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Employing Minors: DOL Releases Final Rules on Restrictions for Teen Workers

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has published final regulations that implement changes to some teen worker employment rules. Effective Feb. 15, the rules expand protections for minors working in certain industries and performing certain tasks. Note that California’s child labor rules generally incorporate the federal regulations.

May We Require Masks or Telework to Fight the Flu?

Yesterday’s Advisor featured the EEOC’s advice for avoiding ADA problems when preparing for swine flu. Today, we’ll get the agency’s advice about work practices, and an introduction to a special program for smaller HR departments. Here’s more from the EEOC’s Q&A: During a pandemic, may we require our employees to adopt infection control practices? EEOC: […]

Employment Law Tip: Are Telecommuters Taking Breaks?

It’s no secret that wage and hour lawsuits are multiplying, and they often challenge an employer’s practices with respect to required meal and rest breaks. But even if you’ve taken steps to comply with Labor Code and Wage Order break rules, you might have forgotten to check up on breaks for one segment of your […]

Is Guidance for Electronic Discovery Clear?

In yesterday’s Advisor, we shared some surprising results from Fulbright & Jaworski’s 7th Annual Litigation Trends Survey. Today, respondents’ views on electronic discovery and HR-related suits, and an introduction to the new training system that helps avoid litigation entirely. [Go here for more survey results and details on the survey.]   Do you think the […]

Retirement Plans: Major Changes to the 403(b) Rules; How to Prepare

Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code is undergoing its most significant changes in decades. The IRS has issued final regulations for retirement plans governed by Section 403(b) and maintained by nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations and public schools for their employees’ benefit. The plans may be funded through annuity contracts issued by an insurance company, […]

Affirmative Action: Government Clarifies New Federal Contractor Audit Rules

If you contract with the federal government to sell or buy goods or services, you may be covered by detailed affirmative action and non-discrimination rules that are enforced by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). If so, you’re required to retain a broad array of employment records, and the OFCCP can audit your […]

Making Managers Manage

Surely one of the most frustrating things about HR is managers who won’t manage. HR sets up its policies, practices, and systems and then managers don’t follow through. Some don’t care, some can’t, and some just don’t have the backbone to make tough calls. One thing’s sure—when things go South, HR’s going to catch the […]

Obama unveils compromise on health reform contraception rule

The Obama administration released a compromise plan February 1 on how contraception is covered under the healthcare reform law, but it’s not clear whether foes of the original requirement will approve. Under President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act, contraception is included as a free preventive service. The original rule exempted religious groups that employ mostly […]

DOL Awards Grants for Reemployment Services in 50 States

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded $112 million to 50 state and territorial workforce agencies, including those in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia, to operate reemployment services and eligibility assessments programs for those receiving unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.

Holidays 2009 Survey Results

Each year, HR Hero Line surveys its readers about what days they will be off at the holidays and in the coming year. Most of you will have a paid holiday later this month on both Thanksgiving Day and the day after, while about 36% of you will get off on Thanksgiving Day only. Christmas […]