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Veterans Day: November 11, 2010

On Thursday, November 11, Americans honored those who have served in the military. It was originally known as  “Armistice Day” and  celebrated first on November 11, 1919 — the first anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution to make it an annual observance, and it became a national […]

Iowa expunged records law takes effect January 1

by Tara Z. Hall While not a true “ban the box” measure, a new Iowa law taking effect January 1 will allow exonerated individuals to keep past criminal charges from becoming known to potential employers. The measure, signed into law last spring, sets up a process for individuals who have been wrongfully accused of a […]

Reminder about OSHA Posting Requirement

It’s time to post your Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Form 300A, the summary of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred last year. Unless you have 10 or fewer employees or fall within one of the industries normally excused from the Occupational Safety and Health Act’s (OSH Act) recordkeeping and posting requirements, you’re required […]

Federal/State Employment Law Conflicts: Taming the Two-Headed Monster

A small publisher tackles federal/state employment law conflicts … and comes up with a classic solution. A recent article in Daily Advisor discussed the practice of “toggling.” No, it’s not a new dance craze, though many HR professionals probably wish it was. It’s the constant switching back and forth that HR managers have to do […]

How Sponsors Can Change Retirement Plans in Wake of DOMA Decision

By Austen K. Townsend The Supreme Court’s decision on Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act in U.S. v. Windsor No. 12-307 (June 26, 2013) raises many issues for employers and other plan sponsors to consider about their qualified retirement plans. Section 3 of DOMA provided that the term “marriage” meant only a legal […]

Millennials Often Underestimate Healthcare Costs

Aflac, a provider of voluntary insurance, announced results from the 2016 Aflac WorkForces Report, revealing how Millennials are more likely to embrace a nontraditional approach to pay their medical expenses compared to older generations. They also are more likely than non-Millennial generations to regularly underestimate the total cost of healthcare issues.

DOL Rescinds ERISA Guidance Discouraging Sustainable Investments

The U.S. Department of Labor on Oct. 21 reversed 2008 guidance that discouraged retirement plan fiduciaries and their investment advisers from considering environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors when choosing companies for their portfolios. The reversal, made through a new interpretive bulletin that reinstates 1994 guidance, recognizes a growing consensus that fiduciary duty may in […]

Espionage in an Employee Handbook?

Yesterday, we went back in time and looked at some interesting policies from Walt Disney’s 1943 employee handbook. Today, a few more — as well as a foolproof way to ensure your handbook is always current and complete.

Will Face Masks Save Employees from Swine Flu?

The swine flu predictions are flying in all directions—from “no worries” to “half the population will be infected.” If you assume the middle ground is likely, should you be breaking out respirators or other protective gear for employees? CDC’s not sure. It might seem like a no-brainer to get everyone in face masks or respirators […]