How To Reduce Risks of Employees Lawsuit

You are the Director of Human Resources for a medium-sized, private company and have discharged Aimee, a 25 year old black at-will employee for poor work, constant tardiness, and taking longer breaks than authorized by company policy.  She is not well liked by her fellow workers, and her work is indeed slightly below satisfactory levels. Company files evidence numerous sub-standard reviews and that her conduct persisted despite numerous written warnings.  You are confident that the company has proper cause to terminate Aimee whether she was at-will or not.  When you call her into your office to notify her of her termination, she gets very indignant saying that her work is fine and that she’s not the only one late or abusive of break periods.  She then asserts that she’s being singled out because of her sex and her race.  She asks about severance pay, and you notify her that there will not be any.  Aimee then informs you that she is going to sue the company for wrongful termination based on discrimination and for severance pay.  The company does not want Aimee to work there any more under any circumstances but does not want the cost or publicity that a law suit would bring.  What would you suggest to possibly abate the law suit?

On separate file: CASE STUDY: Read case study, “Hiring FBI Agents” located on page 325

Answer case questions 1-3 on page 325

If you are using “Strategic Staffing” Fourth Edition the case is located on page 459-460

Answer case questions 1-3 on page 460