Washington Law Updates for September 2009
Posted by Cheryl Angeletti-Harris in Law Updates on September 23rd, 2009
EEOC Settles Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Suit Against Lowe’s Home Improvement
On August 20, 2009, Lowe’s Home Improvement settled a sexual harassment and retaliation suit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on behalf of three employees at its Longview, Washington store for $1.72 million. EEOC v. Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse Inc., W.D. Wash., No. 08-331 [...]
What Are An Employer’s Legal Obligations to Returning Veterans?
Posted by Cheryl Angeletti-Harris in Disability Discrimination, Employee Relations on September 16th, 2009
While recently reading SHRM’s HR Magazine, I noticed the back cover. It had a picture of camouflaged-soldiers waving flags and the heading read “You may be overlooking thousands of star performers as potential job candidates.” It went on to say that, “More than 60,000 Army Soldiers complete their military services every year….” Sixty thousand! That number [...]
Shared-Work Programs: A Little Used Alternative to Layoffs
Posted by Cheryl Angeletti-Harris in Law Updates on September 2nd, 2009
In today’s economy, many employers are faced with the challenge of retaining their employees but reducing costs. According to the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), even if economic growth resumes, the job market is not likely to fully recover until mid-2010 or beyond. What is an employer to do until that happens?
Shared-work programs [...]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Updates H1N1 Guidance for Businesses
Posted by Cheryl Angeletti-Harris in Disability Discrimination on August 27th, 2009
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued recommendations and strategies for employers to follow in order to minimize any potential outbreak. The Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to the 2009-2010 Influenza Season outlines steps employers should take in advance of the flu season, strategies to employ in the event [...]
Is Your Business Prepared for an H1N1 Outbreak This Fall?
Posted by Cheryl Angeletti-Harris in Employee Relations on August 12th, 2009
With the H1N1 virus (swine flu) continuing to cause illness, hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. during the normally flu-free summer months and some uncertainty about what the upcoming flu season might bring, employers should take action to educate employees and prepare for the impact of a swine flu outbreak in the workplace. It may [...]
Should I Hire An Independent Contractor?
Posted by Cheryl Angeletti-Harris in Human Resources on August 5th, 2009
In tough economic times, employers look for ways to be more efficient and profitable. This may mean taking a closer look at hiring an independent contractor. An independent contractor is a person/business who contracts to perform services for others but doesn’t have the legal status of an employee. Employers will need to weigh the pros [...]
10 Common Employee Handbook Mistakes to Avoid
Posted by Cheryl Angeletti-Harris in Human Resources on July 29th, 2009
The Employee Handbook is one of the most important documents and communication tools of a business. It sets forth the policies and benefits provided by the employer. The employee handbook expresses the philosophy, goals and ethical atmosphere that is maintained by the employer. A clear and unambiguous document describes what the employee can expect from [...]
