Most Popular

Random Alcohol and Drug Testing in Safety-Sensitive Positions

By Rachel Ravary and Philippe Lacoursière McCarthy Tetrault Earlier this year, we reported on the decision of the Alberta Court of Appeal in Chiasson v. Kellogg Brown & Root (see the January 22, 2008, blog entry titled Ruling helps Alberta employers defend preemployment testing challenges), which upheld an employer’s right to perform mandatory preemployment alcohol […]

Adviser Identifies Ways Plan Sponsors Can Manage Fiduciary Risk

Although defined benefit pension plan sponsors have engaged investment managers for years, it’s only recently that defined contribution plan sponsors have begun exploring this option to limit liability risk for their fiduciary role. “Because employers want to avoid litigation, which could result in personal liability for investment committee members, many plan sponsors are seeking ways […]

Passing on disabled candidates for safety reasons is risky business

by Erica E. Flores Election season can bring out the best and worst in our nation. The important issues that should be the focus sometimes take a backseat to headline-grabbing one-liners. But true leaders emerge at some point in nearly every campaign. It remains to be seen which of this cycle’s large group of presidential […]

Employment References: New Supreme Court Ruling Increases Your Risk; 3 Self-Defense Tips

In a blow to employers, the California Supreme Court has ruled that three school districts can be sued for giving enthusiastic job references that left out a vice-principal’s history of alleged sexual misconduct with students. This decision highlights the risks of giving reference letters, even when everything you say is positive.

Pros and Cons of a Returnship

We’ve previously explained what a “returnship” is. In short, it’s a recruiting program focused on individuals who are returning to the workforce after some form of extended absence.

Tricky Administrative Exemption Trips Up the Best

The Administrative Exemption: it’s where the greatest number of employers go wrong and no surprise, says attorney Susan G. Fentin—it’s the broadest and most ambiguous exemption of them all. In yesterday’s Advisor, Fentin helped us understand the huge dollar risks in mistaken exemption decisions. Today, how to determine if your employees meet the tricky administrative […]

skills

Siemens Brings German-Style Apprenticeship Program to U.S. to Combat Skills Gap

Companies in the United States often bemoan what they see as a skills gap. They say that while there are applicants available for their job openings, those applicants just don’t have the requisite skills and/or education to successfully perform the essential functions of these jobs. The problem becomes increasingly acute when, as is currently the […]