Terminations

Having a good business reason trumps speculation

02/01/2001

After Gary Rowe had a kidney transplant, his medication was costing his employer more than $1,000 a month, and his supervisor frequently asked about his condition. When that supervisor had to …

Body Odor: Clear the Air Over Staff Dress Code

02/01/2001

Q. In the December 2000 issue, you discussed the topic of employees with body odor. We also have a staff member with body odor so bad that other staff members have complained and even threatened to leave the agency. The employee has been disciplined several times and required to go home without pay until she agrees to comply with the dress code. At what point can we legally terminate her? —A.S., Michigan

Refusing to follow orders doesn’t always equal insubordination

02/01/2001

The new fire alarm system at Seattle’s Key Arena automatically cuts off the public address system so that emergency personnel can issue instructions. When the feature disrupted Sonics basketball games, arena …

Beware of employee’s ‘Let’s Make a Deal’

12/01/2000

HR director Cheryl Swenson didn’t wait for the standard severance package when the senior VP for human resources said her job would be eliminated. Swenson contacted the president and CEO …

Gambling on who may sue is a losing bet

12/01/2000

When racial tensions among third-shift employees at a Wal-Mart boiled over, Gail Robinson reported it to her managers several times. African-American co-workers called her “white bitch,” shoved and threatened her …

Craft rif to avoid appearance of bias

12/01/2000

Related telecommunications companies decided to slash middle management. How they did it landed them in court fighting several claims, including age discrimination. Indiana Bell and Ameritech created complex ranking systems …

Long service doesn’t guarantee job

12/01/2000

John Guz had worked for Bechtel for more than 20 years when his job was eliminated. Although Guz was an at-will employee, he claimed that his long record of raises, promotions …

Cut legal risk during layoff

12/01/2000

Q. In recent months, a sharp decline in revenue has forced us to consider downsizing. What are the legal risks associated with a layoff and how can we minimize them? —L.C., Hawaii

Craft bonuses carefully

12/01/2000

When a financial analyst changed jobs, he left behind $120,000 in bonuses. The bonus plan paid benefits in quarterly installments but was contingent on continued employment with the company. A New …

Be wary of limiting workers’ job prospects

11/01/2000

Because a temporary staffing agency wanted to protect its investment in recruiting and hiring temps, it made its temps sign restrictive covenants preventing …