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Words are powerful things: racism and hostile work environments

by Brinton Wilkins Humans are unique in their use of words. With them, we explain the world around us, share our thoughts and feelings, teach, and define ourselves. Therefore, it should be no surprise that words also can injure. Trying to excuse words by saying “I didn’t mean to hurt anybody” or “Everyone says that” […]

Is sexual harassment discrimination if there is no evidence of differential treatment?

By Charles Harrison The answer to the question in the title is yes, a Canadian court confirmed recently. Sexual harassment is discrimination. Overturning a decision of the British Columbia Supreme Court, the British Columbia Court of Appeal recently clarified that evidence of unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature is alone sufficient to establish discrimination on […]

Survey looks at the difference in work styles of younger, older workers

Online job website CareerBuilder conducted a national survey between May 14 and June 4, polling more than 3,800 full-time workers and more than 2,200 hiring managers across industries and functions. Managers and workers ages 25 to 34 and managers and workers 55 and older were surveyed to get a picture of how the styles of […]

7 Paycheck Failures, Avoid $1,000,000 Fine

Best Holiday Wishes from all of us at the HR Daily Advisor! Rafael, Amanda, Denise, Steve, Meredith, Allison, Paul The failures of a major construction company make a great checklist of legal infractions every company should strive to avoid. (Not to mention avoiding the near-$1,000,000 fine the company will pay to settle the case.) DOL’s […]

Comments on Smartcard Guidance Include Harsh Assessment of Implementation Process

Even as the IRS announces it plans to issue guidance on the use of smartcards with qualified transportation fringe benefits, public comments on such guidance include allegations of impropriety from one vendor. The IRS asked for input on whether it should issue such guidelines (see related story) last May. Thompson Information Services requested copies of […]

Maryland same-sex marriage law goes into effect January 1

by Kevin C. McCormick Maryland’s new law allowing same-sex marriage takes effect January 1, 2013, meaning employers need to understand what changes are in store for the workplace. The General Assembly passed the law legalizing same-sex marriage that Governor Martin O’Malley signed on March 12, 2012. However, the new law was on hold until Maryland […]

New California laws affecting employers take effect January 1

by Jim Brown California employers will have several new laws to deal with as of January 1, 2013. Of particular interest are measures affecting social media passwords, religious dress and grooming standards, and commission agreements. Social media passwords Assembly Bill 1844 prohibits employers from requiring employees or applicants to disclose usernames or passwords for the […]

What must be included in final pay in California?

“Employers regularly fail to include everything they’re supposed to include in final pay.” Barrie Gross pointed out in a recent CER webinar. But it’s not always obvious what must be included in the final paycheck that is due upon termination. What must be paid immediately? What can be paid at a later date?

Massachusetts contingent workers law goes into effect in January

by Susan G. Fentin Massachusetts’ new law requiring staffing agencies to provide temporary workers with more information regarding their employment will go into effect on January 31, 2013. The Temporary Workers Right to Know Act (H. 4304) requires staffing agencies to provide workers with written notice of the agency’s name, its workers’ compensation carrier, and […]

Answers to questions about exempt time records, employee privacy

Employee pay and privacy are two of the most basic, yet potentially problematic issues for HR professionals, but guidance is available. Recently, questions on those two issues were put to a group of attorneys. To track or not to track The need to keep track of nonexempt employees’ work hours goes without saying, but is […]