Court case demonstrates the importance of language and grammar in HR documents |
News |
Tuesday, March 21, 2017 05:00 AM |
A serial comma, or Oxford comma, is the comma that appears before the conjunction in a series. In some style guides, it is optional. For example, in the phrase “apples, oranges, and pears” the comma after “oranges” is not required and is often omitted. But in some cases, that comma can add crucial clarification—and save you a lengthy court case. In the Oakhurst Dairy case, the clause in question was this: The canning, processing, preserving, freezing, drying, marketing, storing, packing for shipment or distribution of:
(1) Agricultural produce;
(2) Meat and fish products; and (3) Perishable foods.
Since the comma was not used to clarify that distribution was the task—not packing for distribution—the court found that the drivers’ work was not exempt from overtime pay. Saving one comma will cost the company dearly. One lesson to be learned from this case is to use all the grammar tools available to make your documents as clear as possible. Proofreading is essential—but having a legal professional review your documents is a good idea. Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW: |