Tag: PLLC

Danger Zone—FMLA Certs Are Like a Pre-Nup

Caraway, who is a member of Miller & Martin PLLC, in the Chattanooga office, offered six tips for reducing FMLA abuse during a recent webinar sponsored by BLR®. Here are her six tips for dealing with FMLA abuse. Tip # 1—Don’t Accept ‘Unknown’ Certs FMLA certifications (certs) are like an “FMLA prenuptial agreement,” says Caraway. […]

Q&A on Employee Benefits under DOMA Ruling

With the DOMA ruling so recent in our minds, employers have more unanswered employee benefits questions than ever before. Is it now illegal to tax healthcare benefits for a same-sex spouse? How should multi-state employers react if the final ruling comes down that only same-sex couples who reside in a state that recognizes same-sex marriages […]

Does the DOMA Ruling Affect FMLA Rights for Same-Sex Couples?

When the Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of DOMA is unconstitutional, it opened up the possibility for married same-sex couples to be extended federal benefits on many levels, including things like FMLA leave. While the details have yet to be sorted, employers are gearing up for the many changes that will surely result. In […]

Employee Documentation Q&A: Job Descriptions, Performance Appraisals and Personnel Files

“Documentation can be extraordinarily helpful when it’s done completely, timely, and appropriately.” Ann Bowden-Hollis told us in a recent BLR webinar. But it can also be problematic if done improperly or without oversight. At the conclusion of the webinar, Bowden-Hollis answered participant questions including questions regarding how to address cognitive abilities in job requirements (to […]

Why Accurate Documentation in Performance Evaluations Is Important

Documentation of performance evaluations can easily become evidence against an employer in a trial, such as a wrongful termination case or a discrimination case. This fact underlines the importance of ensuring that managers and supervisors understand the legal ramifications of what goes on the record. These personnel files and performance reviews could just as easily […]

Early Retirement Plans: Win-Win IF You Follow Rules

ERIPs are a win-win, the attorneys say, because: Employers benefit from reducing wages and other costs associated with senior workers, and avoid the negativity associated with a RIF Employees benefit because a portion of that cost savings is passed to retiring workers who can retire earlier than they otherwise might. Anderson, a member of Miller […]