Setting Us Apart

Dealing with personnel issues has become increasingly difficult. Due to the complexity of laws, union contracts and court rulings, very few employers have the resources to allow someone the time needed to remain up-to-date and informed in all areas of personnel management.

Our program is designed to provide technical assistance in the management of personnel issues. Our goal is to be involved at the onset of the problem and help employers present to their legal counsel the proper documentation to proceed with discipline, when necessary. This helps prevent undue legal expenses and the possibility of the desired action being compromised in the administrative hearing process.

Another unique benefit of the program is the opportunity to communicate with experienced professionals who have been where you are and can offer a calm voice of reassurance and direction.

Consulting Services

• Third-party review and one-on-one assistance at the onset, and throughout, the personnel issue.
  
• Professional analysis of labor contracts, personnel manuals, and policies & procedures relative to the evaluation process and employee discipline.
  
• Provide assistance in conducting investigations, formulate findings, and provide recommendations to assist the employer through the probation, discipline, or termination process.
  

Legal Financial Assistance

How it Works:

If an employer has worked with the Pre Litigation Program staff at Canfield since the onset of a personnel problem, and formally proposed action to terminate or discharge an employee, the employer may qualify for financial assistance in representing the employer's decision, through our Personnel Issues Program.

• Match up to 50% of the employer's legal expenses, up to $10,000.
  
• Once the 50% coverage is initiated, case strategy and settlement options will be a team effort determined by the employer and the program administrator, with advice from the mutually selected legal counsel.
  
• Legal defense, based on coverage available through the excess insurance policies purchased by the program for its members, will be covered if a claim has been filed.
  
• Legal financial assistance varies by program. Please contact the program director for more information.

Taking the right steps:

• Utilize in-service programs and training.
  
• Meet with personnel issues consultant and review the program at onset of personnel problem.
  
• Review personnel file and supporting documents.
  
• Make agency (policymakers) aware of the process to be taken.
  
• Detail outline of employer's actions, to date.
  
• Review procedures and legal requirements with the personnel issues team.
  
• Develop a plan of action with timelines.
  
• Issue a formal decision to terminate or discharge the employee.
  
• Select mutually agreed upon attorney to represent the employer during the appeal process.