MINNESOTA

EMPLOYMENT LAW

REPORT

The Minnesota Employment Law Report is our award – winning blog offering expert insight to the business community concerning employee relations, labor law, employee benefits, employment litigation and much more.

Fingerprints and Photos Will be Part of Background Checks at DHS-Licensed Facilities

Meggen E. Lindsay

Beginning in January 2015, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (“DHS”) will require fingerprinting and photographs as part of the background studies required for all newly-hired employees who work with…

It’s About TIME(ing). The MDHR Provides Guidance on the Ban-the-Box Statute

Dennis J. Merley

Now that Minnesota has “banned-the-box,” employers would benefit from reviewing the “Technical Guidance” that the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) recently published on its website. With estimates that 25%…

New EEOC Guidance on Background Checks and Religious Accommodations

Grant T. Collins

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) has published new guidance on two common areas of concern for employers: (1) employers’ responsibilities to accommodate religious dress and grooming in the…

EEOC Responds to Criticism of its Position on Background Checks

Penelope J. Phillips

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) remains undeterred from its skeptical view of blanket criminal background checks during the hiring process. The EEOC’s recent response to a letter from nine…

Risky Business: EEOC Going After Companies Using Blanket Background Checks

Penelope J. Phillips

The issues of whether businesses can — or should — use background checks to screen job candidates is back in the news this month, with two high-profile companies facing lawsuits…

Employers Subject to the FCRA Must Use New Forms for Background Checks Effective January 1, 2013

Grant T. Collins

Effective January 1, 2013, employers that are subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”) are required to use updated forms as part of the background check process. In general,…

Unlawful Background Check Policy Costs Pepsi Big

Grant T. Collins

Last week, it was reported that Pepsi Beverages agreed to pay $3.13 million and provide job offers and training to resolve a charge of race discrimination filed in the Minneapolis…

EEOC to Scrutinize Employers’ Use of Criminal Background Checks

Grant T. Collins

On October 20, 2010, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) continued its push to vastly curtail employers’ use of background checks to screen applicants. The push is part of the…