We are often inundated with stories about sexual harassment, unequal pay, failure to hire or promote or similar issues. Virtually all of the stories discuss unequal treatment of women–and with good reason. It happens so often. Title VII (and many state laws) however, prohibit employment discrimination based on sex. The law doesn’t limit its protections […]
375 Thousand Reasons Why American Airlines’ Discipline of Employees Taking Sick Leave Didn’t Fly
Do you have sick leave and attendance policies? I hope so. Do you provide Paid Time Off (PTO)? Again, I hope so. Are you allowed to limit how much time off an employee takes or uses? Yes, within reasonable limits, and depending on whether any federal, state or local laws have something to say on […]
Leave Me Alone: Can You Contact (or Fire) Employees on FMLA Leave?
An employee goes out on FMLA leave. While the employee is on leave, the employer contacts her. Six days before the anticipated end of that leave the employer fires the employee. The employee sues, alleging FMLA interference. Who wins? In this case, the employer did. Let’s delve into some of the details to learn why […]
Having Leave Abuse Issues? How ‘Bout Those Attendance Policies?
So many inquiries I receive from employers and H.R. practitioners center around suspected leave abuse. Many say that managing absences and staying in compliance with the FMLA and ADA are among their biggest headaches. How do you hit that sweet spot? Is it possible? Yes it is. I’ll discuss just a few ways and give […]
Does An Employee’s Disclosure of Depression Equal an FMLA Request? Sometimes…
What happens when your previously top-performing employee starts having attendance issues? Sounds like a no-brainer, no? You talk to the employee and document the verbal counseling. If it continues you might progress to a write-up. What happens when s/he tells you s/he has been diagnosed with depression, and is adjusting to medications? Your first thought […]