Archives

Hard Goals for Soft Objectives

Yesterday’s Advisor covered best practices in goal setting. Today, how to set measurable goals for soft objectives, plus an introduction to the all-thing-HR-in-one website, HR. BLR.com.

Agency proposes clearinghouse for commercial driver drug tests

by Charles S. Plumb The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has proposed a new rule that would create a database of commercial drivers’ drug test histories, making it easier for employers to find a job candidate’s past drug test results. The comment period is open until April 21. Under the current rules, employers that hire […]

Got an 800-pound gorilla? It might be time to confront him

by Dan Oswald One of the national hotel chains, in an attempt to attract business travelers, advertises that if you stay at its hotels, you’ll be able to take on “the 800-pound gorilla in the room.” The ad shows Regional Manager Amy, after spending a night in one of the hotels, being able to tame […]

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? […]

State Actions Reshaping Minimum Wage Debate

A wave of state minimum wage increases and proposed bills is reshaping efforts to raise the federal minimum wage. Dozens of states have taken up minimum wage bills over the last year, with five states — Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Minnesota and West Virginia — passing measures in the last few months. According to the National […]

Men don’t [take] leave

At least that’s what former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason and radio talk show host Mike Francesa believe. Their critical comments of New York Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy, particularly those made by Esiason, recently created a storm of controversy that extended beyond just the sports world. Murphy missed the first two games of the 2014 […]

What Are the Rules for Mixed-Motive Bias in California?

In early 2013, the California Court of Appeals ruled in favor of an employee in a so-called “mixed-motive” case (when an employer has both unlawful and legitimate reasons for taking an adverse employment action) brought under the state Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

Court sends supervisor to jail

By Antonio Di Domenico We know that Canadian courts are increasingly more willing to impose significant six- and seven-figure fines on employers convicted of criminal workplace negligence or occupational health and safety violations. Indeed, we reported on two recent examples—Vale Canada Limited and Metron Construction—where the companies were given record fines in these types of […]

Employment Law Alert: San Francisco’s Ban the Box Ordinance

Effective August 13, 2014, San Francisco’s Fair Chance Ordinance prohibits employers from asking about a job applicant’s criminal history, including inquiries on an employment application form. This prohibition, often called a “ban the box” provision, applies to private employers, city contractors, and subcontractors with 20 or more employees. Covered employers may ask about an applicant’s criminal history after the first live interview (in person or via telephone or other technology) or after a conditional job offer. A notice describing the protections provided under the ordinance will be developed by the city’s Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE). Employers are required to post the notice and to send a copy to any labor union with which they have a collective bargaining agreement.