Why HR People Make the Big Bucks

The high profile firing of former USC coach Steve Sarkisian is a lesson in the tangle of employment law. For those who haven’t heard, Sarkisian showed up for work drunk last month. It wasn’t the first time. USC initially put him on indefinite leave, and turned around and fired him a short time later.
Here’s an article reviewing the the school’s actions from the lens of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). According to an attorney with (FMLA) expertise, the school should be on solid ground if they have a clearly communicated policy, if they can prove the basis for the action, if.., if…, if…
While the expert makes confident sounds regarding the employer’s position in this case, it highlights the very confusing position any employer can find themselves in when dealing with a substance abuse problem and the FMLA.
In any event, USC appears to be ok with regard to the way they handled the problem and the FMLA.  While the article doesn’t say it, next there’s the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) to consider.
Was that attorneys or HR people who make the big bucks?

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