Tag: news

New final rule updates sex discrimination guidelines for federal contractors

Federal contractors are getting a look at a new regulation aimed at preventing sex discrimination in employment, and while many contractors already are in line with its provisions, the new rule may create tension in some areas. The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) released a final rule on […]

Colorado repeals state employment verification law

by Roger Tsai Colorado employers soon will be relieved of their obligation to complete and maintain the state employment verification affirmation form aimed at ensuring that new hires are legally eligible for employment in the United States. Governor John Hickenlooper signed the measure into law on June 8, and it will take effect August 10. […]

Court’s decision solidifies NLRB’s ‘quickie’ election rule

A June 10 ruling by the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals dealt a blow to employers hoping to escape the constraints of the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) rule speeding up union representation elections. The Associated Builders and Contractors of Texas and the National Federation of Independent Business filed the challenge to what many […]

DOL’s new ‘persuader’ rule goes into effect July 1

by Steven R. Semler The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) new “persuader” rule is set to take effect on July 1. The rule will require employers and their attorneys and consultants to file with the DOL for public disclosure all agreements and payments to attorneys and consultants for providing advice, counter-organizational campaign training, and assistance […]

Washington, D.C., employers to face $15 minimum wage

The “Fight for $15” movement got a boost on June 7 when the Washington, D.C., City Council approved a minimum wage increase that will have the city’s lowest-wage workers earning $15 an hour by 2020. The council unanimously approved the measure after council committee discussions worked out differences related to raising the city’s tipped minimum […]

New West Virginia law allows hiring preference for veterans

by Thomas S. Kleeh West Virginia will join the list of states that allow hiring preferences for veterans when a new law takes effect on June 22. House Bill 4507 was signed into law on March 24. Its purpose is to assist veterans and disabled veterans in securing employment. The new law amends the provisions […]

West Virginia joins states limiting access to employees’ social media accounts

by Tracey B. Eberling West Virginia’s new law regulating employer access to employees’ and applicants’ personal social media accounts goes into effect June 10. The West Virginia Internet Privacy Protection Act is aimed at protecting employees’ “personal accounts,” defined as “an account, service or profile on a social networking website that is used by an […]

Can Physical Fitness Training Be Discriminatory?

While many (if not most) employers don’t need to worry about a physical fitness training program, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) does. And recently, it had to defend differing standards in training between men and women. This raises an interesting and more inclusive question: can training be discriminatory?

Minneapolis employers must prepare for new paid sick leave law

by Dennis Merley In a unanimous vote, the Minneapolis City Council has passed a paid sick and safe leave ordinance that is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2017. The ordinance covers all employers with one or more employees, but employers with fewer than six employees must provide only unpaid sick and safe leave. […]

Career Development Programs Are on the Rise

Rewarding employees goes above and beyond base salaries, and with that in mind, companies are prioritizing career development more than other alternative rewards, benefits, and bonuses. According to new research, career development program expansion is viewed as a way to engage and retain workers.