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Supreme Court: Individual Settlement Offer Moots FLSA Collective Action Claim
In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court held April 16 that because an employee received an individual settlement offer that fully satisfied her Fair Labor Standard Act claims, her individual and collective action claims could not go forward. The Court said that after her employer made an “Offer of Judgment” for the full amount […]
Employers Wise to Limit Job-related Calls to Employees on FMLA Leave
Employers need to know what distinguishes a professional courtesy — let’s say having an occasional job-related phone discussion with an employee on leave — from crossing the line and interfering with an employee’s rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act. In other words, you as employer need to inform your employees about the parameters […]
Flying High with Safety Training
Last fall, United Airlines’ Detroit Customer Contact Center was named a Star VPP worksite by Michigan OSHA. It was the first Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) certification for United Airlines. Kerry Fischman, senior staff specialist for corporate ground safety, says the strategies to protect office employees are similar to those the airline uses to protect other […]
How One Company Promotes Continuous Learning
“We feel that a well-trained workforce plays a significant role in enabling our business,” said Chuck Schneider, president and CEO of U.S. Security Associates (www.ussecurityassociates.com). “From protecting the people, property, and assets of our customers to management and leadership development, learning is an integral part of our company culture.” “We are very proud of all […]
Number of States Allowing Medical Marijuana Expected to Grow
Maryland is expected to soon become the 19th state to legalize medical marijuana. Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) told the Associated Press that he “probably” would sign the measure passed by the Maryland Legislature earlier this month. The bill would allow academic medical research centers to prescribe marijuana to critically sick patients under limited circumstances. […]
Don’t Lawyer Up Too Quickly
Yesterday’s Advisor featured SHRM’s top-rated speaker, Attorney Jonathan Segal, who offered the first 10 of his “they won’t tell you, but I will” principles. Today, 11 to 15, plus an introduction to the handy wage and hour guide that helps you solve little problems before they become big and expensive ones. Segal, who is a […]
7 practical steps to prevent FMLA, CFRA leave abuse
Administering FMLA/CFRA leave can be frustrating, especially when abuse of the system is suspected. What can employers do to curb FMLA/CFRA leave abuse? Here are 7 practical steps employers can take.
Embrace Your Workers’ Curiosity (No More ‘Just Do It!’)
I’ve been reading Tell My Sons … by Lieutenant Colonel Mark Weber, says business and leadership blogger Dan Oswald. After a routine Army physical revealed Weber had stage IV intestinal cancer, he began a battle for his life that he ultimately will lose. When Weber realized he wouldn’t be able to conquer his cancer, he […]
Supreme Court in McCutchen: Clear Plan Terms Prevail Over Broad Equitable Remedies
Clear plan document terms in ERISA group health plans are the best defense against legal claims asserting broad equitable remedies, the U.S. Supreme Court reinforced in an April 16 decision. In its holding, the Court affirmed that equitable theories, such as make-whole, common fund, unjust enrichment and double-recovery doctrines should not be allowed to override […]