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Terminations

Pregnant Employees: Answers to 7 Questions on Hiring and Employment Status

04/26/2007

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act has important implications for how employers treat pregnant women during the hiring process and after, once they become employees. Here are the EEOC’s answers to some of the most common questions employers face.

Terminations: 5 Tips for Avoiding Lawsuits

04/21/2007
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Workers fail to give FMLA proof? Cut ‘Em loose

04/01/2007

Q. One of our employees had been out sick for two months. We’ve received a doctor’s note that just says he’s unable to work and that a return date is undetermined. We faxed and mailed FMLA paperwork, but it hasn’t been returned. Meanwhile, the employee is receiving disability benefits through our short-term disability plan. How do we calculate the start of FMLA leave? From the date the disability payment began? And if we never get the FMLA paperwork back, can we terminate him? —T.B., Tennessee

Termination for excessive absenteeism

04/01/2007

Q. Our handbook states that employees will be terminated if they are absent more than 10 days in 12 consecutive months. An employee has been absent for seven days so far this year, three of which were due to the flu. He called out sick four days ago. When he returns, he will have exceeded the 10-day limit. Can we terminate him?

RIF after FMLA leave? Possible, but proceed with caution

04/01/2007

If you terminate an employee soon after he or she has returned from FMLA leave, you open yourself to charges of retaliation …

Lessons From Strip-Search Case: Train Managers on ‘Dignity’

04/01/2007

When managers suspect theft, it’s easy for tempers to rise. But don’t allow the incident to erupt into an ugly confrontation and public humiliation of employees …

Toledo firefighters face termination for illegal tapings

04/01/2007

The Toledo fire chief has recommended terminating three female firefighters after discovering they had secretly taped workplace conversations …

Understanding religious accommodations in Ohio workplaces

04/01/2007

Ohio mirrors America’s growing diversity in many ways. Today, mosques occupy old churches; co-workers wear burqas and yarmulkes; and some employees request “prayer breaks.” Religious diversity is a reason for celebration, but it also presents challenges in the workplace …

Firing after FMLA: Potentially legal but usually unwise

04/01/2007

The FMLA doesn’t forbid you to fire employees after they return from FMLA leave, or even while they’re on it. You’re simply prohibited from firing them because they took FMLA leave …

Stray From Progressive-Discipline Policy at Your Own Risk

04/01/2007

If you have a progressive-discipline policy in your employee handbook, it’s legally wise to follow it carefully with all employees. If you deviate from it and fire a worker quickly, be prepared to provide a good reason …