‘But Nobody Told Me I Had To Get To Work On Time!’
Ridiculous as it sounds, “they never told me” is a standard defense in employment lawsuits. It plays to the jury’s sense of fairness, and it plays pretty well.
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House Committee Approves HSA, HRA Expansion
By Gwen Cofield Bills expanding access to account-based healthcare arrangements in various respects were approved June 15 by the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Ways and Means.
DOL Releases Official Proposal to Raise Federal Contractor Minimum Wage to $10.10
U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez released a proposed rule to raise the minimum wage for federal contractor employees on new contracts to $10.10 on June 12. President Obama directed the U.S. Department of Labor to issue the rule in February. The rule provides guidance and sets standards for employers for contractor employees, and it […]
Insurers Must Use Standard CMS Letters When Restoring Policies
Insurers may not modify or customize letters telling policyholders they can have their cheap health coverage back for one more year if it was cancelled due to health care reform. States may customize the letters, but only if the result is a letter that is more consumer protective and detailed than the federal template. That’s […]
High-profile Supporters to Push SEC for Higher Fiduciary Standards in Sept. 11 Meeting
Twelve well-known U.S. financial services industry figures will meet Sept. 11 with the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission to discuss their “Fiduciary Declaration,” which will urge Congress and the agency to heighten protection for those receiving investment advice. The declaration, to be signed by Paul Volcker, John C. “Jack” Bogle, Sheila Bair and […]
Premium Reimbursement Arrangements: Time to Dump Group Coverage?
While the discussions continue about healthcare reform, most agree that its primary goal—affordable health care for every American—is a noble one. Even as the law was written, and certainly as implementation has progressed, the reality that emerged was anything but simple. For many, “bogged down” doesn’t even begin to describe the processes and the outcomes.
Higher PBGC Premiums Make DB Plans More Apt to Borrow
Defined benefit plan sponsors have gained a new incentive to fully fund their pension plans – even if that requires borrowing, according to a recent research report. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act enacted in mid-2012 raised U.S. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. premiums for plan sponsors maintaining an underfunded DB plan, […]
Pregnancy Bias: Verdict Slashed for Officer Who Was Denied Promotion
Last year, a federal jury in San Francisco awarded $2 million to former Oakland police officer Janeith Glenn-Davis, who claimed she was passed over for promotion because she was pregnant. The damages included $150,000 in lost earnings plus $1.85 million for emotional distress and other damages.
Free Report Friday—Compliance Guide to the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA)
Leaves under CFRA and FMLA in California are particular challenges for even the most experienced HR professional. Today’s newly updated Compliance Guide to CFRA and FMLA will explain everything you need to know.
Managing The Workplace: What To Do When Employee Religious Beliefs And Free Speech Clash With Diversity Efforts
Many employers try to combat workplace bias with diversity programs that emphasize company commitment to respecting differences, such as sexual orientation. But suppose an employee refuses to participate in a diversity training program, citing religious or political beliefs. Can you discipline the worker? In a recent case, an employer faced just this situation. We’ll provide […]