The Texas Supreme Court has once again overturned a jury verdict and a successful appeal by a plaintiff. In Whirlpool, Inc. v. Camacho, Texas’ highest civil court found deficient the testimony of an expert who testified that a fire was caused by a faulty dryer. The fire took the life of teenage Joab Camacho
Employees Required to Check Work Email after Hours
Gene Lee writes a good post about whether workers should be paid for checking email after hours. More and more employees are being required to check their email after work. Accoding to a 2008 Pew internet survey, 50% of workers said they check their work email on weekends. 20% of workers said they were required
Unemployment Down to 10%
For the first time in months, the national unemployment rate has dropped. Down to a "mere" 10%……..
But, as the Workplace Prof mentions, that does not mean it will continue to decrease. In fact, it might well increase before it decreases. Since, once things start looking better, folks who had given up will re-enter
Texas Unemployment Benefits Can be a Mystery
Applying for unemployment benefits is a bit of a mystery, even to those of us who do employment law. Fortunately, TWC has some pretty good information online to explain the process. In general, you get unemployment benefits if you lose a job through no fault of yours. So, if you have committed some work
Oprah Explains the Family Medical Leave Act
We can count on Oprah for many things. One is a recent explanation of the rights for new mothers under the Family Medical Leave Act. Thanks, Oprah.
Risky Behavior Can Include Posting Pictures on Facebook
So, you’re diagnosed with depression. It will not get better. You are unemployed for a year and a half. Your problems mount. You live in Canada, so you see see gray skies everyday. Then, your doctor tells you to get away to some sunny climate for a brief time. You take a trip, take some
Worker Loses Job over Obscenity in Email
School employee loses job because he sent an email containing a one word obscenity to a blog. See ABA article. When the employee was confronted with the email, he resigned. Another example of someone who publishes something controversial on the internet under the mistaken belief no one will ever see it.
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act Takes Effect
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) takes effect Nov. 21. GINA prohibits discrimination based on genetic information. Among its provisions, it will prohibit insurance companies and employers from requesting family medical history from employees except for a few circcumstances. It will prohibit insurance companies from using family history information to set premiums or
Vets Day: This Generation has Heroes, Too
Today comes another Veteran’s Day. Many of us recall a grandfather who served or an uncle who endured. But, as Pres. Obama, noted, the same service we grew up hearing about occurs today, everyday. The 13 who died at Ft. Hood exemplify the thousands who have endured in this generation’s two wars.
CW2 (Ret)
San Antonio Manager Forbids Speaking Spanish
I do not what is going on, but there is another story about a Manager allegedly telling her employees not to speak Spanish in the workplace. See local San Antonio Express News story. This was regarding a non-profit agency. Sometimes, I just wish I could give a massive presentation to all Managers and manager