Author: Tammy Binford

Employer groups applaud demise of NLRB poster rule

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has decided not to seek U.S. Supreme Court review of two appeals court decisions against a posting rule, and probusiness groups are claiming victory. In 2011, the NLRB issued a rule that would have required all employers under Board jurisdiction—including nonunion employers—to display a poster explaining that employees have […]

Making job descriptions live and breathe, not sit dusty in the files

The task of writing and revising job descriptions may sound dull, but at the same time be daunting. With so much to consider—essential versus nonessential functions, varied job responsibilities, experience and education requirements, etc.—the job can be mind-numbing. Then throw in the legal issues to consider, including things like how to prevent discrimination and wage […]

Let your voice be heard in 2014

by Dan Oswald As we kick off 2014, it’s my hope for you that you have the courage of your convictions both in your personal life and at work. I hope you will speak and act according to your beliefs, even in the face of disagreement or criticism. We live in a world where being […]

Steve Jobs, ‘product guys’ and ‘sales guys,’ and your payroll

I have a complicated relationship with thick biographies. Intellectually, I know I should sit there and wade my way through the thick prose devoted to men and women of great consequence. In a way, it’s like broccoli: “Go on, eat it – it’ll be good for you, and what do you mean, ‘I’m not hungry’?”  […]

Certain religious employers get a reprieve from ACA’s contraceptive mandate from Supreme Court

On New Year’s Eve, just hours before the healthcare reform (also known as the Affordable Care Act or ACA) contraceptive mandate requirement was supposed to go into effect, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a stay and gave the federal government until Friday to respond to the Court. The stay applies to a limited group […]

Mental health parity regulations take effect January 13

The final regulations implementing the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 will become effective January 13. The Act requires group health plans that offer mental health or substance use disorder benefits to ensure that those benefits are equivalent to the medical and surgical benefits offered by the […]

HR’s New Year’s resolutions (or what your lawyer hopes they’ll be)

by Tracey B. Eberling What will 2014 bring? It’s hard to say. If you’ve been in HR very long, you know that employment law and workplace issues can be unpredictable. But HR professionals can take precautionary, commonsense steps to prevent small problems from spiraling out of control. Here are some resolutions that should help make […]

Ringing in 2014: It’s time to take a look at your policies and employee handbook

by Jeanine Poole The turn of the year is often a good time to review company policies. We’re weighing in with some favorite perennial professional resolutions and perhaps a few new suggestions that might make for a happy 2014.  What’s in a policy? In the employment world, issues involving e-mail, the Internet, and social media […]