​This webinar addresses the rising use of company and personal mobile devices by employees both in and out of the office and the associated risks, including security and privacy. This webinar also gives insight into claims that could result from improper use of devices and policies and procedures, and provides practical, uncomplicated guidance that employers can use to help reduce their risk.

Question: I have an employee who was suspended for insubordination. He has requested that we interview the witness, which I had already done, and he would like to review. Am I required to share the statements/documentation with him?
 
Response: The employee is question is not entitled to review the employer's investigation file, including any witness statements, notes, or other documents that were relevant to, and made part of, the investigation and we do not recommend that the employer disclose the same. The investigative file should be kept separate from the personnel file and documentation and information contained therein is the property of the employer; absent a contract that entitles employees otherwise, it should not be subject to disclosure to the employee who was under investigation.
 
Certainly the employer can and should let an employee who has been the subject of an investigation know what the outcome of such investigation was, particularly if the outcome results in disciplinary action as to the employee in question (you indicate here that the employee was suspended so presumably he was already notified of the employer's action).  To the extent the employee in question asked the employer to include in its investigation an interview of a witness or co-worker who may have had additional information and the employer did so (and employers generally should meet with individuals identified as having relevant knowledge in any investigation), the employer is not required to let the employee know what transpired during that conversation (nor must the employer disclose any written witness statement or similar document).
 
If the employer's subsequent investigation caused it to revisit its disciplinary decision (suspension), of course it can and should let the employee know and then take whatever steps are necessary to rectify the matter (i.e., if the suspension was unpaid and the employer determined subsequently that such disciplinary suspension was inappropriately issued, it can always issue back pay to make the employee whole). On the other hand, if the employer did not learn anything from the witness who was interviewed that gave it any reason to revisit its decision, the employer is not required to do so, and can simply let the employee know that it has investigated the matter and that its original disciplinary decision stands. Beyond this, he is not entitled to know or see more relative to the employer's investigation, including meetings with and statements taken from witnesses.
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© 2014 Advisors Law Group, All Rights Reserved
To learn more about the Federated Employment Practices Network®, contact your local Federated Marketing Representative, or visit www.federatedinsurance.com.
 

David Paine has joined Biesse America in the position of Product Area Manager where he will oversee and direct sales in PA, NJ and NY.  David is an industry veteran with a strong background in manufacturing and CAD/CAM software.  As a licensed contractor and cabinet shop owner for more than 25 years, he adds cabinet manufacturing knowledge to his 10 years as an independent distributor of CNC routers and CAD/CAM software in the Northeast US.  His background gives David the ability to review your needs from a manufacturing perspective and provide you with the best possible solution.   
 
Please contact David directly at 980-309-8805 or by email, David.Paine@Biesseamerica.com
 
Biesse Group
Biesse Group is a multinational leader in the technology for processing wood, glass, stone, plastic and metal. It designs, manufactures and distributes machines, integrated systems and software for the producers of furniture, door/window frames, components for the construction, ship-building and aerospace industries. It invests on average 14 million Euros per year in R&D, boasting over 200 registered patents. It works via 8 industrial sites, 30 branches, 300 agents and selected resellers, exporting 88% of its production. Its customers include some of the most prestigious names of Italian and international design. Founded in Pesaro in 1969, by Giancarlo Selci, the company has been listed on the Stock Exchange (STAR segment) since June 2001. It now counts 2800 employees throughout the world.

The Internet, computers, and other technology are tremendously beneficial to your day-to-day business operations. But, technology opens the door to some very serious cyber threats. If you’re “plugged in,” you’re a target for tech-savvy criminals who want to steal, spy, and cause major disruption.

Falling victim to cyber-crime can be a major blow to a company’s financial and operational well-being. Fortunately, Federated Insurance now offers Data Compromise and Cyber coverages to help counter this threat. Plus, Federated policyholders can access a variety of risk management resources, such as a system’s vulnerability assessment, through Federated’s Shield Network®. 
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The cyber threat continues to evolve and so must your insurance program. For more information, ask your local Federated Insurance Marketing Representative if these coverages and risk management resources are available in your state. Locate your local representative here or call 1-800-533-0472.◊

• Häfele offers slimline Grass Vionaro system
• European inspired design rounds out Häfele drawer selection
• Variety of drawer sizes and finishes available right now

Clean. Sleek. Stylish. These are all adjectives one could use to describe the latest addition to the Häfele America Co. functional hardware offerings: the Grass Vionaro drawer system.  

Adding the Grass Vionaro to Häfele’s already robust line of drawer options makes ideal sense. In a way, it’s slim, minimalist box and double-walled design is exactly the sort of thing customers have been clamoring for on account of its superior performance and clean, sleek look.

“The look and the functionality of the Grass Vionaro fits perfectly with Häfele’s tradition of making the inside of a cabinet just as beautiful as the outside,” explains Karen Armour, product manager for Häfele America Co. “This is an elegant yet strong option for practically any kitchen, bathroom or other home storage application.”

Mounted on Grass Dynapro rack and pinion slides, the Grass Vionaro has a maximum load capacity of 88 lbs. Available dimensions cover all of today’s popular sizes including 15”, 18” and 21” depths for drawer boxes up to 48” wide. The Grass Vionaro can be had in 3 ½” inch or 7 ¼” heights, making it a great option for regular and deep-depth base cabinet drawers. Stocking finishes include Graphite and Silver Grey.
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Taking function beyond the standard drawer box, the addition of aluminum fronts make the Grass Vionaro an excellent choice for internal pullouts too – whether it be to store fine china, kitchen appliances or even typical pantry staples.
 
About Häfele
Häfele [HAY fell leh] is a leading worldwide supplier of furniture and architectural hardware components that improve the functionality of cabinets, doors, kitchens, bathrooms and other living and working environments. Decorative hardware, opening and closing mechanisms for doors and drawers, LED lighting, furniture fittings and electronic locking systems are but a few of the essential items Häfele provides to manufacturers, architects, designers, contractors and construction professionals in more than 150 countries. For more information, please visit www.hafele.com.

Stiles Machinery Inc. is reporting another huge success for their ever-popular Manufacturing Solutions Seminar, the first of three planned for 2016. Last week’s event, held at the Stiles showroom and finishing lab in High Point, North Carolina, sold-out an unprecedented three weeks early. More than 150 woodworkers attended the seminar on February 24 & 25, taking part in educational sessions, live machinery demonstrations and networking events designed towards helping customers stay competitive and profitable.

​Stiles hosted the packed-house for live work cell demonstrations that showcased new panel-processing technology for cabinet and furniture manufacturers including cutting and machining, edgebanding and drilling and dowel-insertion applications focused on European construction methods. Day two of the sold-out event concentrated on door and face-frame construction applications including many forms of solid wood processing, rip and crosscut lines, and a number of surface technologies including brush and orbital sanding. Quality control, time efficiencies and cost-savings were also a focal point in the company’s state-of-the-art finishing lab, exhibited through a variety of spray and roll coating processes.

Attendees gained insights into trending topics and best practices included tooling discussions geared towards improving quality and machine longevity, as well as the buzz-worthy topic of ‘Industry 4.0’. Stiles presenters offered thought-provoking information for implementing a data-driven manufacturing approach for future success.

This was the first in a series of three Manufacturing Solutions Seminars that Stiles will host this year, with the next event scheduled for early June.

For additional information, please contact Stephan W. Waltman, Vice President, Stiles Machinery, at
616.698.7500 or swaltman@stilesmachinery.com.

About Stiles Machinery Inc.
For 50 years, Stiles has been helping manufacturers succeed. As the largest supplier of quality machinery, Stiles
provides a Total Production Solutions approach by also offering equipment integration, financial services,
education, service and parts. By having a wealth of solutions whether defined as people, products or services,
Stiles merges the best thinking and the best ideas into a solution that works best for their customers.
Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., Stiles has regional offices in High Point, North Carolina; Toms River, New
Jersey; Coppell, Texas; and Rancho Cucamonga, California. Stiles is a proud member of the HOMAG Group, a
global leader in the production of industrial machines for the manufacturing.
Visit Stiles at www.stilesmachinery.com.

​On March 1st, Festool USA will be introducing a completely portable, suction-based clamping system, the VAC SYS, that the company says will establish a new benchmark for how work is done in small shops or on jobsites. The VAC SYS System allows the user to effectively clamp non-porous material for machining and finishing while protecting delicate surfaces from clamp damage. Each clamping module is equipped with a suction base that adheres to nonporous surfaces with a quick release valve, and can adapt to many surface sizes based on interchangeable vacuum cups.
 
 “The VAC SYS will truly improve the way professional craftsmen work – it provides industrial-quality, suction-based material clamping whether you’re in a smaller shop or on the jobsite,” says Steve Rangoussis, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Festool USA. “Now, wherever the work is, the VAC SYS provides a fast, easy and highly maneuverable solution for almost any clamping application.”
 
The VAC SYS is positioned to become the clamping option of choice for panel preparation; from edge banding to trimming to sanding and final finishing.  With VAC SYS, users can clamp narrow stock for mortising - like slat or stile and rail stock, clamp doors for final sizing or boring for adding hardware.  The VAC SYS is ideal for any application that benefits from seamless access to all sides without the burden of moving or manipulating clamps and it will speed up production times. 
 
The VAC SYS reduces set-up time and provides full surface access quickly and easily. Its vacuum-based clamping technology with soft vacuum cups provides non-marring clamping which protects the workpiece and helps to reduce re-work. Because material can be rotated a full 360 degrees, or can be tilted from 0 to 90 degrees for even greater access, the VAC SYS puts larger and more awkward pieces well within reach, reducing user fatigue associated with stretching over and around the material.
 
Festool is offering three different VAC SYS product configurations:
 
VAC SYS System – Includes the VAC PMP Vacuum Pump, VAC SYS SE 1 Clamping Module with Round Vacuum Pod, and a Foot Valve.
 
VAC SYS System Set – Doubles the clamping coverage by combining the VAC SYS System above with an additional Clamping Module SE 2.
 
VAC PMP - Designed for use with Clamping Modules, this continuous-duty pump is quiet, efficient, and features a front-panel pressure gauge for easy monitoring.
 
About Festool USA
Founded in Germany in 1925, Festool is known for its innovative, precision-engineered power tool solutions.  Based in Lebanon, IN, Festool USA offers a comprehensive lineup of power tools and system accessories, designed to boost productivity through efficiency and high performance. For more information, visit www.festoolusa.com.