This month, Jon Vegosen discusses cases upholding criminal cases against employees who violate an employer’s computer policy, a recent Supreme Court decision involving alleged misrepresentations in an employer’s pension plan summary, the NLRA’s latest actions in response to employers’ regulation of social media, and a recent case challenging a school district’s right to discipline a [...]
Memorial Day is here again. The first of many long weekends in which we relax, enjoy an extra day off and celebrate the coming of summer. It is usually marked by family get-togethers or barbecues, baseball games, gardening and other “all-American” activities. But often in all of this fun and enjoyment, we lose sight of [...]
This month, Jon Vegosen discusses recent cases addressing how far employers must go to accommodate employees’ religious beliefs and psychological conditions, as well as the National Labor Relations Board’s continued efforts against restrictions of employees’ social media posts.
Court: Employers need not allow harassment to accommodate employees’ religious beliefs
In Matthews v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the Seventh [...]
We often think of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as undercover Narcs or SWAT-team-like law enforcement that shows up when bad guys are up to no good. But their job is to keep us safe from harmful substances and this week they’re doing something really great – raiding your medicine cabinet.
This Saturday, April 30th, from [...]
Continue reading about Why You Want the DEA to Raid Your Medicine Cabinet – This Saturday
According to recent speculation, discrimination claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may increase because of a change in the federal law.
The new law expands protection to employees and applicants with mental and psychiatric “disabilities” not previously covered. Furthermore, the EEOC will be more aggressive in enforcing the law. Since more mental conditions are [...]
Continue reading about New ADAAA Rules May Challenge Employers on Psychiatric Disabilities
The other day, I heard about an interesting study by Duke University researchers. It found that doctors often make different recommendations for their patients than they do for themselves.
In a nut shell, when trying to determine a course of treatment for themselves, physicians let their emotions get in the way.
And why wouldn’t they? It is [...]
I’ve just returned from a three week vacation in which I made a concerted effort to disconnect from my office. Amazingly, I was pretty successful at it.
Here I am, the owner of a company that has, for the last 30 years, been in the business of providing employee assistance (EAP), worklife and wellness programs that enable employees and [...]
This month, Jon Vegosen discusses two recent Supreme Court opinions (one regarding the “cat’s paw” theory of discrimination liability and one regarding retaliation), as well as important cases involving employee blogs and computer privacy.
Supreme Court Expands Scope of Liability for Discrimination and Retaliation
The United States Supreme Court issued two employee-friendly decisions on discrimination and retaliation [...]
Sooner or later, every manager gets a terrible feeling in their gut: We have an employee that could ‘snap.’
It’s a legitimate concern for every organization.
Homicide is the second leading cause of workplace deaths and there are nearly 2 million assaults and threats of violence in U.S. workplaces every year.
To add insult to injury, workplace violence [...]
Continue reading about Reducing the Risk of Workplace Violence
This month, Jon Vegosen discusses the implications of the new Illinois Civil Union law for employers, recent cases expanding protection for employees’ discussion of working conditions, and the continuing challenges employers face when seeking to regulate employees’ social media use.
Civil Union Law Affects Employee Benefits
The recently enacted Illinois law legalizing civil unions takes effect on [...]
Continue reading about Employment Law Updates: February 2011
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