[BC] Happy Holidays ?

[Mike McCarthy]

We've never held a paycheck to my knowledge unless the materials held 
were of significance (such as a recent vintage laptop with proprietary 
programming) or the keys were costly to replace (such as a leased 
property shared by others).  We've let private office keys and cell 
phones go and simply re-keyed. Not worth the hassle on a former 
employee. (Though the outer access keying isn't an issue any more with a 
key-card system...) Never have they gone very long.

But yes, I agree there are lines crossed which exceeds the bounds of 
proper practice and ethical behavior. Especially with well regarded or 
senior level employees who've demonstrated absolute professionalism. In 
those cases, it befuddles me as that's an easily burned bridge on both 
sides. And it's not that uncommon for people to return to the same 
company through different hiring managers and positions.

MM

On 12/6/2011 9:38 PM, Barry Mishkind wrote:
>> When we have terminated folks, we hold their last paycheck until all company property is returned.
>          What makes the company's rights more important
>          than the employee's ... except the company usually
>          has a lawyer involved - and the advantage of
>          surprise in their severing the employee?
>
>          Seems that it should be mutual... the
>          check should be presented at the time
>          there is any specifically named gear returned.
>          Perhaps, at station expense, a uniformed
>          officer should arbitrate?
>