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Texas

Employer’s mistake doesn’t extend FMLA leave

12/01/2007

It’s not always easy to calculate exactly how much FMLA leave an employee has coming. Rest assured, though: If you make a mistake, you can fix it. Just be sure to fix it as soon as you discover the error so your mistake doesn’t harm the employee …

Public employers, take note: Expect trial on First Amendment whistle-Blower claims

12/01/2007

Employees who work for federal, state or local government agencies have more rights than most private-sector employees. One of those is the limited right to be a whistle-blower on matters of public concern, such as alleged corruption or illegal activities …

Analyze talents, needs before transfer

12/01/2007

Employers are generally free to transfer employees where their skills can be best utilized. Of course, some employees resist such moves, especially if these actions are perceived as undesirable transfers or even demotions. That’s why, for every transfer, you should make a clear assessment of who has what skills and talents …

Survey says half of refineries as dangerous as BP Texas City

12/01/2007

According to a recent survey, the same kinds of conditions that preceded a deadly March 2005 accident at BP Products North America’s Texas City refinery are pervasive in refineries across the nation. The survey polled union leaders at 51 refineries, representing 49% of the U.S. refining capacity …

TWC to share information on employment tax schemes with IRS

12/01/2007

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) recently agreed to tell the IRS about employers that fail to properly pay state unemployment insurance taxes. The TWC joins 28 other state work force agencies in entering the new initiative, which expands on existing data-sharing efforts between federal and state agencies …

Pilgrim’s Pride to pay $1 million to 5,300 applicants

12/01/2007

The nation’s largest poultry producer—Texas-based Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.—recently agreed to pay $1 million to settle allegations that it discriminated on the basis of sex and ethnicity in hiring …

Unemployment surplus means Texas employers get tax credit

12/01/2007

Gov. Rick Perry has announced that 370,000 Texas employers will receive tax credits next year because the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund has amassed a surplus of approximately $376.7 million …

New I-9 form plus no-Match letters complicate hiring process

12/01/2007

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has just released a revised Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, for immediate use and a new M-274, Handbook for Employers, Instructions for Completing the Form I-9 …

Can we dock sick time for exempt employees?

12/01/2007
Q. Will I risk losing an employee’s exempt status if I deduct from his or her wages for full-day absences of one or more days?

Pre-Employment inquiries and the ADA

12/01/2007

Q. Can an employer ask a job applicant whether he or she can meet the company’s attendance policy? …