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March 5, 2020

In this issue:

  

  

  
   Background Check Form   

Lawfully Conduct Job Candidate Background Checks

Michael R. Blum

In recent years, in the wake of new legislation, employers must take great care to avoid liability while filtering out information about their job candidates during the hiring process.

Some of the most common practices for conducting background checks during the job application process, such as criminal background checks, credit checks, and social media background checks, all pose risks for an employer...

  

  

  
  

Conducting Workplace Investigations in Michigan

Michael R. Blum

Conducting a workplace investigation is a challenging and risk-filled endeavor for Michigan employers.

Done right, an investigation can unearth important information that can help bring an end to deleterious behavior—or affirm that nothing unlawful or improper is or was taking place.

Done poorly, an investigation erodes trust and can result in legal and financial consequences, loss of employee morale, and reputational damage.

It is imperative that Michigan businesses move quickly and decisively to investigate allegations of wrongdoing...

   Employment Law Attorney Mike Blum

Michael R. Blum

  

  

  

  
  

Genesee County Verdict in Racial Discrimination Case 

Tyler J. Olney

A Genesee County Circuit Court recently delivered a verdict of $11,670,128.33 in a racial discrimination case against the Michigan Department of Corrections. The case originated from complaints made by Lisa Griffey that she was racially harassed on a daily basis. Ms. Griffey complained about the racism to her supervisor and allegedly suffered retaliation as a result. At the advice of counsel, plaintiff went public with her case - giving a news interview in the hopes that the retaliation would stop.

In reality, the opposite happened. Once Ms. Griffey's case hit the news, her husband Cedric Griffey - who also worked for the Michigan Department of Corrections - was cited for several acts of misconduct and was ultimately terminated. At trial it was revealed that a high level administrator actually sent a copy of Ms. Griffey's lawsuit to her husband's boss. The jury concluded this act was done in an effort to fire Mr. Griffey and punish Ms. Griffey for her civil rights case.

The jury returned a unanimous verdict in favor of Ms. Griffey, awarding her $11,670,128.33. Additionally, because the case involved racial discrimination, the plaintiff is entitled to payment of her attorney fees and costs.

  

  

  
  

Blum Presents at MMTA Basic Institute Seminar

April 30, 2020

Mike Blum is speaking at the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association's (MMTA) Basic Institute Conference on Thursday, April 30. His topics will include Social Networking and Human Resource Hot Topics.

The conference is being held at the Comfort Inn & Suites Conference Center in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

  

  

  
  

Hammond Presents on HR Record Keeping Practices

May 14 in Lansing and May 19 in Novi

Cliff Hammond will be presenting Human Resource Record Keeping Practices and Legal Requirements on May 14 at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce in Lansing and then again on May 19 at Walsh College in Novi.

Your human resource record keeping practices can be your best defender or your worst enemy, so it is crucial that employers understand the complex world of maintaining and reporting employment-related records and the laws that govern this record keeping.

Attendees will learn guidance on managing, organizing, retaining and disclosing employment records, including what format and for how long... 

  

  

Lansing

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Southfield

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Grand Rapids

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Detroit

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Holland

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St Joseph

  

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