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Employment Lawyer’s Thoughts on How Businesses Can Remain Union-Free: Part 2

by D. Michael Henthorne In this second part of a two-part series, I examine the unusual figurative relationship between union-free policy statements, the human nature of employees and employers, and a neglected utility closet. In the first article, I described a large utility closet located on the carport adjacent to my house. Once an ideal […]

Do Your Employees Need Respirator Training?

The material in today’s e-mail is adapted from BLR’s 7-Minute Safety Trainer session, “Respiratory Protection.” The goals for a training session on respirator safety should include teaching employees to: Understand when to use the different types of respirators. Understand how to fit, inspect, and maintain respirators. The applicable regulations from the Occupational Safety and Health […]

California Governor Vetoes Parental Leave Bill

California’s governor vetoed a bill September 30 that would have granted 6 weeks of “parental leave” to some employees in the state. Governor Jerry Brown (D) said in a letter to lawmakers that he was particularly concerned about the impact the law would have on small businesses.

Communicating Healthcare Benefits Isn’t Easy, But It’s Essential

One of the most difficult communication challenges for Human Resources professionals is explaining healthcare benefits.  With healthcare options consistently changing and the list of medical acronyms forever expanding, it’s no wonder developing these communications can be frustrating. Yet, employees need help understanding the issues, which is why developing a strong healthcare benefits communications effort is […]

Employee handbooks in California: Policies regarding the employment relationship

California has some specific regulations that relate to the employment relationship—and these should be clarified in employee handbooks or in written notices. There are also some laws that affect the employment relationship, and employers need to keep them in mind, even if they’re not required in employee handbooks. Here are some examples, which will each be explored in further detail below

Gender Pay Gap Prevalent in the Hospitality Industry

The 2017 Restaurant Management Salary Survey Report, the third annual report from Gecko Hospitality, the largest hospitality recruiter in the United States, finds the gender pay gap is still widespread, with starting pay and bonuses for men considerably higher than for women.

How to Implement a Workplace Breastfeeding Policy

The letter of the law may only require employers to extend breaks and access to a lactation room to eligible employees on an as needed basis, but many companies are taking a proactive approach and looking to implement policies that will boost employee retention. According to Eileen Shue, vice president of corporate resources for the […]

Suspicion of FMLA Abuse Does Not Justify Firing, Says Court

Just when you may have thought the road was clear to an “honest belief” defense that linked employee termination to suspected leave abuse under the Family and Medical Leave Act, a ruling has put the brakes on that notion. A California appellate court has issued a decision against a large auto retailer that should cause […]