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Firing

Hey, look, we’re on TV! Better fire that guy!

05/06/2009

The U.S. Department of Labor has settled with Triple B Cleaning, a Houston company, that it claims illegally fired an employee who had complained about workplace safety issues to local news media.

Boss who hired also fired? Back it up anyway to defend against discrimination claims

05/06/2009

Employers are often advised to have the same managers who hired an employee also make the termination decision. The idea is that doing so may scuttle a discrimination lawsuit because it’s illogical for a manager to hire a member of a protected class and then turn around and fire him because of bias against that protected class. Don’t use it as an excuse to get sloppy with record-keeping and documentation.

Unable to work, ineligible for FMLA? You may be able to fire

05/06/2009

Employees who can’t come to work at all because of a disability can’t perform the essential functions of their jobs. Someone who is so incapacitated they cannot work can be discharged.

7th Circuit reverses ‘cat’s paw’ verdict

05/05/2009

When the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, whose decisions cover Illinois, began acknowledging the “cat’s paw” theory of discrimination, it appeared to open employers to greater liability.

Warn bosses: No negative comments on injuries

05/04/2009

There’s a fine line between legitimate concerns that an employee is abusing the workers’ compensation system and punishing the employee who has a legitimate claim. Here’s the best way to handle the problem.

FMLA error costs employer more than $100,000

05/04/2009

A federal court has awarded more than $100,000—plus enhanced pension benefits—to an employee who was fired when the company wrongly believed his FMLA leave had expired.

How to Solve Your Employee Absentee Problem

05/03/2009
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The 10 Employment Laws Every Manager Should Know

04/28/2009
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Don’t be afraid to terminate if manager can’t manage personal relationships

04/27/2009

Some people have more trouble than others managing personal relationships. When such a person has a supervisory role, the result can be disastrous. Don’t fear discharging a lousy manager based on what you observe or find out following an investigation.

Bias plaintiffs must suffer discrimination themselves

04/27/2009

Here’s an important thing to remember if your organization is hit with a series of discrimination cases: Even if some are legitimate, that doesn’t mean every member of a protected class can sue.