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Job Descriptions–Your First Line of Defense

In the last issue of the Advisor, we covered methodology and appraisal in layoffs. Today, we look at the role of job descriptions–and at a surprising new job description development and storage system. If anyone questions your selections for layoff (and yes, someone is going to question them), and you considered skills and priorities for […]

Race Bias: $1 Million Punitive Damage Award For Employee Subjected To Racial Slurs; Avoiding Lawsuits

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers California, has upheld a $1 million punitive damages award to an employee who was subjected to repeated racial slurs and jokes with his supervisor’s knowledge. The new ruling, one of the largest of its kind, serves as a reminder that it’s imperative to take steps to prevent—and […]

Health Care Insurance Reform’s Fate in Supreme Court’s Hands

By Jessica Webb-Ayer, J.D., BLR Attorney Editor The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments on challenge to the massive health care insurance reform law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), enacted March 2010. Although there’s no crystal ball to tell us how the justices will inevitably rule, the oral arguments did provide […]

West Virginia Legislature passes right-to-work bill; governor promises veto

by Rodney L. Bean Both houses of West Virginia’s legislature have passed a bill that would make West Virginia the nation’s 26th right-to-work state. The bill arrived at Governor Earl Ray Tomblin’s desk on Monday, February 8, and now awaits his signature or veto.  After a February 4 debate that lasted almost five hours, the […]

Video Résumés: Is There Trouble in Sight?

Video résumés show jobseekers in all their glory, but is discrimination also part of the picture? Here are the two views on the subject. You’ve advertised for a spot in your organization, and now your e-mail inbox is bulging with résumés. As you work your way through the pile, one candidate has included a link […]

Are Forces of Secrecy Blocking Path to Health Cost Control?

Health reform has passed and it was supposed to change the world. But it has yet to take effective action on the biggest problem — the upward spiral of health costs! Raise your hand if you think there is a connection between insurers’ and providers’ lack of transparency on premiums and fees, and that upward […]

Job Descriptions: A Job Better Left to the Pros?

Writing job descriptions has become so time-consuming and legally complex some managers just ignore using them and deny themselves a valuable HR tool. A solid prewritten or sample program might be the answer. They’re often the unwanted stepchildren of the HR office. Stashed on a high shelf. Stored in a dusty binder. Written, filed, and […]

Employers await effects of Executive Order on immigration

While political wrangling over President Barack Obama’s newest Executive Order rages, employers need to understand the impact the immigration order will have on their workplaces. Obama announced what he’s calling the Immigration Accountability Executive Actions in an address November 20. A fact sheet from the White House says the order will “crack down on illegal […]

Compensation 2013–Not Where We Wanted to Be

Unfortunately, there’s a place where we hoped to be in 2013, and that’s not where we are, but there are still strategies that will serve us well, says consultant Terry Pasteris. Where We’ve Been First of all, let’s look at where we’ve been, says Pasteris, who is president of TLMP Consulting Group. She offered her […]