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EEOC Settles Race Discrimination Case Against Construction Company

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has entered into an agreement with Wheeler Construction in which Wheeler will pay two employees a total of $325,000 to settle a race discrimination claim. The case may reflect the EEOC’s increased attention to race discrimination claims, which, like other discrimination claims, are rising at a rapid rate. HR […]

Protecting Your Greatest Assets During Tough Times

Yesterday I received an e-mail from an employee in our company that really got me thinking. Her e-mail was about one of the less talked about effects of tough economic times. Her note contemplated how layoffs, or even the hint of layoffs, can cause a company to lose the employees it most desperately wants to […]

A Business Coach? For Me?

Just My E-pinionBy Brad Sugars To emerge from economic turmoil as viable businesses, many firms (like GM, for instance) will have to make dramatic changes. A business coach might be your best bet to help you reorient to a changed business climate, says business coach Brad Sugars. Sometimes, the best ideas come from a true, […]

The Envelope, Please

Litigation cost: $0 – $50,000 Even though NBC is taking a break from The Office this week, we aren’t. The latest webisode, “Blackmail,” may be short but it packs a potential punch for Dunder Mifflin. Creed wreaks quiet havoc by gathering his colleagues’ best-kept secrets and using them to extort favors or a paltry $6 […]

Hawaiian Airlines Responds to Pilots Union Media Campaign

The Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA) and Hawaiian Airlines have been negotiating toward a new pilots’ contract for approximately two years. Recently, ALPA has engaged in an extensive media campaign alleging that Hawaiian Airlines hasn’t made up for past wage cuts during the period the company was in bankruptcy several years ago. Contrary to […]

‘Rightsizing’ Right into a Lawsuit?

Whether you call it “rightsizing” or a reduction in force (RIF), it’s legally dangerous. Yesterday’s Advisor  gave the first five of attorney Michael Rosen’s nine tips for avoiding lawsuits during RIFs. Today, we have more of his tips, and we introduce a unique resource for small HR departments. (Go here to see tips 1-5.) 6. […]

RIFs: Preparing for the Unkindest Cut

As the economy stagnates, many employers who were hoping to avoid layoffs must now finally consider them. Today’s expert, attorney Michael Rosen, sorts out the key issues. Rosen, a labor and employment partner with the law firm Foley Hoag LLP in Boston, says that any reduction in force (RIF) must be carefully planned and executed […]

Workers’ Compensation Claim for Mental Stress Allowed

By Derek Knoechel and Lorene Novakowski Canadian provinces have workers’ compensation legislation that provides a no-fault system of compensation for injuries suffered on the job. The system covers lost wages, medical aid, and rehabilitation for the injured worker and generally removes the injured worker’s ability to sue the employer. The workers’ compensation system is funded […]

Uniforms, Religious Garb, and Federal Law

Yesterday’s Advisor covered best practices for dress codes. Today, we continue with uniforms and religious accommodation, and introduce a new audio conference that will answer your specific questions about dress codes. May employers require employees to wear uniforms? In general, employers may require employees to wear uniforms, but employers that do have such a requirement […]

Hot List: Bestselling “Business Life” Books on Amazon.com

Amazon.com updates its list of the bestselling books every hour. Here is a snapshot of what is hot right now, this Monday morning, June 1, in the “Business Life” section of the “Business and Investing”category. 1. Who’s Got Your Back: The Breakthrough Program to Build Deep, Trusting Relationships That Create Success–and Won’t Let You Fail […]