From 1961 to 1963, I worked for a fortune 500 HR department, and since 1963, have represented employers and employees in discrimination cases. Here’s my take. Well-advised employers can get rid of bad employees or upgrade their staffs without resorting to unlawful discrimination if they use basic common sense and avoid knee-jerk employment decisions.
Professional advice before making a decision (even with today’s high hourly rates) costs less than $500.00 and pays dividends. Keep in mind, making a mistake in a discharge and rehire costs more than a potential lawsuit. It can be very costly in training and lack of continuity.
It is much harder for a plaintiff to win a discrimination case than most people imagine, but shooting from the hip in hiring and firing is usually stupid.
