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Compensation: When Are Computer Workers Exempt from Overtime? Part 1

We are going to hire a number of computer workers. I’m writing job descriptions and have to establish whether these workers will be exempt or nonexempt. Can you help me with the “computer professional exemption”? — Roberto, HR Manager in Walnut Creek Paying Overtime: 10 Key Exemption Concepts Only one thing really matters in the […]

“The Coup” Revisited

Litigation Value: $65,000 (but could have been much more) Having Dwight stand on his desk with the word “liar” hanging from his neck is not what I would consider the most effective method of employee discipline. Nor was tricking him into believing that he got Michael fired. But, without more, Michael’s actions may not be […]

Two Invitations for Daily Advisor Readers

By HR Daily Advisor Managing Editor Jay Schleifer Just My E-pinion We’ve got two invitations for you this week: One will get you a free report of what your competitors plan to pay workers in 2008. The other can, well, make you famous. They say opportunity knocks only once. But this week, it knocks twice. […]

Hiring Minors This Summer? What You Need to Know About Child Labor Laws

Child labor is highly regulated as to hours, age, and type of work, by both the federal and state governments. Let this book program and audio conference help keep you in compliance … and out of court. Yesterday’s Daily Advisor reported the onset of the annual teen summer job hunt … thousands of youngsters seeking […]

Employment Law Tip: Shopping for a Retirement Plan Consultant

Under federal employee benefits law, fiduciaries of employee benefit plans must administer and manage their plans prudently and in the interest of the plan’s participants and beneficiaries. In carrying out these important duties, plan fiduciaries often rely heavily on pension consultants and other professionals for help. But sometimes these consultants fail to disclose potential conflicts […]

Wage and Hour: President Signs Federal Minimum Wage Increase Legislation

Just before the Memorial Day weekend, President Bush signed the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 (H.R. 2206) to boost the federal minimum wage to $7.25 per hour in three steps over 26 months. The first increase to $5.85/hour will take effect on July 24, 2007. On July 24, 2008, the rate will increase to […]

Workplace Bias: EEOC Spotlights Work/Family Balance in New Guidance

Responding to the emerging issue of “family responsibility discrimination,” the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has published new guidance on how federal equal employment laws apply to employees who must balance work and family. The new guidance, “Unlawful Disparate Treatment of Workers with Caregiving Responsibilities,” offers examples under which discrimination against a working parent […]

High Court Enforces Time Limits on Pay Bias Claims

Some good news for employers: The U.S. Supreme Court yesterday ruled 5-4 that employees who complain of pay discrimination must file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 days of the discriminatory pay decision, rather than within 180 days of the employee’s last paycheck. According to the high court, the “EEOC […]