

Completing EEOC intake form starts right-to-sue clock

01/18/2018

Employees or applicants who want to sue an employer for discrimination generally have to file a complaint with the EEOC or the equivalent state administrative agency within 300 days of the alleged discrimination. Otherwise, they lose the right to do so.

Prepare to contest restoring unemployment when employees quit soon after starting

01/18/2018

When a worker receiving unemployment benefits accepts a job she isn’t required to accept because it is “unsuitable” for her training, education or ability, she can quit within 30 days and regain unemployment benefits. But simply quitting because she thinks she is going to be discharged doesn’t count.

When offering part-time job, clearly explain: Hours may vary from time to time

01/18/2018

When you are offering an applicant a part-time position with variable hours, be sure you make the terms clear. If you create an expectation and then reduce her hours, she may be able to quit and file a claim for unemployment compensation benefits.

Court: Reasonable fear of economic harm is enough to support constructive discharge claim

01/18/2018

Employees can’t quit and claim constructive discharge just because conditions at work became uncomfortable. But what level of discomfort is required?

No time records? Court will use workers’ tally

01/18/2018
It’s common for employers not to track the hours of independent contractors or exempt employees. That could end up being a serious mistake should one or more of those workers sue, arguing they were misclassified under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

$1 million to Rochester, Minn. cop who spoke her mind online

12/28/2017

Citing rules against discussing personnel matters, Rochester, Minn. city officials are remaining silent concerning a $1 million payout to a 25-year veteran of the city’s police force who was disciplined after making controversial online comments about current events.

Factor disciplinary history into punishment

12/28/2017

An employee with a prior disciplinary history may deserve more severe punishment for rule-breaking than a co-worker with a clean record. However, you must document that history and the role it played in your decision-making.

Is Green & White Taxi biased against people of color?

12/18/2017

Twin Cities-based Green & White Taxi must defend against allegations by current and former drivers that the company only sends white drivers on its most lucrative jobs.