The Growth Company periodically publishes a newsletter for managers and Human Resource professionals providing timely advise and proven methods for keeping your employees happy and productive.

Click on any of the following for a useful, enjoyable read.

Arbitration Compared to Litigation
Do you feel a need for an arbitration hearing? An arbitration hearing is adversarial, like a court trial without a jury. There are opening statements, witnesses are placed under oath and cross-examined, exhibits are marked and submitted, and closing arguments are presented either orally or in post-hearing briefs. Full Article »

Major Revamp of Child Labor Regulations
This month, new child labor regulations issued by the Department of Labor take effect and the DOL states that the changes are “the most far reaching changes in child labor laws in thirty years.” Generally, you cannot employ a minor under the age of 14 and hours are restricted for minors under 16. Full Article »

Can You Reduce An Employee's Pay "At Will"?
You can fire at will. Can you reduce pay at will – or, if your employee resigns in protest, might you wind up on the losing end of a lawsuit? The landmark Singh v. Southland Stone case shows both sides of this complicated issue. Full Article »

Common FMLA Mistake
Even well-intentioned managers can mistakenly deny FMLA leave to employees who need the leave to care for a grandparent or grandchild. Generally, the federal FMLA gives employees the right to leave to care for a spouse, child or parent but doesn’t cover grandparents or grandchildren. Full Article »

Employee Smokes Grass
Several months ago, a newsletter reader called us because one of their most highly valued employees was smoking grass – but not at work. The issue … totally sticky – given safety concerns, privacy rights, criminal issues, the lack of a drug policy and national trends. This reader has given us permission to discuss several of the key issues, though not the full details. Full Article »

"Ask Lynne Curry" July 2010
Lynne answers your questions about: Two-Faced Co-Workers and Who Pays for Parking Tickets---You or Your Employer? Full Article »

ALASKA SUPREME COURT ISSUES NEW OPIONION
Alaska Supreme Court Issues New Opionion Addressing Implied Covenant and Constructive Discharge Claims By Attorney Kate Williams - Birch, Horton, Bittner and Cherot Full Article »

5 Week Employee Wins $1.2 Million
5 Week Employee Wins $1.2 Million Lynne Curry, Ph.D., SPHR According to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, when Amanda West’s employer failed to take appropriate corrective action steps after she complained of co-worker harassment, it indicated an attitude of permissiveness that amounted to discrimination. The story: Tyson Foods Inc. hired West and told her company policy required any employee who suffered harassment to report it to the employee’s supervisor. Full Article »

New ADA Court Case…May Be a Game Changer
New ADA Court Case…May Be a Game Changer By Andy Brown, J.D., MPA Although not a 9th Circuit case, a recent case that falls under the jurisdiction of the 9th Circuit recently found that employers may be liable under the ADA for language in employee health questionnaires that is vague or overbroad. The case, Scott v. Napolitano, is a federal case in the District of California filed by an employee who refused to answer the health questions, was terminated and sued. Full Article »

Don’t Count on the Statue of Limitations
Don’t Count on the Statue of Limitations Lynne Curry, Ph.D., SPHR In a landmark February 2010 ruling, 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed an employer’s grant of summary judgment, allowing The Saloon waiter Paul Turner to use alleged acts of harassment that the district court considered time-barred by the statute of limitations because Turner could point to an incident that occurred within the limitations period. Full Article »

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