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Definition of ‘Excepted Benefits’ Would Expand under ACA Proposal

Two specific types of limited wraparound coverage could qualify as “limited excepted benefits,” under health care reform rules proposed Dec. 19 by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury. “Excepted” status would be available on a temporary “pilot” basis to coverage that: wraps around a Multi-State Plan offered by the U.S. Office […]

2015 Compensation Budgets—Are You Prepared?

2015 is nearly upon us, and for most companies that means reviewing their compensation budgets. Where to start? At the very beginning, says consultant J. Timothy O’Rourke. Understand the organization’s strategic needs, and know your market’s benchmarks.

Nebraska minimum wage increases to $8 per hour on January 1

by Mark M. Schorr Because of the passage of the Nebraska minimum wage petition initiative in the November general election, the state’s minimum wage will increase to $8 per hour on January 1, 2015. Nebraska employers that employ individuals at or near the minimum wage should take steps to ensure compliance with the new requirement. Also, […]

Wage Garnishment Basics

Wage garnishments are regulated under the Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA). The CCPA limits how much of an employee’s wages may be garnished and provides other protections as well. Let’s take a look at these CCPA protections along with some guidance for employers that must carry out court-ordered garnishments on employee pay.

Arbitrator upholds employer’s dismissal of grievor who exaggerated her medical symptoms

by Louise Béchamp Exaggerating one’s medical symptoms in order to avoid a return to work can be cause for dismissal. This is a lesson that a grievor learned the hard way following the finding of a Quebec arbitrator in Fédération des paramédics et des employées et employés des services préhospitaliers du Québec (FPESPQ) and Services […]

Elf: one too many Christmas spirits

With Christmas just around the corner, my family and I have begun our yearly ritual of re-watching our favorite holiday films. At the top of the list is a relatively newer addition, Elf.  The comedy stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human who crawls into Santa’s sack and ends up being raised by Papa Elf at […]

Warm Up Your Workers with Portable Heater Safety Training

  Consider also that many of your workers may be taking time off around the holidays with homes full of out-of-town guests and/or children home from school and college. These extra folks may be using rooms that are not usually heated, such as attic or basement spaces. And they may be using portable space heaters […]

Tips for Preventing Fraud in Workers’ Compensation Claims

Most employers understand the benefits of workers’ compensation insurance. If an employee is injured on the job, the insurance kicks in to pay for the medical bills and at least a portion of the lost wages while the employee recovers. The employee doesn’t have to fear losing his or her livelihood after reporting the injury, […]