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News Notes: Computer Tampering Lands Employee In Jail

A systems administrator has been ordered to serve one year in jail for destroying computer files worth $237,550 at Digital Link, a Sunnyvale engineering firm. An Chi Tran quit his job after his supervisor gave him a written reprimand. The company then changed its passwords to block his access to its central computer system. But […]

‘Let-it-all-hang-out’ Diversity Training

Most organizations these days believe that "diversity" produces better results. But things get tricky when it comes to diversity training. It’s easy to do significant legal damage, especially with "let-it-all-hang-out" sessions . One of the favorite moves of diversity training facilitators is to ask employees to drop all pretenses, and just go ahead and express […]

E-Verify Redesign Coming Soon

Big changes are coming to E-Verify that will enhance its usability, security, accuracy, and efficiency. The newly redesigned E-Verify features a clean and modern design, easy and intuitive navigation, and clear and simple language. Additionally, a new home page, improved case management, and a streamlined tutorial are among the dozens of improvements coming to the […]

Shift of Accounts to QDIA From Stable Value Fund Allowed by Courts

By Jane Meacham A plan sponsor’s immunity from financial losses that resulted from its shift of retirement plan participants’ investments into qualified default investment alternatives was upheld by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in its decision in Bidwell v. University Medical Center Inc., Case No. 11-5493 (June 29, 2012). Facts of the Case […]

Life after certification applications: Lawful outsourcing and scope of bargaining units

by Karine Fournier and Valérie Gareau-Dalpé Union certification applications can have profound impacts on the workplace. The bargaining unit’s composition will have implications for the conduct of the employer’s business, and it bears close attention. The union applying for certification will be the one proposing the scope of the bargaining unit. Merely showing there is […]

Benefits Trends: Employee Involvement Is Critical

Yesterday, Kristen Allison, president of Orange County-based Burnham Benefits Insurance Services, explained 5 of the top 10 benefits trends in 2011. Today, the rest of her top 10, and a new resource for 2011 that you’ll be turning to over and over throughout the year.

Ignoring Employee’s Overtime Won’t Make It Go Away

By Kate McGovern Tornone, Editor When an employee works overtime, an employer can’t ignore those hours. Even if an employee fails to report the hours, an employer may be liable for back pay and damages if it “should have known” the employee was working overtime, a recent case illustrates.

Supreme Court addresses, upholds state bans on affirmative action

By Holly K. Jones In a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, the court upheld a controversial ban on the use of affirmative action in public education, employment, and contracts in the state of Michigan. For details on the decision and whether it affects your business, read on.  Background In 2003, two U.S. Supreme Court decisions […]