February may be the month of shadow-dodging groundhogs, saluting sweethearts and honoring presidents, but it's no party on the labor and employment scene. Security risks, drugs vs. disabilities, even when a volunteer is not a volunteer are all issues that we aim to alert you to this month. Will it be six more weeks of winter for employers, or is spring in the air?
In states where medical marijuana has been legalized, employers are increasingly faced with situations where a legitimately disabled employee who uses marijuana to treat his or her symptoms runs afoul of the company's drug policy and is terminated as a result. Employers need to be clear when the basis for termination is for drug use in violation of the company's policy, and make sure the policy is consistently enforced. More...
The difference between an unpaid volunteer and a paid employee would seem to be clear, but the recent case of Sister Michael Marie, et al. v. American Red Cross, et al. proved that may not always be the case. Employers would do well to set parameters and pay close attention to what volunteers are "volunteering" to do on behalf of or in conjunction with their companies. More...
Retaliation again tops the list of workplace discrimination charges, reaching a record high in 2014. More...
This month: Helpful guidance in a tricky I-9 situation, and a "Known Employer" program in development. More...
Through the use of mobile devices and apps, companies may be unintentionally exposing themselves to significant security and privacy risks relating to their confidential, proprietary, personal or other data. The National Institute of Standards and Technology recently released a guide to help companies assess their risk. More...