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FLSA Nursing Provision Gives a Private Room But Not a Private Right to Sue
Employees were given new rights to a secure and private place in which to express breast milk under a 2010 amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act; however, that amendment does not give those employees a private right to sue their employers for failing to provide such a space. Instead, said the U.S. District Court […]
EEOC Vows Renewed Vigilance Against Age Discrimination
The big news last fall from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) was that for the first year in history, retaliation claims had surpassed race discrimination claims as the most filed complaint in 2010. But the sleeper issue employers could be grappling with very soon is a significant increase in age discrimination claims. Recently the […]
Healthcare workers’ longer hours don’t necessarily increase health, safety risks
by Rosalind H. Cooper Most employers know that there are restrictions under employment standards legislation regarding maximum hours of work for their employees. In certain circumstances, it is possible to exceed these daily or weekly maximums. However, care must be exercised when doing so in order to avoid a breach of the employer’s duties under […]
Social Media—You Can’t Unring the Bell
“Social media networks and blogs are now the fourth most popular online activity, ahead of personal e-mail,” says Attorney Cynthia L. Gibson. And they are getting more popular with HR for background checks. Unfortunately, she says, once you turn up information you don’t want, “you can’t unring the bell.” Gibson is senior vice president, Legal, […]
Employer Pays $55K for Failing to Accommodate Pregnant Employee
By Kate McGovern Tornone, Editor An employer will pay $55,000 for failing to accommodate a pregnant employee’s lifting restrictions, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has announced.
Sitting Has Its Side Effects
By Kyle Emshwiller Is your job harmful to your health? According to recent reports, if you sit at a desk all day, yes. A recent article in the New York Times , fittingly called “Is Sitting a Lethal Activity?” looked at several studies on the health effects of leading a sedentary lifestyle. One study cited […]
Data Transparency at the Heart of Cost Control
Most people would probably choose custom over off-the-shelf if they had the chance—even when the product is health insurance. At least, that’s how Michael Jordan, who is president of labor and strategic accounts at MagnaCare, a healthcare services company specializing in self-insured plans and network solutions, sees it.
Exempt Employees: High Court Reinstates Class Action Overtime Lawsuit Against Sav-On; How to Avoid Being the Next Target
Over the past several years, many employers have been blindsided by big class action lawsuits from employees who say they were misclassified as exempt from overtime and are owed millions in back pay. Farmers Insurance Exchange, Big Lots, and Electronics Boutique are just a few of the businesses hit by the suits. For a brief […]
EEOC plan reveals enforcement priorities
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has released a draft of its Strategic Enforcement Plan (SEP) that spells out priorities such as stepped-up efforts against hiring discrimination and harassment, new protections for various vulnerable workers, preserving access to the legal system, and dealing with emerging issues like changes brought by the ADA Amendments Act. Recruitment […]