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In search of the win-win solution

by Mark I. Schickman Too often, the workplace is viewed as a zero-sum game ― a win for an employee or loss for the boss, every savings for the company obtained from an employee concession. The political parties are playing it the same way; either employers pay more or workers get less ― nobody suggests […]

HR’s flu season concerns: absenteeism, presenteeism, vaccinations, and employment law

by Michael Barnsback According to the Centers for Disease Control, the flu season “most commonly peaks in the U.S. in January or February.” In its last weekly flu advisory report, the agency reported that flu is widespread in more than half of the country and many states are reporting severe outbreaks. The CDC says “the […]

Obama pushing to make more workers eligible for overtime

The latest development in President Barack Obama’s continuing effort to boost pay for low-wage workers is coming in the form of a plan to increase the number of workers who  are eligible for overtime pay. A March 11 report on The New York Times website says Obama will direct the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) […]

January 1 is key date for New York paid family leave law

by Angelo D. Catalano Employers in New York need to be ready to provide paid family leave (PFL) to eligible employees as of January 1. The PFL law, signed into law in April 2016, allows eligible full- and part-time employees to take payroll-deducted paid leave for qualifying circumstances such as a serious health condition of […]

Give My Regards to Andy

As you know, dear readers, this summer Ford & Harrison has taken on the gargantuan task of helping Sabre sift through the many eager and hopeful candidates for Michael Scott’s replacement. We’ve already discussed Dwight Schrute and Darryl Philbin, from among the internal applicants, and outside candidate Robert California. But there’s one more internal candidate, […]

IRS sets 2013 standard mileage rate

The IRS has announced the 2013 standard mileage rate to use in computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business use. Employers often use the rate to determine how much they will pay employees for using their personal vehicles for work-related purposes. The 2013 rate for transportation or travel expenses is 56.5 cents […]

Obama Outlines Health Care Reform Plan; Final Senate Bill Close to Completion

Since Congress returned from its recess this week, all eyes and attention have returned to health care reform. A framework for a potential bipartisan health care reform bill was made public this week. And President Barack Obama addressed a joint session of Congress, outlining his plan for health care reform, though Republicans generally remain wary […]

Legal vs. Illegal Hiring Questions

Protecting your business from unnecessary litigation begins well before an employee works a single day. Asking the wrong application or interview questions—or asking the right questions in the wrong way—can land you in court and come with a hefty price tag. But if you have a plan and take the time to learn which questions […]

Do Your Employees Get a Charge Out of Your Electrical Safety Training?

Training can help you ensure that your workers don’t become a part of these shocking statistics: According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics compiled by the Electrical Safety Foundation International, from 2003 to 2010, more than 1,600 people died and more than 20,000 were injured because of work-related electrical accidents. What are […]

Reductions In Farce

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 […]