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Tempted to Ask, But Shouldn’t

Yesterday’s Advisor briefed on impermissible preemployment inquiries; today, we present more inquiries that you may not have realized you need to avoid. Persons to Notify in Case of Emergency Questions should not be asked about the names and addresses of a job applicant’s relatives. Such inquiries may lead to information related to an applicant’s marital […]

General Tips for your Drug Policy

By Tim Thoelecke In yesterday’s Advisor we learned how the legalization of marijuana in many states has complex ramifications for your drug policy. Today, more on that topic, as well as some general tips. Marijuana is mainstream, or at least it’s trying to be. Indeed, many have made the assumption that marijuana is no longer […]

Manufacturer Misrepresents Compliance with FMLA: Lessons for Employers

By Gregory J. Wartman, JD A Pennsylvania federal court recently ruled that an employee was ineligible for relief under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) because of the size of his employer and that he did not present sufficient evidence that his employer should be equitably estopped (prevented) from avoiding liability under the Act.

Business Travel, the Zika Virus, and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act

By Catherine Moreton Gray, JD The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the Zika virus a “public health emergency of international concern.” According to WHO, the virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and is linked to a spike in birth defects in cases where the mother contracted the virus during pregnancy. Also, a study in Brazil […]

FMLA: When Absences and Certifications Don’t Match Up

By Susan Schoenfeld, JD In cases where an employee’s absences are not supported by his or her medical certification, an employer should consider recertification. An employer may request recertification of an employee’s serious health condition no more often than every 30 days unless one of the specific exceptions discussed below applies.

Workplace Bullying—Addressing the Problem

by Norbert “Bert” Alicea Yesterday’s Advisor presented tips from Norbert “Bert” Alicea, MA, CEAP, on identifying and understanding the impact of bullying in the workplace. Today, Alicea provides tips for employers on how to address this costly issue.

What is a Collective Bargaining Agreement?

As the name implies, collective bargaining involves negotiating (bargaining) on behalf of a group (collectively). In other words, it’s negotiating for changes for a group—in this case—employees of an organization or industry. The term “collective bargaining” usually refers to the negotiations that ensue between a union (representing the employees) and the representatives of the employer […]

Does Your Drug Policy Work for Your Industry?

By Tim Thoelecke Marijuana legalization in many states is catching the attention of human resources professionals nationwide and is drawing attention to all drug use. Drug use poses a serious threat to employee safety and productivity, and illicit drug use often results in greater absenteeism, decreased productivity, and more. In fact, an estimated 23.9 million […]