Dear HR, I would like to offer more vacation time and a higher level of insurance to my managers. Is it legal for me to offer different benefit packages to my employees based on their job classification or work duties? HR Answer: Yes. It is legal to offer your employees different benefits as long as you are not distinguishing between your employees based on a protected class such as disability, religion, gender, race etc. […]
Dear HR, My onsite manager has been requiring staff to pay till shortages out of our own pockets when shortages occur. Is this practice legal? HR Answer: No. Oregon Law does not allow deductions from wages or reimbursement for shortages, breakages, losses, or theft. Managers/Employers should clearly communicate their cash handling procedures and policies. If an employee does not follow proper cash handling procedures and policies, then corrective action such as discipline up to, and […]
Dear HR, I’m writing for help—How do I file a report that my supervisor has been making racial comments directed towards me and is making me feel uncomfortable? What can I do to stop the problem? HR Answer: Thank you for reporting this issue to HR immediately since talking to your supervisor is not an option. We take reports of harassment and discrimination very seriously. HR will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation. If a […]
Dear HR, A current employee has inquired about alcohol rehab programs. My question is, if they took a couple of months off to get “sorted out” would they be able to continue employment after treatment? Would that be a situation that falls under OFLA/FMLA? HR Answer: Alcoholism could be considered a “serious health condition” under the FMLA/OFLA. An employee may take FMLA/OFLA leave to enter a treatment program. FMLA/OFLA will not protect absences resulting […]
Dear HR, At a recent board meeting of our non-profit organization, our team gave huge kudos to a team member for putting in some extra hours. This raised a red flag in my mind — Does this employee need to be paid for all these “extra hours?” HR Answer: Yes! Way to notice those wage and hour red flags! Employees’ hours worked should not be exceeding what is reported on the timecard. We understand due to […]
Dear HR, I have been noticing an employee’s register with reoccurring shortages in the $10-$15 range. Employees start with a new balanced till at the beginning of their shift and no one else has access to the till for the remainder of the day. I do not want to fire them unnecessarily, but I need to get these discrepancies under control! HR Answer: If you believe that the employee is making an honest mistake on their till, we recommend speaking with […]
Dear HR, Our potential new hire has tested positive for THC – do I really have to wait an entire 180 days to hire my employee that has been tested? HR Answer: Although it is our policy to wait 180 days — since you have known the new hire for some time now and your workplace requires additional help immediately, we offer an exception clause that can be used sparingly. The new hire can sign a “Last Chance […]
Dear HR, A valued employee was recently involved in a car accident on the job while doing company work. The employee sought medical attention and was advised by the doctor not to work for one week and to schedule a follow up appointment. While of course we want to honor the doctor’s orders – We have work that NEEDS to be done this week. Can I replace my injured employee? HR Answer: Although the […]
Dear HR, I am an employee at a client of Cardinal’s – I called my site supervisor this morning to let them know I would not be able to report to work on time, if at all today –due to a domestic situation that occurred last night and needed my attention that following day (which included filing a court restraining order and child custody papers). My supervisor did not respond favorably and hinted at a […]
Dear HR, Our normal workplace hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, on Fridays we have a staff meeting in the afternoon. On these days staff takes a 30-minute break in the morning and then takes a few minutes before the afternoon meeting to fix food. What breaks should I be paying vs unpaid lunch time? HR Answer: Based on the Oregon BOLI rules, employees should be getting two 10-minute paid breaks and […]