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How’s Your Hazmat Training?

The federal hazardous materials transportation regulations require the training of all hazmat employees. The purpose of training is to increase employees’ safety awareness and to reduce hazmat incidents. Any employee who meets the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) definition of a “hazmat employee” must be trained, tested, and certified by the employer to be able […]

The courage of our convictions

by Dan Oswald “Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.” —George Washington It was suggested to me recently that there are times when you must work for someone you don’t like or trust. My initial response was a blank […]

Making Up for a Bad Reputation

As we discussed in yesterday’s Advisor, most American workers wouldn’t work at a company with a bad reputation. Today, we’ll discuss some more strategies for improving your bad reputation or for keeping your good one constant. Making Room for Employment Branding Does your company have an employment branding program? How about even one employee dedicated […]

The Wedding, Part II

Well, it’s a little difficult to write about the perils of working in Scranton with Michael Scott as your boss when the entire office is attending a wedding, but here goes. After watching last night’s repeat episode of Jim’s and Pam’s wedding, I can’t say that getting married to a coworker is always a bad […]

Employer Bears All Risk for Unpaid Interns

An enthusiastic and energetic individual approaches you with a proposal to volunteer his time to gain valuable experience in your industry. “After all,” reasons the prospective volunteer, “how can I get my first job if I have no experience in the field of my choice?” Sounds like a win-win situation, doesn’t it? Like many win-win […]

Class-Action Lawsuits Filed Against KMPG, CIBC, Scotiabank

By Trevor Lawson and Donovan Plomp McCarthy Tetrault Although large employment-related class-action lawsuits have become commonplace in the United States, until recently they were virtually unknown in Canada. The relative peace enjoyed by Canadian employers on this front was shattered with a $651 million class-action lawsuit filed in June 2007 against the Canadian Imperial Bank […]

NLRB’s Disputed Poster Rule Delayed Again

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is again delaying implementation of its rule requiring most employers to display a poster explaining employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act. The delay comes at the request of the federal court in Washington, D.C., that is hearing a legal challenge regarding the rule. The new implementation date […]

Pay to Slay: Targeting Bedbugs at Employees’ Homes

Fourth of four parts If employees have a bedbug problem at home, it could soon become their employers’ problem at work, too. One way to attack the problem is to go to its root — and help with cleaning up the home infestation. Some employers have gone so far as to pay for the cost […]

Paid-Time-Off (PTO): At Many Companies, It Doesn’t Seem to Count

A surprising survey shows that many companies simply don’t track their paid-time-off (PTO) programs, even though the cost may be as high as health care. Potential savings from better management: millions. Employee: “Boss. I don’t feel well. I’d like to stay home but I’m not sure I’ve got any sick days left.” Employer: “Hey, who’s […]

Wrongful Discharge: Employer Must Pay $600,000 For Not Acting When Screaming Boss Made HR Manager’s Job Intolerable

Employers tend to give a lot of leeway to high-level or valuable employees. But if a rogue boss’s behavior goes unchecked—and forces other employees to quit—you may have a lawsuit on your hands. In one recent case, the employer’s failure to rein in a renegade manager turned into a $600,000 mistake.