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Converting to a cash balance plan is risky business

Companies that move from pensions to a cash balance plan can benefit by avoiding the risk of market volatility, but they should explain all aspects of the switch to employees and be careful not to violate the prohibition against age discrimination. When cash balance accounts replace retirement pensions, employees can be highly sensitive to the […]

Another setback for NLRB’s proposed posting rule

by Brian R. Garrison Continuing what has been a recent trend, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has issued another decision against the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). On May 7, the court determined the Board’s proposed rule mandating that employers display posters explaining employee rights under the National Labor […]

Even more mysteries of mitigation

By Michel Bellemare Last fall, we reported on the mysteries of mitigation. Those articles (“When do employees have a duty to mitigate termination claim?” and “More mysteries of mitigation”) reported on the Ontario Court of Appeal’s decision in Bowes v. Goss Power Products Ltd. that confirmed that the duty to mitigate doesn’t necessarily apply where […]

Managing Leave—Annoying for Sure, But Doable

“Never let managers deal with leave requests,” says one expert, but that’s easier said than done. For every HR manager who doesn’t have a leave specialist on staff, here are Bob Gilson’s tips for dealing with leave requests. Gilson, an expert on employee relations, offers his tips on FedSmith.com, where he is a frequent blogger. […]

Special: Forbes, Gore, and Meeting HR Challenges

“I used to be the next president of the United States,” Al Gore quipped, addressing a 10,000-person crowd at the Society for Human Resource Management’s recent Annual Conference and Exposition in San Diego. As the laughter died down, he added, “I don’t think that’s very funny.” Steve Forbes, the other headliner at the conference, says, […]

The more things change, the more they stay the same

by Mark Schickman After what seems like two years of constant campaigning and over $1 billion in advertising, we are exactly where we were after the 2010 elections: Democrats control the White House and Senate, and Republicans control the House of Representatives. Unless something drastic changes, this remains a recipe for continued gridlock—a conclusion Wall […]

Cannabis

What You Need to Know About Marijuana and Workplace Safety and Wellness

Thirty states have now legalized marijuana use for medicinal purposes, while recreational marijuana is legal in nine states and Washington, D.C. And as many states across the country become more lenient with their marijuana laws and regulations, organizations should seek out everything there is to know about marijuana and workplace safety and wellness. Continue reading […]