Archives

May: Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

In 1978, a joint congressional resolution established Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. The first 10 days of May were chosen to coincide with two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: the arrival in the United States of the first Japanese immigrants (May 7, 1843) and contributions of Chinese workers to the building of the transcontinental railroad, […]

South Carolina’s Verification Rules for Private Employers Take Effect July 1

Last summer, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford signed legislation that requires private employers to verify the employment eligibility of new employees. On July 1, 2009, these rules will take effect for private employers with 100 or more employees. Under the new verification laws, employers that are required by federal law to complete and maintain federal […]

Is Business Still Fun?

The other day I was having a conversation with a friend and colleague — more friend than colleague. We were discussing the economy, business, and some of the challenges we’re experiencing at our company. As we wrapped up our conversation and I headed for the door, he asked me, “Are you all right?” His question […]

Recent Opinion Letters from the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division

Alexander Passantino’s advice to the lovelorn may not be the makings of the next Sex and the City show, but his pen holds serious sway with hipsters of the payroll specialist in crowd. Alex is the acting administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD). As the grand oracle of […]

Oh Baby!

Litigation Value: $50,000 (per Buffalo branch employee); $200,000 for various hostile work environment claims. “Company Picnic,” the season’s final episode, was a good one. Unfortunately, that also means that Dunder Mifflin is on the hook for several claims from some of its employees. One might think that the wrongful conduct took place at the volleyball […]

When Are Chiropractors ‘Health Care Providers’ Under the FMLA?

A little-known provision of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) makes treatment by a chiropractor different from treatment by almost any other health care provider. Let’s take a closer look at that provision. HR Guide to Employment Law: A practical compliance reference manual covering 14 topics, including FMLA What FMLA says about chiropractors The […]

At Last! A 3-Year Project Finished

By BLR Founder and CEO Bob Brady BLR founder and CEO Bob Brady invites you to “test drive” the new and improved Compensation.BLR.com website. Making life easier for our readers Almost 3 years ago, we made a breakthrough discovery that led to the complete redesign of our flagship website, HR.BLR.com. The original site was our […]

Consider the Big Picture Before Terminating Pregnant Employees

An employee takes pregnancy-related medical leave. While she’s out, you discover that she falsified certain time sheets and billing records. On the day she’s set to return from leave, you instead tell her that she’s being terminated. The employee sues for pregnancy discrimination. Should you be worried? You should think long and hard before terminating […]