This audio conference was recorded on Thursday - July 16, 2009

Credits:

This program has been approved for 1.5 recertification credit hours toward PHR and SPHR recertification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HRCI homepage at www.hrci.org. The use of this seal is not an endorsement by HRCI of the quality of the program. It means that this program has met HRCI’s criteria to be pre-approved for recertification.

Description:

With the recession dragging on, more and more companies are struggling to stay afloat. Many are turning to layoffs and RIFs to cut costs. But you won’t save any money – and, in fact, could be on the hook for more than you ever bargained for - if your staff reductions lead to lawsuits brought by former workers who claim you violated their rights.

It’s important to ensure that the employee selection process you use is fair and consistent. Also, even if your selection criteria are valid, you can get into trouble for failing to properly calculate final pay and provide proper notices to employees. You might also find that your severance agreements, if improperly drafted, fail to protect you from future litigation.

Order this in-depth 90-minute audio conference recording all about how to legally conduct a RIF and avoid drowning in a sea of layoff-related litigation. Our expert – an experienced labor and employment attorney – will explain, step by step, how to avoid the legal traps that have ensnared countless other employers.

Speaker(s):

Shane K. Anderies, Esq., is an associate with Shaw Valenza, LLP in the law firm’s San Francisco office. He provides training, advice, and counsel to public and private sector employers on subjects ranging from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation prevention; to respect and professionalism in the workplace; diversity; wage and hour compliance; and managing protected leaves of absence. He also represents employers in litigation before federal, state, and local courts and administrative agencies.

You and your colleagues will learn:

• How to comply with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act)
• Effective tips for avoiding discrimination and wrongful termination claims during the layoff selection process
• How layoff decisions affect workers on leaves of absence
• The proper way to administer final pay at time of termination
• What documents to provide to every departing worker
• How to use severance agreements and releases as part of a RIF