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Terminations

North Carolina workers: scared; biz leaders: fingers crossed

01/27/2009

The economic meltdown has North Carolinians caught in the grip of fear and insecurity, but state business leaders are cautiously optimistic things could turn around sooner rather than later.

Jobless claims crash unemployment comp system

01/27/2009

States—such as North Carolina—that have moved to electronic filing for unemployed workers have learned what can happen when too many people try to use the e-filing systems at the same time.

How some North Carolina businesses are handling downturn

01/27/2009

Caterpillar, the heavy equipment company, used temporary layoffs to cut costs. Cisco Systems, the global information technology company, did a holiday shutdown in late 2008 to save money.

Can you discipline workers for their raunchy Facebook postings?

01/21/2009

The Internet has created a whole new pond for employment lawyers to fish in. But you’re not powerless to your employees’ embarrassing—and potentially illegal—online activities. You can discipline employees who go over the line. Here’s a recent example, plus five tips to help you avoid legal trouble …

What’s your duty to accommodate domestic violence victims?

01/16/2009

About a dozen states have laws that allow employees to take job-protected leave to deal with domestic violence issues. But take note: Even if your state doesn’t have a specific law, you may need to grant such rights as a matter of “public policy.” A recent court ruling from Washington state shows the legal risks.

Beware shifting explanations for firing

01/16/2009

If you have to terminate an employee, don’t fall into a trap that can easily lead to a lawsuit. Don’t provide conflicting reasons for the termination or drop one when the employee or the EEOC asks for details.

Suspect FMLA leave shenanigans? Follow the law’s certification requirements

01/16/2009

Sometimes, employees whose vacation requests are turned down try to get time off by producing a doctor’s note. Some even up the ante by trying to claim FMLA leave. If you really believe an employee is trying to pull a fast one, you have two options if you want to avoid possible FMLA interference charges.

Employees may have 3 years to sue for FMLA violations

01/16/2009

Don’t throw out those leave requests or FMLA certifications—especially if you rejected any requests—until at least three years have passed. Employees have up to three years to file an FMLA lawsuit if the alleged violation was willful—and they don’t have to go to the EEOC or a state discrimination agency first.

Unemployment filings overwhelm state systems

01/16/2009

Amid the crush of newly jobless Americans seeking benefits, electronic unemployment-filing systems crashed in three states in January—New York, North Carolina and Ohio.

Chicago protest becomes symbol of the nation’s woes

01/16/2009

Workers who occupied Republic Windows and Doors in Chicago after getting three days’ notice that the plant was closing became a symbol of the nation’s economic trials, drawing support from then-President-elect Barack Obama.