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Jobless Rate Rises in Canada, Too

by Karen Sargeant The United States is not the only country being hit by increasing unemployment rates — Canada is being hit, too. Although not as high as unemployment figures in the US, Canadian figures put unemployment at 6.6%. So where is Canada being hit the most? The following statistics from the Labour Force Survey […]

States, Business Groups File Suits to Halt DOL Overtime Rule

By Kate McGovern Tornone, Editor Twenty-one states and several employer interest groups filed lawsuits against the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) September 20, alleging that the agency’s new overtime regulations exceed its authority. The suits, however, are not expected to have any success in the near future and employers would be well-served to be in […]

Bill Would Increase Dependent Care Credit, Make Limits Permanent

If this bill becomes law, there will be higher dollar limits for eligible services for which employees can claim the dependent care tax credit. Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., introduced the Middle Class Dependent Care Fairness Act of 2012 (H.R. 5886) on June 1. Israel’s bill calls for: increasing the credit to $35,000 per year; increasing […]

Where’s that Goat?

Wow, is this tough. I really don’t know whether I can get the words out. Still, I know it’s true, so I have to say it—so, here goes . . . no, no . . . wait. OK, take a breath, calm yourself, and just let people know what’s on your mind: The Cubs are […]

Religion Bias: Big Verdict for Worker Fired over Head Scarf

A jury in Phoenix has awarded $287,640—including $250,000 in punitive damages—in a religious discrimination suit against Alamo Car Rental brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC charged Alamo with post-9/11 backlash discrimination on the basis of religion when it fired a Somali customer sales representative in December 2001 for refusing to […]

Sexual Harassment Policy: Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, And Retaliation

Updated Jan. 2004 The [insert company name] (“Company”) believes in respecting the dignity of every employee and expects every employee to show respect for all of our colleagues, clients, customers, and vendors. Respectful, professional conduct furthers the Company’s mission, promotes productivity, minimizes disputes and enhances its reputation. Accordingly, this policy forbids any unwelcome conduct in […]

What Are Businesses Doing to Control Travel and Relo Costs?

By Robert Brady CEO, Business and Legal Resources For years, BLR® has surveyed HR and benefits professionals to see what benefits they are actually offering. This year, we have expanded our survey program by conducting a series of brief, targeted benefits surveys. Today’s topics: Travel and Relocation Benefits. (Survey results are presented in a future […]

Disciplinary Meetings: New Ruling Sheds Light on When Employees Are Entitled to Union Representation

A union worker is about to be called into a monthly performance meeting. He asks if he needs union representation, and you say no. Then, because of something that occurs during the meeting, you terminate him. Were you wrong not to put off the meeting until he had representation? We’ll review a recent National Labor […]