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• Employer Quandaries On Same-Sex Marriage ( December 2003 )
  Burns & Levinson LLP

  In Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts recently decided that under the Constitution of the Commonwealth, it is unlawful to deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples. As a result, it is possible that by sometime next year, same-sex couples will be permitted to marry in Massachusetts and be subject to the rights and responsibilities of civil marriage.

• Tolerating Your Co-Workers ( September 2003 )
  Karen  Sutherland of Ogden Murphy Wallace, P.L.L.C.

  Tolerance of co-workers can be more than an ethical or a management issue. In fact, the law does not require fair and courteous treatment of all employees. This article is intended for co-workers, but also for human resources professionals or other managers advising their company on issues that they face in having their co-workers tolerate each other.

• Tips on Tackling Two Major FMLA Challenges: Intermittent FMLA Leave and Terminations During FMLA Leave ( August 2003 )
  Pamela M. Ploor and Alexis L. Pheiffer of Quarles & Brady LLP

  Although HR professionals may often feel otherwise, the FMLA is not an employee's passport to take protected leave whenever and under whatever conditions the employee pleases.

• Illinois General Assembly Passes Bill Granting FMLA-Type Leave Rights to Domestic and Sexual Violence Victims ( July 2003 )
  Neil G. Wolf and Michael F. Rosenblum of Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP

  The Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act, passed by the Illinois General Assembly on June 1, 2003, awaits action by Governor Rod Blagojevich. If the Act becomes law, it will create a major new set of employers' duties and employees' rights. Modeled generally on the federal Family and Medical Leave Act ("FMLA"), the Illinois Act grants up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, in a 12-month period, to a victim of domestic or sexual violence (which includes domestic violence, sexual abuse or stalking, each as defined by the Illinois Criminal Code).

• Employee Satisfaction -- The Key to a Successful Company ( June 2003 )
  Shelly L. Freeman of Lathrop Gage

  We know these truths to be self-evident: that the success of any company is directly linked to the satisfaction of the employees who embody that company; that retaining talented people is critical to the success of any organization; and that no matter how temporarily challenged the economy may be, ultimately, a company's most talented performers always have other employment options. So how do companies keep their most valued human resources?

• War and the Workplace: Staying the Course in Times of Crisis ( April 2003 )
  Sherrie  Travis and Beau C. Sefton of Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP

  Current political and international events, most notably September 11 and the war with Iraq, have had a significant effect on the workplace. Employers are now keenly aware that they must take steps to prevent and prepare for catastrophe on a number of fronts. The employment-related impact of these world events arises in a number of ways, some obvious, some not so obvious. This article identifies areas of critical concern for employers and offers concrete ways to address and resolve them.

• Navigating the Military Leave Minefield ( March 2003 )
  Judith A. (Jude) Biggs of Holland & Hart LLP

  As our country prepares for war, employers may be faced with the question of how to deal with employees who may volunteer for or be called to active duty. What is your obligation to provide leave to these employees? Under what circumstances and for how long are you required to reemploy them? And what rights do they have to continue participating in your benefit plans while they are on leave?

• What Is the Oregon Legislature Up to Now? The Top Ten Bills Affecting Employers ( March 2003 )
  Bryan M. Westhoff of Miller Nash LLP

  The regular session of the 2003 Oregon Legislature officially began in January. Since then, a number of bills have been introduced into the House or Senate that, if passed, could impact many employers. The following is our "top ten" list of bills, all of which are still in their infancy.

• Making Part-Day Deductions From Leave Banks of Exempt Washington Employees? Better Do It Right… ( February 2003 )
  Susan Eberle Stahlfeld of Miller Nash LLP

  Are you taking part-day deductions from the leave banks of employees exempt from overtime when the employees leave work early because of illness or vacation? If so, you need to be aware of a new regulation that takes effect on February 21, 2003.