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Overview: Employee terminations are restricted for certain reasons or without proper procedures. While Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act prohibits termination which discriminates against protected classes of workers, state law can be more expansive in creating classes of workers who are eligible for such protections, shielding employees who are not covered by federal law. Similarly, some states have broader restrictions against retaliatory terminations for certain types of protected activities, like filing workers' compensation claims and for blowing the whistle on unlawful or wasteful practices in the workplace.
Federal and state law also requires employers to utilize notification procedures when they plan to lay off large numbers of employees or close an entire facility. The federal WARN Act sets the minimum standard for covered employers, but some states impose even stricter requirements on employers based on the number of employees they plan to discharge.
Employees leave a company for other reasons as well, through retirement and resignations, some of which can be viewed as forced resignations or constructive discharges. Exit interviews and managing the exit process should be handled consistently and in compliance with federal and state law.
Trends: Employers are increasingly gravitating toward severance packages for employees terminated involuntarily in exchange for waivers or releases of claims against the employer. With these systems in place, employers can preemptively eliminate post-termination threats by providing outgoing employees with something of value. Employers must be prudent, however, in ensuring that such termination agreements are enforceable by crafting agreements in easily digestible language, providing valuable consideration in exchange for waivers and fully documenting the exchange.
Author: Michael Jacobson, JD, Legal Editor
It is critical that financial services industry employers understand the consequences of noncompliance with the many laws that apply to this highly regulated industry. This Legal Insight highlights some of the more notable legal requirements to help HR spot potential issues. By becoming more familiar with the growing number of rules applicable to the financial services industry, employers can and should take proactive steps to ensure compliance and thereby lessen any risk of civil and/or criminal liability.
In-depth review of the spectrum of New York employment law requirements HR must follow with respect to involuntary terminations.
XpertHR's High-Tech Resource Center for HR helps high-tech employers handle their most challenging employment issues by bringing relevant resources together in one place for easy access.
XpertHR's Retail Resource Center for HR helps retail employers handle their most vexing employment issues by bringing relevant resources together in one place for easy access.
XpertHR's Transportation Resource Center for HR helps transportation employers handle their most vexing employment issues by bringing relevant resources together in one place for easy access.
XpertHR has enhanced two sections in its Employment Law Manual addressing a major exception to claims for retaliatory discharge in violation of public policy in Tennessee. Employers with locations in Tennessee should familiarize themselves with the exception to stay abreast of the constantly-changing landscape of law derived from the employment at-will doctrine.
Mesa, Arizona requires all employers to post the Constructive Discharge Notice.
In-depth review of the spectrum of Rhode Island employment law requirements HR must follow with respect health care continuation (COBRA).
The Nevada Information for the Unemployed Worker poster, mandated by the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, is to be given to each employee who is laid off or who otherwise terminates employment.
To help employers in the high-tech/software and communications industries manage their unique HR issues, XpertHR has added the High-Tech/Software and Communications Resource Center for HR. This industry-tailored Resource Center brings the most relevant resources together in one place for easy access and is continually updated to include the most current information.
Guidance for HR on understanding and complying with federal and state law regarding legal and fair employee terminations.