Tag Archives: tennessee employers

March 2024
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Employment Law

Practical Steps To Avoid And Defeat EEOC Charges

In many instances being ranked second is quite the accomplishment. But in this case it should set off alarm bells for employers.

In 2022 Tennessee ranked second in the nation in the amount of EEOC Charges filed. Tennessee workers filed 6,311 Charges of Discrimination, which is almost 89.5 charges per 100,000 residents. Only Illinois was more litigious than Tennessee, but it was a photo finish. Illinois workers filed 89.7 charges for every 100,000 residents. Retaliation was the most common claim asserted.

While an EEOC Charge is likely inevitable at some point, employers can take several proactive steps to reduce the amount of charges that are filed and defeat those that are filed. These steps include the following:

  1. Train your workforce on applicable laws prohibiting discrimination, harassment and retaliation and include realistic examples of what is and is not allowed under those laws. Separate training for managers and supervisors is also recommended.
  2. Establish clear policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment and retaliation and enforce those policies.
  3. Establish clear lines of communication for reporting discrimination, harassment and retaliation and other complaints about conduct in the workplace.
  4. Investigate all complaints received promptly and thoroughly.
  5. Take prompt, corrective action to address conduct that violates the company’s policies.
  6. Establish good rapport between Human Resources, managers and supervisors. This will lead to better cooperation and reporting of conduct which might violate the company’s policies.
  7. Foster a workplace that promotes teamwork and values the contributions of everyone.

Taking these steps will reduce the time and money spent in litigation and potentially increase the productivity of your workforce. And, hopefully it will result in Tennessee losing its ranking!

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March 2013
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Employment Law

Hold your fire! What does Guns in Cars Mean for Employers in Tennessee?

Assuming Governor Haslam signs the “Guns in Cars” Bill passed by the Tennessee General Assembly (which is a virtual certainty) the Bill will become law on July 1, 2013.  What does this mean for employers?

The bill makes it legal for handgun carry permit holders to store firearms and ammunition in their vehicle while it is in a parking lot if the weapon is (1) kept out of sight and (2) locked in the car while the permit holder is not in the vehicle. The bill makes it clear that it will be legal for handgun carry permit holders to have properly secured firearms in their cars at work.

So if the employee has a valid Tennessee handgun carry permit and keeps the weapon and ammo out of sight in a  locked car the employee would be in compliance with the law.  Glove box, trunk and under the seat are clearly out of sight.  Covered up by a blanket or other cover  on a seat may be.

Employers should review their weapons at work policies in light of this anticipated new law to make sure they will be in compliance on July 1.

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