Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
By Jane Meacham An appellate court sided with a plan administrator’s decision that a deceased plan participant’s stepsons are not entitled to his pension benefits, a ruling that may set the direction for similar plan interpretations under ERISA law. In the case, Herring v. Campbell , Case 11-40953 (Aug. 7, 2012), John Wayne Hunter, a retiree […]
Tuesday’s election brought tremendous change to Congress and many state legislatures and swept in a number of new governors. Many of the promises made by these newly elected government officials will affect employers. Following the election, various members of the Employers Counsel Network took the time to provide their insight on the local and national […]
Pass any courthouse and those thuds you hear are companies landing in front of juries because of HR errors by their managers. Here’s a list of some of the most common miscues. “Loose lips sink ships.” That was a popular World War II slogan. It was used to caution war workers against carelessly revealing what […]
by Timothy F. Murphy This week, to review what has and hasn’t changed under the amended Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we’re taking a look at a disability discrimination cases that deals with essential job functions and reasonable accommodation. Determining the truly essential functions of a job is often at the heart of a disability […]
by Tara Z. Hall While not a true “ban the box” measure, a new Iowa law taking effect January 1 will allow exonerated individuals to keep past criminal charges from becoming known to potential employers. The measure, signed into law last spring, sets up a process for individuals who have been wrongfully accused of a […]
By BLR Founder and CEO Bob Brady Just My E-Pinion In today’s E-pinion, BLR founder and CEO Bob Brady admits to some humbling moments after receiving 360-degree review results, but recommends using the technique for all managers, especially for CEOs who may be more susceptible than most to self-delusion. Years ago, when BLR was first […]
Recently, I was intrigued by a Wall Street Journal article — “A Four-Letter Word Schools Won’t Use.” It said that colleges absolutely refuse to use the “F” word. Yes, it’s true. Schools avoid using the word “FIRE” at all costs. According to the article, the writer analyzed 50 recent news releases announcing coaching changes in […]
By David M. Stevens, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Employers frequently experience heartburn when employees who have recently taken leave protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) engage in conduct that warrants discipline or even termination. You are rightly concerned about the possibility that an employee in that situation may allege retaliation if you […]
By Kyla Stott-Jess and Katie Clayton Canadian courts have been reluctant to allow random drug and alcohol testing in most workplaces. The issue was recently back before the Alberta Court of Appeal. Oil Company Suncor appealed an injunction against its new proposed drug and alcohol testing policy.
Over the last several years, the U.S. Supreme Court has issued a string of decisions limiting the rights of state employees to sue their state employers for violating federal employment laws. Now a new high court decision continues the trend, ruling that state employees can’t recover damages for disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities […]