2017 GNYADA Membership Directory

HOT TOPICS

EMPLOYEE HANDBOOKS: ESSENTIAL TOOL FOR DEALERS

Considering the evolution of state and federal laws and court decisions regarding discrimination and harassment, employee handbooks are essential and allow businesses to provide: • Guidance to employees about dealership policies; • The written notice that some policies legally require; and • A defense to some legal claims. Guidance: Employers can address a variety of subjects in an employee handbook. Handbooks should include a description of the business’ policies concerning non-discrimination and sexual harassment; vacations; holidays; overtime; equal opportunity; company email, telephone, and computer usage; smoking policy; and health insurance information, among other things. Handbooks should be tailored to your business by using a customized list of policies that meets your individual business needs. The Best Defense: Handbooks have taken on additional importance as a result of rulings by the Supreme Court concerning discrimination and harassment. The Court said that if a business has policies against discrimination and harassment and creates procedures to file complaints, it may be able to defeat a claim by an employee who fails to follow those procedures. Labor Law Requirements: New York law requires some disclosures to employees to be in writing. For example, a notice of the employer’s policy concerning unused vacation pay should be included in an employee handbook, thus satisfying the state law and providing guidance to employees.

Note: This item is intended to provide general information and is not a substitute for consulting with your attorney. Members of GNYADA’s Employee Relations Plan (ERP) have access to legal advice and guidance as a benefit of membership and are entitled to discounted customized employee handbooks. Contact GNYADA for more information about joining ERP.

MEMBERSHIP

DIRECTORY

2017

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