A merger and a lower grade
Q: My husband is being treated poorly by his company. His company merged with another company, and now he has been told that his job has been re-evaluated and is now at a lower grade. We are guessing but we … Continued
Pattie Hunt Sinacole answers a question from a terminated employee
Question:Can an employer terminate your employment for any reason? While the concept of ’employment at will’ is generally applicable in many situations, there are common scenarios leading to wrongful termination. I was a supervisor for five years, received a recent … Continued
Fired? Pattie Hunt Sinacole shares info on what a supervisor is required to say
Q: I was working at a small retail shop in our downtown area. I was recently fired. The supervisor said I was not performing my role as a customer service agent. He never gave me areas to improve upon. I … Continued
Pattie Hunt Sinacole explains the process of a workplace investigation
Q: I was just asked to participate in a workplace investigation. I was asked this by my direct manager and then our VP of People called me their office. I am not sure what this is about. How should I … Continued
Can I review my HR file?
Q: Can I review my HR file, as an employee? Can I take a copy? A: Most employers maintain a file of information on each employee within the company. Often included in this file are an employee’s employment application, a … Continued
Pattie Hunt Sinacole discusses flexible work options
Q: My co-workers and I want to approach our leadership team about having more flexibility at work. It very limited. We have scheduled breaks, lunch hours and start/end times. We work for someone who started his career over 30 years … Continued
Can you ask about a candidate’s salary history?
Q: Is it legal for potential employers to ask what your current salary is and require a specific answer? A: Employers can ask a broad range of questions of candidates. Most employers understand that they should focus on job-related questions. … Continued
Benefits change – OK or not?
Q: I have a friend who has been told that her medical benefits may change this year. She accepted this role because of their generous health care plan. She feels like this is a “bait and switch” from her original … Continued
What benefits are required for summer employees?
Q: I run a company in metrowest. We have 27 employees, and then about 5 employees over the summer to cover vacations. My question is regarding summer employees. Are they subject to the same laws as year-round employees? Even PFML? … Continued
Can my employer force me to take the vaccine or return to the office?
Q: I work for a small professional services firm. Most of us have been working remotely but rotating through the office, based on a schedule. Now with more and more people receiving the vaccine, I am feeling more pressure to … Continued