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Employment Law

Supreme Court: Fewer small firms covered by ADA, but check state law

06/01/2003
It’s clear that companies with fewer than 15 employees aren’t required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). But do company shareholders …

Beware legal risks of using school transcripts in hiring

06/01/2003
Worried that poor grades and lax attendance might spell an employment risk, more employers are requesting applicants’ school transcripts. Our advice: …

Seek out tax credits for hiring certain ‘disadvantaged’ workers

06/01/2003
Want to save your company some money, and look good in the process? Point out the tax incentives available if your company hires people from certain …

Keep salaries gender neutral; pay gap widens at top levels

06/01/2003
Heads up: Pay equity is in your hands; make sure salaries are always gender neutral. Reason: Women are less likely than men to reach the highest salary brackets, according to …

Do you need insurance against employee lawsuits?

06/01/2003
Consider these stats: More than one-fourth of civil lawsuits filed last year were employment related, and the average jury award in employment cases is approaching …

Don’t link vacation bonus to exempt workers’ hours

06/01/2003

Q. Can we give an exempt employee extra vacation days in addition to the standard accrued time off outlined in our employee handbook? —T. L., Maryland

Is a janatorial supervisor exempt or nonexempt?

06/01/2003

Q. We classified our janitorial supervisor as an exempt employee. She meets some of the qualifications, such as hiring and firing janitorial staff. But when she’s on site, she mainly performs janitorial duties. Is she classified correctly? —L.B., Texas

Comp time isn’t legal, yet

06/01/2003

Q. Can our company legally offer comp time instead of overtime? I’ve received conflicting answers. —R.S., Virginia

Nondisabled workers can claim ADA retaliation

05/01/2003
Warning: As odd as it may sound, don’t believe you’re safe from an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lawsuit if the employee fails to prove a disability. Most people think …

Give employees advance notice of severance plans, waivers

05/01/2003
Don’t spring severance-plan details on employees right before a layoff. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) says you must give employees advance notice …