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Texas

Where legal trouble lurks: Even unwritten rules must be enforced fairly and consistently

10/07/2014
Before disciplining an employee who says she did what she did because her supervisor told her it was OK, make sure others following the same informal rule were treated the same. If you fire or demote one, you must fire or demote the other.

Popeyes pays for chickening out on HIV-positive applicant

10/07/2014
A Popeyes Chicken franchise in Tyler has agreed to settle an EEOC disability discrimination suit filed on behalf of an applicant who had several years of experience in the restaurant business. The alleged reason he wasn’t hired: His HIV status.

Beware ‘demotions’ that merely strip duties

10/07/2014

Employees alleging discrimination or retaliation for engaging in protected activity have to show they suffered an adverse employment action. Typically, that means they were fired, demoted or transferred to a less desirable position. But what if the employer simply removes responsibilities, even as the worker retains his title, pay and benefits?

What must I do about employee’s wage garnishment to collect on credit card debt?

09/02/2014
Q. One of my employees recently notified me that a judgment had been levied against him on a suit to collect an unpaid credit card debt. A Texas court has issued the judgment, and I understand the judgment creditor may seek to satisfy it by garnishing my employee’s wages. What am I required to do?

Do I have to grant leave for employees who have been summoned or subpoenaed?

09/02/2014
Q. A few of my employees have been summoned to appear in court for jury duty service and to act as witnesses in trials. Is there any way that I can prohibit them from serving? And if I can’t, am I required to pay them during their service?

How should we comply with laws concerning expressing breast milk at work?

09/02/2014
Q. One of my employees recently gave birth and has asked me about the company policies regarding expressing breast milk in the workplace. What are the federal and state laws that I should consider for my policies?

Arbitration and the executive order on Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces

09/02/2014
Only 10 days after prohibiting federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, Presi­­dent Obama issued the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order.

Texas employers may now pay employees in Bitcoins

09/02/2014
Should Texas employers be so in­­clined, they may pay employees in Bit­­coins as long as both parties agree to the arrangement.

‘Crimson Tide fan’ not a protected minority in Texas

09/02/2014
A crane operator working at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field found himself out of work after he hoisted an Alabama Crimson Tide banner inside the stadium.

Couple of butt-slaps? Court says that’s not harassment

09/02/2014
You probably won’t be liable for a single incident of sexually oriented co-worker harassment if you punish the transgressor after you discover what happened.