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Terminations

Caution: ‘Going by the book’ may be retaliation

01/01/2008

When an employee everyone considered loyal suddenly starts complaining to a regulatory agency about alleged workplace violations, it’s natural to be upset. But resist the temptation to send the employee a message by suddenly enforcing the work rules zealously …

Relying on evidence to back up termination? Don’t lose it

01/01/2008

When you catch an employee red-handed breaking a rule and you have solid evidence on your side, it seems like a no-brainer to fire him. But when you do, keep this in mind: If you lose an incriminating tape, e-mail or handwritten note, expect to lose the case …

Note to supervisors: No comments about religion and work

01/01/2008

It may seem obvious, but it bears repeating: Tell supervisors and managers to avoid discussing religion if at all possible. And never, ever use blunt terms to make an employee choose between her religion and her job. Instead, focus any discussion of religious accommodations on the company’s legitimate needs …

Handle terminations with dignity, due deliberation

01/01/2008

Nothing will fuel a lawsuit more than management’s poor behavior. While discharging an employee for any reason is stressful for everyone involved, there is a right and a wrong way to do it. The wrong way is to get emotional, to shout and unceremoniously throw the employee off the premises …

Tell supervisors: If you use racist language, you’re fired

01/01/2008

One of the fastest paths to a nasty race discrimination case—and all the bad publicity that follows—is for a supervisor to make a racist comment. If that supervisor is then involved in any disciplinary action against the employee, chances are those earlier comments will provide the employee with direct evidence of discrimination …

Any negative comments about work injury may lead to lawsuit

01/01/2008

It’s frustrating when an employee you don’t think is seriously injured files a workers’ compensation claim, especially months after the alleged injury. However, you must resist the temptation to react negatively—for example, by bad-mouthing the employee …

Union security clauses are enforceable in Michigan—Non-Dues payer can be fired

01/01/2008

Q. I run a small warehouse facility where the employees are represented by a union. The labor contract requires all employees to pay union dues or an equivalent fee. The union has contacted me and indicated that one of my laid-off employees is not in good standing for failing to pay union dues, and has requested that the employee be discharged. Even though he is laid off, the union still requires him to pay union dues. This is a good employee, and I do not want to terminate him. Am I required to do so? …

Consider ADA before firing after 12 weeks

01/01/2008

Q. Can FMLA leave be extended beyond the 12 weeks specified in the law? What if the employee is disabled and can’t return to work right away or can come back only part time? …

Sometimes it’s not what you do, but how you do it

01/01/2008

No one likes being treated poorly, and when shabby behavior is coupled with something as traumatic as losing a job, the treatment itself can be enough to start a lawsuit. That’s why it is crucial for supervisors and HR professionals to respect the dignity of each employee about to be discharged, no matter what the reason …

Union fails to pursue grievance? That’s its problem

01/01/2008

If an employee’s union rep doesn’t file a grievance and your organization later fires the employee based on an incident that could have been the subject of the grievance, the union is most likely on the hook for any damages …