Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
Among the add-ons to the $700 billion financial rescue package that Congress recently passed was a measure that will affect many employers whose health plans offer mental health benefits. The Paul Wellstone-Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 builds on and closes employer-friendly loopholes in the limited mental health parity measure […]
Forty years ago, very few U.S. employees were personally affected by what happened on Wall Street. Six in 10 Americans were covered by a pension that they could count on regardless of the stock market. Today less than 2 in 10 workers in the private sector have a pension and most workers only option is […]
I know some big ERISA regulations are expected to be issued later this year. Where can I go for more information? — Anonymous in Bakersfield The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) plans to release its final regulations on proposed amendments to Section 408(b)(2) of ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, later this summer. […]
Many employers are shocked when they see how quickly a single complaint by an employee for unpaid overtime can turn into a collective-action lawsuit under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state labor laws. Unlike discrimination claims filed under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, there is no requirement that […]
by Tracey A. Cullen It’s no news flash that companies must proceed with caution when classifying someone who provides them with services as an independent contractor. Independent contractors are paid flat fees without tax deductions or employment taxes. Employees are paid salaries subject to withholding, FICA, FUTA, and other employment taxes and are protected under […]
Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, is just a few weeks away and many employers have started thinking about adding students to their workforce. Here are some issues to consider as those eager, money-hungry youngsters join your workplace. Safety first The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) […]
The new National Defense Authorization Act expands the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to permit two new types of workplace leave for family members of injured military personnel and military reservists called to active duty. Here’s an overview of the requirements.
In February, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published a long-awaited proposal to update and retool Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regulations. The lengthy proposal covers notice requirements, medical certifications, eligibility, the definition of “continuing treatment” for a serious health condition, fitness for duty, and more. The changes are generally welcome news for employers.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has announced a settlement with McLane Co., Inc., under which the Texas-based food and grocery distributor will pay $1,559,316 in back wages to 570 employees. A DOL investigation found that the company misclassified employees as exempt and thus didn’t pay overtime wages. McLane erroneously regarded retail merchandising specialists as […]