Author: David Kim, FordHarrison

Deflategate and the power of external investigations

After more than three months of waiting, we finally got the investigative report regarding the New England Patriots’ “Deflategate” incident that occurred during the NFL’s AFC Championship Game earlier this year. Was it worth the wait? Was the NFL’s subsequent punishment just? It’s pretty clear it depends on whom you ask. Authored by Ted Wells […]

8 essential lessons I learned from my mom

by Dan Oswald A couple of days ago we celebrated Mother’s Day, and while one day each year clearly isn’t enough to honor our mothers, it does provide us with the opportunity to thank the women in our lives for everything they have done to love and support us. A number of years ago, I […]

New work permit requirements apply whether employer is in Canada or U.S.

by Gilda Villaran Employers whose employees must apply for a work permit or extension in order to work in Canada should be aware of a new compliance form and fee that they must submit before the person applies for the work permit. This came into effect February 21. Ports of entry into Canada may refuse […]

Mother’s Day 2015: a time to explore gender equality at work

Mother’s Day—since it’s always on Sunday—doesn’t typically get a lot of attention in most workplaces. Moms might get a quick shout-out during a meeting or in the office newsletter, but for most moms appreciation on their special day comes outside of work. The human resources department, however, might be smart to remember the benefits of […]

Proposed FLSA overtime regs go to OMB for review

by Susan Prince The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has submitted proposed changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) overtime regulations to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. The new regulations will increase the number of employees nationwide who qualify for overtime. Employers, get ready because the changes will likely have […]

To fire or not to fire: Remember arrested employee may not be guilty

Learning that a trusted employee has been arrested and accused of theft is always alarming, but the question of what to do—suspend, terminate, or wait and see how the case plays out—adds even more stress. Recently, several attorneys who represent employers were asked what to do in such a situation. Their advice: Suspension or termination […]

A Word for the EEOC from Bob Kazamakis*

Do I look like someone who would waste my own time? Robert California, The Office This post takes us back to “That’s What She Said,” Ford Harrison’s earlier and excellent chronicle of The Office. After Michael Scott’s departure for marital bliss with zany HR manager Holly Flax, Dunder Mifflin floundered about in search for a […]

The case for cause with a single act of employee misconduct

by Keri Bennett The Supreme Court of Canada tells Canadian employers that they must strike a balance between the severity of the misconduct and the sanction imposed when deciding whether to terminate employment for cause. So what happens when the misconduct is a single act? Can that justify termination for cause? According to the British […]

President’s budget reflects administration’s labor and employment priorities

by Judith E. Kramer and Daria H. Hafner President Barack Obama has submitted to Congress his budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2016, which begins on October 1, 2015. Here are the highlights of the administration’s requests for the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the National Labor Relations […]

Supreme Court allows judicial review of EEOC conciliation efforts

The U.S. Supreme Court has handed employers at least a small victory by unanimously ruling that courts are allowed to review the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) conciliation efforts in discrimination cases. On April 29, the Court imposed moderate standards for the conciliation efforts the EEOC is required to make before it files a lawsuit […]