Employer Bulletins

September 14, 2005

GIVE YOUR COMPANY A MAKEOVER FOR 2006!

Constangy is helping clients develop their business priorities and strategy in employment-related matters for the coming year. (Is it that time already? YES.)

Several areas are critical for employers who want to be ahead of the game in 2006: First, employers should review and update employee handbooks and human resources policies in light of changing laws. Second, employers need to have an internal education and training strategy to ensure compliance with state and federal employment laws, and prevent liability.

With the anticipated increase in organizing activity caused by the recent breakup of the AFL-CIO, employers should also ensure that their policies comply with applicable labor laws, and that education and training on union avoidance is in place.

Does your company need a makeover? Take this quick quiz and find out:Policies and Handbooks

  • Do your work rules on confidentiality, abusive language, harassment, false statements, and loitering comply with recent NLRB decisions on employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act?
  • Have you ever updated your “no-solicitation/distribution” policies to address the use of e-mail and other electronic communications?
  • Do you have policies addressing the use of cell phones in work areas and while driving on company business?
  • When was the last time you reviewed your employment-at-will disclaimer in light of evolving state law?
  • Are your business ethics policies compliant with Sarbanes-Oxley?

Education and Training

  • When was the last time you had union avoidance training? Have you assessed your union avoidance strategies in light of the “Change to Win” Coalition?
  • Are you ready to face the often-complicated issues presented by the dramatically-increasing ethnic and religious diversity in our nation?
  • Are you prepared to prevent “whistleblower” retaliation claims under Sarbanes-Oxley?
  • And, by the way, when was the last time you had harassment training – for your employees as well as management?

As always, Constangy is ready to assist you in these areas, and more. Handbook and policy reviews, and supervisory and management training can often be performed on a fixed-fee basis. If you need our assistance, please contact the Constangy attorney of your choice.


Constangy, Brooks & Smith, LLC has counseled employers, exclusively, on labor and employment law matters since 1946. The firm represents Fortune 500 corporations and small companies across the country. More than 100 lawyers work with clients to provide cost-effective legal services and sound preventive advice to enhance the employer-employee relationship. Offices are located in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Virginia, Missouri, and Texas. For more information about the firm's labor and employment services, visit www.constangy.com, or call toll free at 866-843-9555.


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