How far do you have to go to protect an employee from sexual harassment–or any type of harassment for that matter? Let’s go back to basics. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, employers prohbitis discrimination against applicants or employees based on race, national origin, sex or religion. The US Supreme Court ruled sexual harassment […]
Can You Make Your Employees Get Flu Shots?
Flu season is coming. If you work for a health care institution or organization that could be of particular concern. Mandatory vaccination programs are very common in the healthcare industry. Is it legal? Usually, yes. Some states might even require you to offer the vaccine. But even a mandatory flu shot (or other vaccination) may […]
A Failure-to-Hire Claim After Refusing A Job Offer? What’s Up With That???
So a female applicant is offered a job. She rejects the offer. Then she turns around and sues the company, alleging failure to hire and sex discrimination. Whaaaaaaat? Yes, you read that right. Understandably the would-be employer moved to dismiss the claim. After all she can’t prove that she was rejected for the position and […]
You Say They’re Not Your Employees. But Really,They Are…
You’re a savvy business owner. You make good investment decisions, hire good people to work for you and you watch your costs. You are a fair person. You’re not racist or sexist. You try to keep things simple. Then you have a difference of opinion with someone who works for you. S/he sues, alleging discrimination […]
My Employee Signed A Severance Agreement. So Why Is S/he Suing Me?
Have you ever had to let an employee go? If you haven’t, chances are you will at some point. Do you or would you give severance pay? If so, hopefully you get a signed severance agreement that includes a release from your soon-to-be former employee. I’ve written here, here and here about severance agreements. This […]