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Employment Law

Suit challenges Caltrans’ new contracting quotas

07/17/2009

The Pacific Legal Foundation recently filed a lawsuit alleging that Caltrans’ new contract quota program for minority-owned firms is unconstitutional. The suit, filed on behalf of the San Diego chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, argues that Caltrans did not do enough to show that discrimination was a problem before it implemented the program.

Workers’ comp carrier saga ends with $37 million settlement

07/17/2009

The commissioner of California’s Department of Insurance has reached a $37.3 million settlement of four lawsuits stemming from Fremont Indemnity Co.’s 2003 bankruptcy.

For FMLA purposes, who’s a ‘key employee’?

07/17/2009

Q. On the U.S. Department of Labor’s Form WH-381 (Notice of Eligibility and Rights & Responsibilities), there is a line that asks if the worker is a “key employee” as defined in the FMLA. I don’t want to offend any of our employees, so I always check the “yes” box.  Am I doing the right thing?

Are there ADA implications if we ask applicants to take personality tests?

07/17/2009

Q. We would like to administer personality tests to job applicants. Would this violate the ADA? A. Personality tests are a good example of the types of policies likely to be affected by the recently passed ADA Amendments Act of 2008 …

Pair of Supreme Court rulings redefine race, age bias

07/17/2009

In the days before ending its 2008-09 term, the U.S. Supreme Court issued two important employment law rulings. Now it’s harder for employees to win age bias lawsuits. Also, the court ruled on race bias in pre-hire testing.

Warn bosses: Pregnancy plans talk is off-limits

07/17/2009

Are some of your organization’s supervisors still stuck in the Dark Ages when it comes to attitudes about pregnancy, childbirth and child care? If so, your organization may be a few off-base questions away from triggering a discrimination lawsuit. Remind managers and supervisors to keep their opinions on mothers and motherhood to themselves.

No evaluations? You could be called ‘Out!’

07/17/2009

The recession has put the brakes on pay raises in many workplaces. But too many employers have halted performance reviews at the same time. That’s a major mistake. Reason: Discharged employees who sue will have a much easier time getting to a jury trial if you can’t produce evaluations that back up your stated termination reasons.

Suspect FMLA mischief? Use certification before taking drastic action

07/17/2009

Some employees have learned how to play the FMLA game very well. For example, you may notice a suspicious Monday-Friday pattern of intermittent leave for an illness. If you really believe an employee is trying to pull a fast one, don’t play the termination card right away. Your first—and safest—option: request a medical certification stating the employee has a serious health condition.

Set clear, consistent response to employees’ ‘I’m sick’ calls

07/17/2009

Nothing will land you in FMLA trouble faster than ignoring an employee’s request for leave. You’d never do that, you say. But what about an untrained supervisor? Make sure all managers and supervisors know how to handle medical call-ins. Ignoring a leave request could amount to “interference” with the employee’s right to take FMLA leave.

Remind managers: Even unconventional female-on-male harassment can be illegal

07/17/2009

Here’s a simple rule of thumb: Managers and supervisors should never comment on any aspect of an employee’s sexuality. That goes for female supervisors, too, who may believe that only women can be victims of sexual harassment.