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Employment Law Tip: Put It in Writing— Or Face the Consequences

Many employers cite employees for violations of “unwritten” company policies that are enforced but not clearly set out in an employee handbook or other well-publicized document. This can be a big mistake. Your supervisors may feel comfortable telling employees that “this is a long-standing unwritten rule” or “just the way things have always been done,” […]

Employee Privacy: New Decision Spotlights Limits On Your Right To Discipline Workers For Off-The-Job Activities

John Strahan, a sergeant for the Washoe County, Nev., Sheriff’s Department, was a member of a motorcycle club called Blind Justice. He allegedly attended motorcycle events, wore Hell’s Angels T-shirts and hung out with other bikers, including some who were convicted felons. When Strahan was demoted to deputy sheriff, he filed a lawsuit contending he […]

Retirement Plans: Final DOL Regulation on Qualified Default Investment Alternatives Protects 401(k) Fiduciaries

A new U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) regulation protects fiduciaries when selecting and investing employee assets in qualified default investment alternatives (QDIAs) for 401(k) plans. The rule, effective Dec. 24, 2007, expands the relief provided to plan fiduciaries under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and should be particularly valuable to fiduciaries of […]

From the Editor

Welcome to the first issue of Diversity Insight. The topic of workplace diversity has never been more important than it is right now. Employers across the country are struggling to manage a new workforce that is becoming increasingly diverse and complex. As a result, HR is required to settle differences between ethnic groups, bring peace […]

Mental Health Parity Measure Part of Bailout Package

A mental health parity measure has been passed in Congress as part of the $700 billion financial rescue package. The measure requires covered employers that provide health plans to cover mental illness and substance abuse on the same basis as physical conditions. President George W. Bush signed the financial package on Friday, October 3. The […]

Disability Bias: California Provides Broader Protection than the ADA for Employees with Physical Disabilities; What You Should Know

Over the last few years, the U.S. Supreme Court has issued several rulings narrowing the definition of what constitutes a disability under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Now, the California Supreme Court has ruled that California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) affords workers broader protections than the ADA.

L.A. Bus Driver Busted on Workers’ Comp Fraud Charges

Renee Terri Henderson, a bus driver with the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), has plead guilty to charges that she submitted fraudulent workers’ comp claims. As a result of claims Henderson filed with the MTA, she collected weekly total temporary disability benefits of $386.65 for nine months. However, an investigation by the California Department […]

When Employee Privacy and Social Media Collide

By Lyne Duhaime An IBM employee from Quebec made headlines last month when her disability benefits were cut off by the insurance company after it saw pictures of her on Facebook. Despite being off work for depression, the employee had posted photos of herself on vacation at the beach and at a Chippendale’s show. When […]