Pig of a Businessman.jpgWorkplace bullying was front and center this week as the Miami Dolphins organization scrambled to address reports that its starting offensive tackle Jonathan Martin left the team indefinitely because of bullying from teammates.

ESPN reported that this bullying included Mr. Martin’s teammate, Richie Incognito, leaving Martin the following (disturbing) voicemail after Mr. Martin was drafted

Rainbow Flag.jpgTomorrow Royal Oak (Michigan) votes on a local ordinance that would prohibit discrimination in housing and employment against gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals.

The Royal Oak City Commission passed the ordinance in March, but enough residents signed a petition to keep it from taking effect. If this ordinance is enacted, Royal Oak would join approximately

Injured by Chance.jpgWhistleblower claims routinely make the headlines. And for employers, whistleblower claims increase the chance of liability even in what should be otherwise routine adverse employment decisions.

By way of example, a number of years ago, I represented an employer in what should have been a garden variety wrongful discharge lawsuit. However, because of

Jim_Leyland_pregame_at_Dodger_Stadium (1).jpgJim Leyland, the now former manager for the Detroit Tigers, officially announced his resignation today. Under his tenure, which lasted eight seasons, Mr. Leyland took the Tigers to two World Series and had an overall record of 700-597.

An example in “what not to do” in managing a company’s human resources.

Mr. Leyland’s tenure

No in Red.jpgWhile maybe not quite as exciting as last night’s fantastic win by the Detroit Tigers, Michigan employers got a great win this week from the Michigan Court of Appeals involving a claim for wrongful termination in violation of a public policy.

Specifically, in Irwin v Ciena Health Care Management, Inc. (PDF), a nurse was employed

Signing Contract.jpgOn August 6, 2013, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals (the federal jurisdiction that includes Michigan) ruled that provisions in employment agreements that shorten the statute of limitations period in which employees are permitted to file claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Equal Pay Act (EPA) are invalid.

Specifically, in Boaz v