When the boss thinks employees lied, he wants true confessions; employees balk at the idea “Let me make sure I have this right,” said employee Carlos Ramirez, slipping on his reading glasses. “According to this little memo I found in my locker this morning, there will be a priest here tomorrow to listen to confessions.” […]
Can A Good Job Description Save Company From Lawsuit?
Employee says the job description is irrelevant at this point; Company leans into its words from years ago “I wish you didn’t have to go through this,” said Manager Cole Roberts. “Yeah, I’ve held it together for a lot of years,” said Brian Jeffers, an employee. “But you can never really escape PTSD. So many […]
He’s Dead and Had a Noncompete: Does Company Really Have to Hold Up Its Part?
In noncompete agreement, former owner agreed to stay out of business; new owner agreed to pay him for his promises “On behalf of the entire company, I want to extend condolences,” said HR Director Drew Mortimer. “On a personal level, I can’t believe he’s gone. We worked together for decades.” “Thank you,” said Evelyn Cherry, […]
He Makes $200k and Expects Overtime: The Supreme Court Had to Decide This One
Employee has crazy work schedule and expects overtime; employer says, ‘Six figures is salary, not hourly!’ “Ever hear the saying, ‘The days are long but the years are short?’” said Sam Casper, a group manager. “Sure have,” said VP of Operations Mike Collins. “My wife and I used to say it when the kids were […]
Was it FMLA, or just a few days off to relax?
A worker claims her time away was actually protected FMLA leave. “Hey, Lynn,” said company attorney Eric Bressler. “Got a minute?” HR manager Lynn Rondo looked up from her computer. “Sure, Eric. What’s up?” Eric walked inside her office and shut the door. “So do you remember Susan Mayer?” “Of course,” Lynn said. “She was […]
What? He earns a bonus, and then gets fired
“Your wanting to fire Eddie comes as a bit of a surprise,” HR manager Liz Jackson noted. “Didn’t you give him a healthy bonus last year?” “I did,” Maggie nodded. “But it wasn’t what it looked like on the surface.” “How so?” Liz asked. “Our group did well last year, but Eddie was barely marginal, […]
Older worker let go during restructuring sues for age bias
HR manager Lynn Rondo’s morning was filled with the paperwork that accompanied her company’s recent restructuring. Just when she thought about taking a break, company attorney Eric Bressler walked into her office. “Hi, Lynn. Remember Tom Jenkins?” Lynn put down her pen and frowned. “The manager we let go?” Eric nodded. “He’s suing us for […]
Supervisor gives poor performer another chance – and gets sued
Three legal “musts” when you’re putting together an employee PIP. Candice handed paperwork to Gordon as she explained: “You’ve had two low performance reviews so I’m putting you on a personal improvement plan. Take a minute to read the terms, and then we can discuss it.” Gordon did as she instructed. Then he put the paperwork […]
Good documentation squelched costly lawsuit: What they did right
An employee says sexual harassment caused her poor performance. Abbie spread some paperwork on the table and pointed to it as she spoke: “When we did your performance improvement plan, these are the numbers we said you’d have to hit to be successful. And over here are your actual numbers. “As you can see, there’s […]
Did she or didn’t she have right documentation for FMLA leave?
A judge says the boss should have followed the “cure” mandate of the law. Charlie slid the letter across the desk as he spoke: “As that letter explains, I’m letting you go for excessive absences.” Without looking at the letter, Kim exclaimed, “What? I don’t understand how that’s possible.” Charlie picked up the letter and […]