In this morning’s paper I noticed that Dear Abby a/k/a Jeanne Phillips dispensed a little advice concerning the sexual harassment of "Millie".
While I didn’t have major problems with the advice in the column ("Dear Abby" thinks Millie should report the inappropriate behavior by one of the firm’s clients to her boss), I wondered
Washington employment lawyer Donald Heyrich details some recent huge verdicts against 
employers. The verdicts in his report range all the way up to a whopping $47 million.
Looking to avoid big verdicts? I say treat employees with RESPECT and keep in mind the Golden Rule of Employee Relations: Fairness. Unfortunately too many employers forget these
Many Iowa business owners think the new Iowa SmokeFree Air Act only applies to bars and restaurants. Not so!
Check out my post today on the Des Moines Business Record’s IowaBiz site for more details.
Employment law guru Mark Toth has some very helpful "cheat sheets" covering the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).
Mark says there are more cheat sheets to come. Also, you would be smart to attend his free Webinar on July 30th for Every Employment Law in 60 Minutes
Liz Overton recently discussed the latest blow suffered by Wal-Mart on wage and hour claims over on the Iowa Law Blog.
I predict It’s only a matter of time before wage and hour class action claims impact more mid-sized and smaller companies. It’s the one area where plaintiff’s attorneys are experiencing success.
Read also my previous
With the help of Doug Mitchell and Andy Brudtkuhl I will be going live with an Interactive Learning Environment to complement this blog very soon. The Rush on Business Legal Wire will focus primarily on employment law, franchise due diligence / investigation issues and business purchase or sale considerations. I also hope to attract top speakers to participate in
Don’t forget that Iowa’s smoking ban in public places starts July 1, 2008. If you are a business interested in learning more about compliance with the new law please visit the Iowa Department of Public Heath site at www.iowasmokefreeair.gov.
An informative Q & A concerning the smoking ban is available here.
Bar
Employers have an obligation to prevent sexual and other forms of harassment in the workplace. Unfortunately some employers are under the mistaken belief that their sexual harassment policy adequately covers them. Here are some common mistakes I have noticed while conducting employment compliance reviews:
Nascar has been sued by a former technical inspector in the Nationwide series. The African-American woman seeks at least $225 million in her claims for sexual harassment, racial and gender discrimination and wrongful termination. In the lawsuit, she alleged she was referred to as "Nappy Headed Mo" and "Queen Sheba," by co-workers, was often told she
In the film Evan Almighty everyone believes Evan has lost his mind when he begins building an ark next to his home to protect against an upcoming flood. Right now, in Iowa, no one would proclaim him crazy. Our recent flooding has once again wrecked havoc to homes and businesses throughout Iowa.
So how do you
