Tag: DOL

DOL issues proposed rule on $10.10 minimum wage for federal contractors

U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez announced a proposed rule on June 12 that will raise the minimum wage for workers on federal service and construction contracts to $10.10 per hour. The proposed rule implements the executive order President Barack Obama announced on February 12. The proposed rule provides guidance and sets standards for […]

Active Shooter in the Workplace? Use this Video to Train Employees on How to Respond

The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security announced the release of a video that provides key steps individuals should take if they encounter an active shooter. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of Aurora’s (Colorado) tragic shooting, along with their friends, family and community,” said Mayor Annise Parker. […]

PA Mistake #7—Gaming the System

[Go here for sins 1 to 6.] Sin #7. Gaming the system “John’s work is just OK, to be sure, but I need to give him a big raise to keep him, so he gets an ‘excellent.’” “I can’t stand Sandy, but I can’t transfer him unless he has a high rating; let his next […]

Checklist for Unpaid Internship Programs

Internship programs can provide advantages for both employers and interns, but many internships risk running afoul of state and federal laws. Employers can end up on the hook for significant amounts in unpaid wages, employment taxes, and penalties. To avoid these unintended consequences, review the checklist below.

Government Guidance on Paid and Unpaid Internships

“Every spring, as college students nationwide prepare for finals and pull all-nighters to wrap up their spring semesters, many simultaneously ramp up their search for the perfect internship,” says Laura Fortman, principal deputy administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) in a blog. “The WHD understands that these “foot-in-the-door” […]

Health Care Reform: COBRA notices changed; special enrollment opportunity created

Due to some ambiguity in model government language explaining the interplay of the Affordable Care Act with COBRA coverage, the Obama administration has both proposed an update to model COBRA notices and provided a new special enrollment opportunity for COBRA qualified beneficiaries (QBs) to enroll in marketplace coverage. Last year, the U.S. Department of Labor […]

The Importance of Training in Instructional Design

“If trainers are asked to be designers, they have to be familiar with adult learning theory in instructional design if they are going to be effective,” Guilkey insists. And the same applies to subject matter experts if the task of designing a training session is assigned to them. “A lot of people being asked to […]

Video Training on Retaliation

Retaliation is now the leading basis for charges against employers. What should you be doing to avoid such charges? In the latest Compliance Corner video blog from our sister publication, HR Daily Advisor, editor Stephen Bruce explains how to reduce your risk of a lawsuit.   Looking for exciting new ways to train your supervisors? […]

Shutdowns, Furloughs and Weather Delays—Wage/Hour Minefields

Business Shutdowns and Furloughs It should be no surprise that many employers have sought creative work arrangements in order to weather bleak times without resorting to morale-killing layoffs. Furloughs, temporary shutdowns, and reduced-hour schedules are common workplace solutions. However, the intricacies of the FLSA make these solutions tricky. The salary basis test is not satisfied […]