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Q&A

Is our affirmative action plan a Catch-22?

10/02/2009

Q. Our company maintains an affirmative action plan. I’m concerned, however, that if we refuse to hire a white applicant because of the plan, that person might be able to sue us for discrimination. Yet, if we don’t follow the plan, minority applicants can sue us. It seems like a Catch-22. What do we do?

Can employers force older workers to retire?

10/02/2009

Q. Can we legally set a mandatory retirement age for our workers?

What kinds of employers does the Illinois Employee Classification Act cover?

10/01/2009

Q. What is the Illinois Employee Classification Act? I’m not sure if it applies to my company.

We’re small; do we need an employee handbook?

09/29/2009

Q. We are a small company and do not have an employee handbook. Are we required to have one?

Can handbooks create employment contracts?

09/29/2009

Q. I have heard that an employee handbook can create a contract between the employer and the employee. Is this true? If so, can this be prevented?

Must we grant leave for employees to attend meetings at their kids’ schools?

09/29/2009

Q. Are we obligated to provide paid leave so one of our employees can attend a mandatory school meeting concerning his child?

Can we require employees to keep working despite inclement weather?

09/29/2009

Q. When there’s even a hint of bad weather, one of our employees goes home. Can we require her to work until the regular quitting time?

What should we consider as we implement a community service evaluation measure?

09/23/2009

Q. Our CEO just implemented a new employee evaluation goal that calls for employees to do charitable volunteer work throughout the year. The more they volunteer, the higher the points they receive on their review, ultimately increasing their salaries. Can we do this without risk?

What should we do? Employee has used all her sick leave, but she’s still sick

09/23/2009

Q. One of our employees is out sick and has already used up all her sick leave hours. Can we legally subtract from her vacation time instead?

Can we require psychological counseling?

09/23/2009

Q. Can we require an employee to receive psychological counseling or treatment if his behavior has become a hindrance to his job performance?