WIRTW #576 (the “Dolly” edition)

A couple of months ago, in the 568th version of “What I Read This Week,” I posted 5 of the best songs about work. I had no idea when I listed Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” how divisive Dolly would be. In my wildest dreams I never imagined anyone could take issue with an American icon such as Dolly Parton. Who doesn’t love Dolly? Apparently, however, some of you exist.

Thankfully, I feel vindicated with my inclusion of Dolly. WNYC recently launched Dolly Parton’s America, a nine-part podcast series tracing Dolly’s roots from East Tennessee’s Great Smokey Mountains to country music superstar to cultural icon. It’s a fascinating listen, especially the second episode, all about her metamorphosis from “dumb blonde” sidekick to Porter Wagoner to the biggest star in country music.

I highly recommend you add Dolly Parton’s America to your podcast queue.

Here’s what I read this week.

Discrimination

• Catch and Kill — via HR Examiner with John Sumser
• Pens & Company Ink — via Kate Bischoff’s tHRive Law & Consulting Blog
• Discrimination Still Largely Present in the U.S. Workplace — via EntertainHR
• Is the Pendulum Swinging Back on Age Bias Claims? — via Janette Levey Frisch’s The Emplawyerologist Blog
• Seventh Circuit: ADA Does Not Prohibit Discrimination Based on Future Impairments — via Employment Law Worldview
• Examples of Hostile Work Environment — via EntertainHR

HR & Employee Relations

• McDonald’s Just Fired Their CEO for Consensual Sex — via Evil HR Lady, Suzanne Lucas
• The Removal of McDonald’s CHRO Underscores Increased Expectations of HR… — via The HR Capitalist
• Research: Nearly half of employers frown on workplace romance — via Ragan.com
• Would You Be Happy With No HR? — via Fistful of Talent
• Implement Global Policies, Not A Global Handbook — via SHRM Blog
• Employment Law Checklist Project: Protecting the Sacredness of Jury Duty — via Dan Schwartz’s Connecticut Employment Law Blog
• Man Who Drank Tequila And Smoked Pot Barefoot On Company Jet Allegedly Thought Maternity Leave Was Paid Vacation — via Above the Law

Technology

• New: 2019 State of the Internet / Security: Phishing - Baiting the Hook — via Dark Reading
• Are Your Algorithms Upholding Your Standards of Fairness? — via Harvard Business Review

Wage & Hour

• DOL proposes fluctuating workweek change — via CUE, Inc.
• Note to Employers: Stop Designating Lengthy Approval Dates on Your FMLA Designation Forms — via Jeff Nowak’s FMLA Insights

Labor

• Labor Unions May Become the Voice Of the Workforce — via hr bartender
• You know that employee that won’t shut up about being underpaid? Yeah, well, you may be stuck with that person. — via Eric Meyer’s The Employer Handbook Blog
• Labor’s next $15 minimum wage: Fair scheduling for shift workers — via Workplace Fairness

OSHA & Safety

• Chipotle expands benefits to focus on mental well-being — via HR Dive
• Does it Violate Public Policy to Terminate a Drunk Employee? “Absolut”-ly Not — via Employment Law Lookout
• How to Prepare the Workplace for Flu Season — via HR Hero Line