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Terminations

OK to have stricter standards for probationary employees

02/12/2009

You can learn a lot about an employee during the first few weeks. Missing work then probably means attendance will be a problem later. Having stricter rules during the initial probationary period will help you weed out problem employees.

FMLA protects workers before they’re eligible

02/12/2009

An Illinois court has ruled that employees who request FMLA leave before they’ve met the eligibility thresholds are protected from retaliation. An employer can’t, for example, fire such an employee because he says he will soon be taking FMLA leave and perhaps undergo expensive medical treatment.

Check all records before answering EEOC charges

02/12/2009

Inconsistent stories and explanations look like lies to the everyday people who sit on juries. That’s one reason it’s crucial to double-check all your records and get the facts straight before you respond to EEOC, state or local anti-discrimination agency charges.

Harassing dentist strikes nerve among employees

02/12/2009

A Chicago dentist has agreed to pay $462,500 to settle a harassment and retaliation complaint filed by 18 employees. The complaint alleges employees were subjected to sexual harassment and required to join the Church of Scientology as a condition of employment.

Stop lawsuits by checking bankruptcy filings

02/12/2009

Laid off or fired employees often have to resort to bankruptcy when their economic situations tank. What they often forget, however, is that they must list in that bankruptcy filing any pending litigation that could net them cash. If they don’t, and their debts are discharged, they can be barred from suing you.

Give benefit of doubt to panicked workers who take sudden FMLA leave

02/12/2009

The FMLA grants eligible employees the right to take time off to deal with their own or a covered relative’s serious health condition. What has been unclear until now is what happens when an employee rushes to the emergency room believing a true medical emergency exists, only to find out that the condition was less serious than originally believed.

Whistle-blower law insulates noncomplaining workers, too

02/12/2009

When two workers complained to two co-workers that their employer wasn’t providing protective gear while they installed insulation, it started a chain of events that led to their firings.

Judge says sewer worker’s firing doesn’t pass smell test

02/12/2009

An administrative law judge has ruled the township of Leoni violated the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA) when it terminated Benjamin Brzezinski for refusing to enter a sewer he felt was unsafe.

Mayors’ forecast: Ohio to see large job losses in 2009

02/12/2009

According to a forecast by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Ohio’s major cities will experience heavy job losses this year: Cleveland, with a current workforce of 1.06 million jobs, will lose 22,200 jobs. Cincinnati (1.04 million workforce) will lose 20,500 jobs. Columbus (948,000 workforce) will lose 7,700 jobs.

Mayors’ forecast: Miami job losses among nation’s worst

02/12/2009

According to a forecast by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the Miami area will suffer some of the largest job losses in the nation in 2009. Miami is expected to lose about 85,000 jobs this year. The city’s unemployment rate may exceed 10%.