On January 19, 2011, a three judge panel of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania recognized another exception to the at-will employment doctrine. In Haun v. Community Health Systems (pdf), the court affirmed the trial court’s order, which recognized a new exception to the at will rule, and refused to dismiss the wrongful termination claim
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Federal Court Creates New Exception to Pennsylvania At Will Employment Doctrine
By Adam Santucci on
Posted in Termination
Pennsylvania has long been considered an "employment at will" state – meaning that employers and employees may terminate their employment relationship at any time with or without cause or prior notice. However, the number of exceptions to the "at will doctrine" seems to grow every year. The year 2010 was no exception. In Hamovitz v. …
Employee Who is Repeatedly Found Sleeping on the Job Entitled to Unemployment Compensation
By Adam Santucci on
Posted in Termination
The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania recently concluded that an employee who was found sleeping on the job four (4) times was entitled to unemployment compensation benefits under the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Law ("Law"). Phila. Parking Auth. v. Unemployment Comp. Bd. of Review, 1 A.3d 956 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2010) (pdf). Under the…
Time to Re-evaluate Employment Practice Liability Insurance
By Michael Moore on
Posted in Discrimination & Harassment
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) can provide valuable protection; particularly, given the predicted rise in employment related legal claims and enhanced government enforcement initiatives. Furthermore, EPLI remains a relative bargain in the continued “soft” insurance market and employers should consider adding or increasing insurance coverage to protect against employment claims. EPLI insurance is somewhat quirky…