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More Details on COBRA Continuation Subsidy in Stimulus Package

Update Dec. 16: House Passes COBRA Subsidy Extension and Expansion You’re probably well aware by now that the $787 billion economic stimulus package signed by President Barack Obama this week will provide many out-of-work employees and their families with a reduced rate on continuing health care coverage under COBRA. Because the stimulus plan was adopted […]

Are Your Policies Compliant with New FMLA Regulations?

by Mike Maslanka The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has been revised, and the regulations went into effect in January 2009. Time for a checkup of your company’s policies. Employers need to ask themselves the following questions: HR Guide to Employment Law: A practical compliance reference manual covering 14 topics, including hiring 1. Have […]

Top Employment Issues for States in 2009: Part 2 – FMLA, Discrimination, Minimum Wage, Safety

Last week, we discussed four employment law issues state legislatures will be grappling with in 2009 — layoff notification laws, immigration, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and it’s state equivalents, and unemployment benefits. This week, we’ll discuss four more – family and medical leave, workplace discrimination, minimum wage, and occupational safety. As with last […]

Bad Economy No Excuse for Not Succeeding

Bad news is everywhere. The recession is dominating the headlines. On a daily basis we hear about bailouts, layoffs, and bankruptcies. In light of all the bad news, how are we to react? If there ever was a time when one could step back and just mail it in, this would be it. I mean […]

Money for Nothing

When President Barack Obama signed into law the $787 billion stimulus package on February 17, I couldn’t help but think of the 1985 Grammy award winning song by the English band Dire Straits, “Money for Nothing.” No, that’s not a political commentary on how the money is being spent. I’m talking about all the corporate […]

Reductions In Farce

Employment law attorney Troy Foster examines “The Baby Shower”  episode of The Office and determines that while Dunder Mifflin might not be liable for sex discrimination, it probably needs to take  a look at the Scranton crew’s work habits. Litigation Value: Still currently $0. When we wrote about The Baby Shower episode of The Office […]

Readers Say Lilly Ledbetter Law Will Not Affect Their Workplaces

By BLR Founder and CEO Bob Brady BLR founder and CEO Bob Brady reports on responses to his recent survey on the impact of the new Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. The surprising majority view? “I’m OK– you’re a mess.” In late January, as one of his first acts as president, Barack Obama signed the […]

New Stimulus Package Contains Employment-Related Provisions

On Tuesday, President Obama signed the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Obama called the package the “first part” of a larger strategy to help give the nation’s economy a boost. While some of the finer details are still being worked out, the package does include benefits that employers and employees alike […]

Final Warnings—Be Careful or They’ll Backfire

In yesterday’s Advisor, attorney Jonathan Segal offered cogent tips on documenting discipline. Today we’ll review his tips on final warnings and accommodations, plus a new training program for your supervisors and managers. Segal is a partner with the Wolf Block law firm in Philadelphia. His tips appeared in our sister publication HR Manager’s Legal Reporter. […]

Mental Health Parity Act Effective Date Delayed

Update: Mental Health Parity Changes Take Effect January 1, 2010 Congress deferred the effective date of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 to January 2010 for plans that otherwise would have been covered in 2009. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act amends the Employee […]