Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
Seeking to clear up confusion arising from the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that undocumented workers who are victims of unfair labor practices aren’t entitled to recover back pay, the California Department of Industrial Relations has released a statement clarifying its wage enforcement policy. The department’s position is that all California workers—whether or not they’re legally […]
The Industrial Welfare Commission has adopted several important new rules that will have a significant impact on California employers. One big change requires you to pay employees for an additional hour if they work through a break or meal period. The story also outlines the IWC’s new requirements for adopting and repealing alternative workweeks to […]
When the California Supreme Court approved mandatory arbitration for employment disputes last year, one question left unanswered was how existing arbitration agreements that don’t meet all the standards the court set forth would be handled. The contrasting approaches taken in two recent Court of Appeal decisions provide some guidance as to how the line will […]
The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration has published tips for workers and employers to keep in mind during heat waves. The new materials include an advisory for employers that explains the duty to take steps necessary to prevent heat-related illness, plus fact sheets for workers to help them recognize and respond to symptoms of […]
If an employee gets injured at work, are you prepared to deal with the situation? The types of first-aid materials you must maintain in the workplace will depend on the nature and extent of hazards present. And Cal-OSHA standards require a basic level of readiness.
It’s unfortunate that as we reflect back on 9-11 and the lives that were sacrificed, we also worry about new terrorist threats allegedly being made near this important 10th anniversary. But one way to conquer worry is to be prepared, and here are some important emergency management planning tips that employers should consider. But first, […]
Every business has to watch expenses carefully. A successful business needs employees who do their best to cut costs, avoid waste, and make do when they can’t afford better Many workers may think there’s not much they can do about costs—that these decisions are made in the accounting office. But that isn’t true. The company’s […]
Employers and plan administrators have more options now in choosing a way to reimburse the expenses their employees incur for lodging, meals and incidentals during business travel. The IRS in Notice 2012-63 issued per diem rates that are an alternative to the CONUS per diem rates the U.S. General Services Administration issues. The notice also […]
A jury in Los Angeles has returned a $6.2 million verdict to Brenda Lee, a former Los Angeles firefighter who claimed she was the victim of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation because she is African American and a lesbian. The award included $3.5 million in back and future wages and benefits, plus $2.5 million for emotional […]