HouseJD.com

Pitfalls of Employer Measures Aimed at Avoiding Layoffs

April 1, 2009

by Windy Rosebush Catino (Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge)

Spring 2009 In these tough economic times, many companies have been faced with the necessity of cutting costs, while struggling to retain valued employees who will be needed when their economic situation improves. According to the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, in February 2009, 295,477 workers lost their jobs as a result of 2,769 mass layoff actions taken by employers. However, a recent survey by Watson Wyatt revealed that the number of companies planning future layo...

Tags: Collective Bargaining, Wage and Hour, Employee Benefits, WARN Compliance

In Good Times and Bad: Employers Must Be Proactive To Minimize the Risk of Employment Litigation in A Down Economy

March 2, 2009

by April Upchurch Olsen (Graham & Dunn, P.C.)

With the loss of 600,000 jobs in January alone, and unemployment rates soaring to 7.6%1, many companies are doing everything they can to reduce operating expenses in light of the economic downturn. As a result, many businesses have significantly reduced their workforce by implementing layoffs, or by terminating select employees with substandard performance. Whether your company is considering an isolated termination, or a larger reduction-in-force, there are practical steps that you can (and sho...

Tags: Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Handbooks and Policy Drafting, Sex Discrimination, WARN Compliance, Wrongful Discharge, Employment Litigation