Principles of employment law

cover image

Where to find it

Law Library — 2nd Floor Collection (2nd floor)

Call Number
KF3455 .P75 2009
Status
Available

Summary

This book provides a comprehensive overview of employment law and is a useful supplement to any employment law casebook. The book is divided into six chapters. Chapter 1 examines who is an employee and who is an employer. Chapter 2 analyzes the employment-at-will doctrine and job security claims. Chapter 3 focuses on privacy, autonomy, and dignity. Chapter 4 analyzes claims that employers may have against employees. Chapter 5 discusses employment terms and benefits that are directly mandated by law, like minimum wage, or strongly encouraged or regulated by law, such as pensions. Finally, Chapter 6 examines workplace health and safety.

Contents

  • Chapter 1 Defining the Employment Relationship p. 1
  • §1.1 Who Is an Employee? p. 1
  • 1.1.1 The Employee Versus the Independent Contractor p. 1
  • 1.1.1.1 What Is at Stake? p. 1
  • 1.1.1.2 Determining a Worker's Status p. 2
  • 1.1.1.2.1 The Common Law Test p. 4
  • 1.1.1.2.2 The Economic Reality Test p. 5
  • 1.1.1.2.3 The Hybrid Test p. 10
  • 1.1.1.3 Critical Appraisals of the Employee/Independent Contractor Distinction p. 11
  • 1.1.2 Individuals Who Cannot Be Employed p. 12
  • 1.1.2.1 Children p. 12
  • 1.1.2.2 Undocumented Workers p. 14
  • §1.2 Who Is an Employer? p. 16
  • 1.2.1 The Employee/Employer Distinction p. 16
  • 1.2.2 Multiple Potential Employers p. 18
  • Chapter 2 Job Security p. 20
  • §2.1 The Employment-at-Will Doctrine p. 21
  • §2.2 Statutory Protections p. 22
  • §2.3 Common Law Protections p. 23
  • §2.4 Is Employment at Will the Default Rule? p. 23
  • §2.5 Contract Based Modifications to Employment at Will p. 24
  • 2.5.1 Express Contract Modifications p. 24
  • 2.5.1.1 Just-Cause Contracts p. 24
  • 2.5.1.2 Specific Duration Contracts p. 27
  • 2.5.1.3 What Is Just Cause? p. 29
  • 2.5.2 Implied Contract Modifications p. 30
  • 2.5.2.1 The Case of Employee Handbooks p. 30
  • 2.5.2.1.1 Legal Standard p. 31
  • 2.5.2.1.2 Disclaimers p. 33
  • 2.5.2.1.3 Handbook Modifications p. 34
  • 2.5.2.2 Implied-in-Fact Contracts p. 36
  • 2.5.3 Promissory Estoppel p. 37
  • 2.5.4 Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing p. 38
  • §2.6 Tort Based Modifications to Employment at Will p. 40
  • 2.6.1 Discharge in Violation of Public Policy p. 40
  • 2.6.1.1 What Is Public Policy? p. 42
  • 2.6.1.2 Public Versus Private Concerns p. 44
  • 2.6.1.3 Elements of a Successful Claim p. 46
  • 2.6.1.4 Activities Protected by the Tort p. 47
  • 2.6.1.4.1 Refusing to Engage in Illegal Conduct p. 48
  • 2.6.1.4.2 Performing a Public Obligation p. 50
  • 2.6.1.4.3 Exercising a Legal Right or Privilege p. 50
  • 2.6.1.4.4 Reporting a Statutory Violation p. 52
  • 2.6.1.5 Preclusion p. 54
  • 2.6.1.5.1 Exclusivity Concerns p. 54
  • 2.6.1.5.2 Preemption Concerns p. 56
  • 2.6.1.6 In-House Attorneys and the Tort of Wrongful Discharge p. 57
  • 2.6.2 Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress p. 60
  • 2.6.3 Intentional Interference With Contractual Relations p. 63
  • §2.7 Reform Efforts and the at-Will Doctrine p. 66
  • 2.7.1 The Montana Wrongful Discharge From Employment Act p. 67
  • 2.7.2 The Model Employment Termination Act p. 68
  • 2.7.3 The American Law Institute's Proposed Restatement of the Law Third, Employment Law p. 69
  • Chapter 3 Privacy, Autonomy and Dignity in the Workplace p. 71
  • §3.1 Protections Regarding Speech and Association p. 72
  • 3.1.1 Constitutional Protection for Speech p. 72
  • 3.1.2 Constitutional Protection for Association p. 78
  • 3.1.3 Statutory Protection p. 80
  • 3.1.3.1 Private Sector Labor Law p. 80
  • 3.1.3.2 Public Sector Labor Laws p. 83
  • 3.1.3.3 Other State Laws p. 84
  • §3.2 Protection From Instrusive Employment Practices p. 85
  • 3.2.1 Background Investigations p. 86
  • 3.2.2 Interrogation p. 94
  • 3.2.2.1 Statutory Restrictions p. 94
  • 3.2.2.2 Constitutional Restrictions p. 96
  • 3.2.3 Searches p. 97
  • 3.2.3.1 Constitutional Limitations p. 97
  • §3.2 Protection From Intrusive Employment Practices-Continued
  • 3.2.3.2 Invasion of Privacy and Other Tort Claims p. 100
  • 3.2.3.3 Statutory Restrictions p. 101
  • 3.2.4 Surveillance and Monitoring p. 102
  • 3.2.4.1 Constitutional Restrictions p. 102
  • 3.2.4.2 Invasion of Privacy and Other Tort Claims p. 103
  • 3.2.4.3 Statutory Restrictions p. 105
  • 3.2.4.4 A Duty to Monitor? p. 106
  • 3.2.5 Pre-Employment and Employment Testing p. 106
  • 3.2.5.1 Polygraph Examinations p. 106
  • 3.2.5.2 Honesty Tests p. 108
  • 3.2.5.3 Psychological and Personality Tests p. 109
  • 3.2.5.4 Medical Tests p. 110
  • 3.2.5.5 Genetic Testing p. 111
  • 3.2.5.6 Drug Testing p. 113
  • 3.2.5.6.1 Constitutional Restrictions p. 114
  • 3.2.5.6.2 Statutory Restrictions p. 115
  • 3.2.5.6.3 Common Law Claims p. 116
  • 3.2.6 Regulation of Off-Work Activity p. 117
  • 3.2.6.1 Constitutional Protections p. 117
  • 3.2.6.2 Common Law Claims p. 118
  • 3.2.6.3 Statutory Claims p. 121
  • 3.2.6.4 Contractual Claims p. 123
  • 3.2.7 Grooming and Dress Restrictions p. 123
  • 3.2.7.1 Constitutional Claims p. 124
  • 3.2.7.2 Statutory Causes of Action p. 125
  • §3.3 Negligent Hiring, Supervision and Retention p. 128
  • Chapter 4 Employee Obligations to Employers p. 132
  • §4.1 Implied Duty of Loyalty p. 133
  • 4.1.1 Soliciting Customers or Co-Workers p. 134
  • 4.1.2 Assisting a Competitor p. 135
  • 4.1.3 Remedies p. 136
  • §4.2 Trade Secrets p. 136
  • 4.2.1 Definition of Trade Secrets p. 136
  • 4.2.2 Misappropriation of Trade Secrets p. 139
  • §4.3 Employee Inventions p. 141
  • 4.3.1 The Shop Right Doctrine p. 142
  • 4.3.2 "Holdover" Provisions p. 143
  • 4.3.3 Statutory Protections p. 144
  • §4.4 Noncompetition Covenants p. 145
  • 4.4.1 Enforceability p. 145
  • 4.4.2 Remedies p. 150
  • 4.4.3 Noncompetition Agreements and Lawyers p. 151
  • Chapter 5 Mandated Terms and Conditions of Employment p. 152
  • §5.1 Wages and Hours p. 152
  • 5.1.1 Introduction p. 152
  • 5.1.2 Fair Labor Standards Act p. 154
  • 5.1.2.1 Overview p. 154
  • 5.1.2.2 Substantive Obligations p. 154
  • 5.1.2.2.1 Minimum Wage p. 155
  • 5.1.2.2.2 Overtime Pay p. 156
  • 5.1.2.2.3 Child Labor Restrictions p. 156
  • 5.1.2.3 Coverage p. 157
  • 5.1.2.3.1 The Employer-Employee Relationship p. 157
  • 5.1.2.3.2 Individual or Enterprise Coverage p. 158
  • 5.1.2.3.3 Exempt and Nonexempt Employees p. 160
  • 5.1.2.4 Implementation Problems p. 164
  • 5.1.2.4.1 Defining Compensable Time p. 164
  • 5.1.2.4.2 Determining the Base Rate p. 166
  • 5.1.2.5 Enforcement Issues p. 168
  • 5.1.3 Living Wage Ordinances p. 170
  • 5.1.4 State Wage Payments Laws p. 171
  • 5.1.5 Equal Pay Act p. 173
  • 5.1.5.1 Overview p. 173
  • 5.1.5.2 Elements of a Violation p. 174
  • 5.1.5.3 Employer's Defenses p. 175
  • 5.1.5.4 Remedies p. 176
  • §5.2 Family and Medical Leave Act p. 177
  • 5.2.1 Overview p. 177
  • 5.2.2 Typically Litigated Issues p. 180
  • 5.2.2.1 What is a Serious Health Condition? p. 181
  • 5.2.2.2 Notice Questions p. 182
  • 5.2.2.3 Employee's Reinstatement to the Same or Equivalent Position p. 183
  • §5.3 Employee Retirement Income Security Act p. 184
  • 5.3.1 Overview p. 184
  • 5.3.1.1 Coverage of ERISA p. 185
  • 5.3.1.2 What Is a Plan? p. 186
  • 5.3.1.3 Who Is an Employee? p. 187
  • 5.3.1.4 Reporting and Disclosure Obligations p. 188
  • 5.3.2 Pension Plans p. 190
  • 5.3.2.1 Types of Pension Plans p. 190
  • 5.3.2.2 Minimum Plan Design Features p. 192
  • §5.3 Employee Retirement Income Security Act-Continued
  • 5.3.2.3 Code Limitations and Nondiscrimination Rules p. 195
  • 5.3.2.4 Plan Termination and Insurance p. 196
  • 5.3.2.5 Amendment of Pension Plans p. 199
  • 5.3.3 Welfare Plans p. 199
  • 5.3.3.1 Types of Welfare Benefit Plans p. 200
  • 5.3.3.2 Regulation of Health Plans p. 201
  • 5.3.3.3 Amendment of Welfare Plans p. 203
  • 5.3.4 Fiduciary Regulation p. 204
  • 5.3.4.1 Who Is a Fiduciary? p. 204
  • 5.3.4.2 Fiduciary Standards p. 206
  • 5.3.4.3 Prohibited Transactions p. 208
  • 5.3.4.4 Special Issues Regarding 401(k) Plans p. 209
  • 5.3.5 Enforcement p. 210
  • 5.3.5.1 Causes of Action Under ERISA p. 210
  • 5.3.5.2 Remedies p. 211
  • 5.3.5.3 Preemption p. 212
  • §5.4 Unemployment Compensation p. 215
  • 5.4.1 Overview of the Program p. 215
  • 5.4.1.1 Coverage p. 215
  • 5.4.1.2 Taxes p. 216
  • 5.4.1.3 Benefits p. 217
  • 5.4.1.3.1 Qualifying Requirements p. 217
  • 5.4.1.3.2 Amount of Benefits p. 217
  • 5.4.1.3.3 Duration of Benefits p. 218
  • 5.4.1.3.4 Disqualification for Benefits p. 218
  • 5.4.1.4 Administration p. 219
  • 5.4.1.5 Preclusion of Other Claims p. 220
  • 5.4.2 Eligibility p. 220
  • 5.4.2.1 Circumstances of Separation p. 220
  • 5.4.2.1.1 Voluntary Quit p. 221
  • 5.4.2.1.2 Termination p. 222
  • 5.4.2.1.3 Unemployment Resulting From a Labor Dispute p. 224
  • 5.4.2.2 Continuing Eligibility p. 226
  • 5.4.3 Critical Perspectives p. 228
  • §5.5 Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act p. 229
  • 5.5.1 Coverage p. 229
  • 5.5.2 Notice Required p. 230
  • 5.5.3 Employer Defenses to the Failure to Give Required Notice p. 230
  • 5.5.4 Enforcement p. 231
  • Chapter 6 The Regulation of Workplace Health and Safety p. 235
  • §6.1 Workers' Compensation p. 235
  • 6.1.1 Overview p. 235
  • 6.1.2 The Exclusivity Principle p. 237
  • 6.1.2.1 Intentional Conduct p. 238
  • 6.1.2.2 The Dual Capacity & Dual Persona Doctrines p. 239
  • 6.1.3 Injuries and Occupational Diseases p. 241
  • 6.1.4 The Course of Employment p. 244
  • 6.1.4.1 The Personal Comfort Doctrine p. 244
  • 6.1.4.2 The Horseplay Rule p. 245
  • 6.1.4.3 Recreational and Social Events p. 247
  • 6.1.4.4 The Going and Coming Rule p. 248
  • 6.1.4.4.1 The Special Mission Exception p. 249
  • 6.1.4.4.2 Premise Line Exception p. 249
  • 6.1.4.4.3 Employer Conveyance Exception p. 250
  • 6.1.4.4.4 Travelling Employee Exception p. 250
  • 6.1.5 Arising Out of Employment p. 251
  • 6.1.5.1 Increased Risk Test p. 252
  • 6.1.5.2 Actual Risk Test p. 252
  • 6.1.5.3 Positional Risk Test p. 253
  • The Statutory Defense of Willful Misconduct p. 253
  • §6.2 Occupational Safety and Health Act p. 254
  • 6.2.1 Coverage p. 254
  • 6.2.2 Procedural Overview p. 255
  • 6.2.3 Employer Duties p. 257
  • 6.2.4 Standards Promulgation p. 258
  • 6.2.5 Establishing a Violation of an OSHA Standard p. 260
  • 6.2.5.1 Specific Duty Clause Violation p. 260
  • 6.2.5.2 General Duty Clause Violation p. 262
  • 6.2.5.3 Employer Defenses p. 264
  • 6.2.5.3.1 Unpreventable Employee Misconduct p. 265
  • 6.2.5.3.2 Infeasibility p. 265
  • 6.2.5.3.3 Greater Hazard p. 266
  • 6.2.6 Employee Rights and Responsibilities p. 266
  • 6.2.6.1 Overview of Rights p. 266
  • 6.2.6.2 The Right To Be Free from Retaliation p. 267
  • 6.2.6.3 Employee Responsibilities p. 268
  • Table of Cases p. 271
  • Index p. 297

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