Suppose your employee sustains a work-related injury. We already know that s/he is probably eligible for workers’ comp benefits. What if s/he also needs – or requests–time off to recover? If you have 50 or more employees in a 75-mile radius and if s/he worked at least 1250 hours in the last 12 months, s/he […]
We Don’t Tolerate Harassment…
“(Company) does not tolerate harassment, discrimination or retaliation. We have strong policies and practices against harassment, discrimination and retaliation and provide regular training on those policies and practices. We encourage employees to report issues immediately. We investigate those issues thoroughly.” Has your company ever issued such a statement? How much will that statement protect it […]
Furloughs Aren’t Illegal, Are They?
Suppose you find your company is affected by the pandemic and resulting economic downturn. You decide to furlough some of your employees. You inform them of their impending furlough. You hope that you can now focus on staying afloat until the economy improves. Could the furloughs themselves cause you other problems? What if your employees […]
A SLAPP in the Face? Why You Might Not Want to File a Counterclaim in a Workplace Harassment Suit
“My employee just sued me and my company claiming sexual harassment. It’s patently false. I want to counter-sue”. I’ve heard this one before. Can you file a counterclaim to a workplace harassment suit? In theory, maybe. Should you? That’s another question altogether. Why shouldn’t you file a counterclaim — particularly if you really believe — and maybe even […]
What Happens When FMLA and State Laws Collide?
Your employee has just told you she is pregnant and plans to take maternity leave. As her due date gets closer, she advises you that she plans to take up to 12 weeks off to recover from childbirth and then exercise her rights under State law to take another 12 weeks to bond with her […]