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Retirement Plans: An Overview of the Pension Reform Act of 2006
President Bush has signed the Pension Protection Act of 2006 into law, which overhauls pension funding rules, clarifies cash balance plan rules, encourages automatic enrollment in 401(k) plans, and much more. The law spans a massive 907 pages, and we describe some of its key provisions here.
Government Employers: Are you Nordstroms or Wal-Mart?
By BLR Founder and Publisher Bob Brady Just as in private industry, government HR managers need to understand their organization’s core strategy, and then hire people and build policies that match. Several weeks ago, I wrote about how strategic HR decisions flow from what kind of company you are. If you depend on product creativity […]
The Convention
LITIGATION VALUE: Nominal (but only because Michael’s party was a flop) Unfortunately for employers, what happens in Vegas does not always stay in Vegas. As a result, employers are increasingly faced with liability for their employees’ “booze-fueled sex romps,” as Michael so elegantly put it. Maybe it’s the exotic locale, or maybe it’s the free […]
Workplace Discrimination: An Effective Way to Prevent It
With terrorism has come increasing discrimination. Here’s a way to prevent it in your workplace. Since the horrors of five Septembers ago, Americans have lived in a charged atmosphere about race and religion. Despite long-standing ideals of tolerance, the actions of a violent few are often blamed on all the members of certain races or […]
Employment Law Tip: Addressing Domestic Violence in the Workplace
Domestic violence affects more than 32 million Americans each year, with more than 2 million injuries and approximately 1,300 deaths. As the scope of the problem underscores, domestic violence isn’t just a personal issue, but one that spills over into the workplace as well, affecting both men and women. What can employers do to help […]
Computers: Survey Highlights Employees’ Personal Use of Company Technology
A new poll conducted among 751 employed adults in the United States sheds some interesting light on how much time employees waste at work using company technology for personal reasons. The poll was conducted by Harris Interactive for workplace communications firm The Marlin Company.
Safety: Governor Signs Cell Phone Law
Governor Schwarzenegger has signed S.B. 1613, which will make it an infraction to drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless phone unless a hands-free device is used. In particular, the new law, known as the California Wireless Telephone Automobile Safety Act, prohibits driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, unless the phone […]
Acting in Good Faith: How to Deal with Religion in the Workplace
The Constitution protects the freedom to practice religion. Employers must honor this right while balancing the needs of the business. Here are some guidelines for doing both. In virtually every religion, there are significant days on the calendar that dictate religious observance. For example, next Monday, October 2, is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, […]
EEOC Finally Defines ‘Race’ and ‘Color’ in Connection With Discrimination Suits
Ever since 1964, discrimination based on race or color has been illegal. EEOC has finally told us what those terms mean, says HR Manager’s Legal Reporter. The recent Supreme Court ruling that greatly expanded the definition of retaliation (Daily Advisor, 9/25/06), showed how important it is for HR people to keep track of happenings in […]