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The changes promised by the Obama administration are beginning to take hold at the federal agencies regulating the workplace. Typically, the change in leadership can be a strong predictor of the changes in policies and directions that will be pursued by a new administration. Not surprisingly, the changes that already have occurred suggest that we […]
Litigation value: $ 100,000 On the Blood Drive episode of The Office, Michael took things to the next level, or at least got creative in finding new ways to do something actionable, by stopping work and throwing a Valentine’s Day mixer. Sure, in the past Michael has said crude things, turned a blind eye to […]
by Lisa Chamandy Employers in Canada are beginning to use biometric scans to replace traditional lock-and-key or card-swipe systems. Sensors record fingerprint-like information, and computers transform the data into a mathematical formula, usually comprised of 0s and 1s. The system then deletes the image, keeping only a template corresponding to 2 percent of the fingertip. […]
In past issues of HR Hero Line, we’ve examined the FMLA regs issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) in November 2008. This week, the attorney editors of the Kentucky Employment Law letter examine a few more changes made by the new FMLA regulations including holidays, joint employers, leave for pregnancy and childbirth, and employer […]
As employers know, certain employees aren’t entitled to overtime pay under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The most common exemptions include the executive, administrative, and professional exemptions. Because the administrative exemption is more nebulous than the executive and professional exemptions, employers often misclassify non-exempt workers as exempt administrative employees. Although it should be […]
Litigation Value: $50,000 The last time we wrote about the Crime Aid episode of The Office, we advised that Dunder Mifflin might not be on the hook for any potential judgments for anything that happened in this episode. But on further review, I’m not so sure that was right. It’s entirely possible that a jury […]
by Sara Parchello Many employers are trying to reorganize operations in order to survive this economic downturn. As Canadian employers know, a substantial change in an employee’s job functions can lead an employee to make a claim for constructive dismissal. This can result in significant liabilities when you can least afford it. How far can […]
by Mike Maslanka The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has been revised, and the regulations went into effect in January 2009. Time for a checkup of your company’s policies. Employers need to ask themselves the following questions: HR Guide to Employment Law: A practical compliance reference manual covering 14 topics, including hiring 1. Have […]
Last week, we discussed four employment law issues state legislatures will be grappling with in 2009 — layoff notification laws, immigration, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and it’s state equivalents, and unemployment benefits. This week, we’ll discuss four more – family and medical leave, workplace discrimination, minimum wage, and occupational safety. As with last […]
Employment law attorney Troy Foster examines “The Baby Shower” episode of The Office and determines that while Dunder Mifflin might not be liable for sex discrimination, it probably needs to take a look at the Scranton crew’s work habits. Litigation Value: Still currently $0. When we wrote about The Baby Shower episode of The Office […]