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Exempt Employees: Docking Errors May Cost Employer $7 Million; When You Can—And Can’t—Correct Docking Mistakes

The rules on when you can legally dock exempt employees’ pay are complex, and it’s easy to make mistakes. For example, if you dock when you shouldn’t, the person could be considered an hourly worker entitled to back overtime. However, under a special federal provision known as the “window of correction” rule, you may be […]

Holidays PTO Survey: Service Requirement – One Week Vacation

Service Requirement – One Week Vacation: What is the service requirement in order for an employee to be eligible for 1 week of vacation?   Do not offer Less than 6 months 6 months More than 6 months, but less than a year 1 year More than 1 year Exempt Employees 158 (20.1%) 216 (27.5%) […]

May: Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

In 1978, a joint congressional resolution established Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. The first 10 days of May were chosen to coincide with two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: the arrival in the United States of the first Japanese immigrants (May 7, 1843) and contributions of Chinese workers to the building of the transcontinental railroad, […]

New Illinois law protects social networking passwords

By Steve Brenneman Illinois has joined a growing trend to protect workers from employers that want access to their Facebook or other social networking accounts. On August 1, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law an amendment to the Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act. Under the law, which is effective January 1, 2013, […]

New Massachusetts law provides leave for domestic violence victims

by Susan Fentin Employers in Massachusetts with at least 50 employees are now required to allow employees who are victims of domestic violence to take up to 15 days of unpaid leave within a 12-month period to deal with the violence. The law, which went into effect August 8, also allows leave for covered family […]

Federal/State Employment Law Conflicts: Taming the Two-Headed Monster

A small publisher tackles federal/state employment law conflicts … and comes up with a classic solution. A recent article in Daily Advisor discussed the practice of “toggling.” No, it’s not a new dance craze, though many HR professionals probably wish it was. It’s the constant switching back and forth that HR managers have to do […]

New Massachusetts law to expand transgender protection

by Stefanie M. Renaud Massachusetts law has prohibited discrimination against transgender people in employment and housing since 2011, but a new law taking effect on October 1 will expand transgender protections to places of public accommodation. On July 8, Governor Charles Baker signed into law a bill that prohibits discrimination against persons because of their […]

Pay Budget Survey Indicates Modest Rises for 2012 and 2013

BLR’s 2012-2013 Pay Budget Survey results suggest modest increases for another year, with 40% of employers awarding merit increases of up to 2.5%, 36.5% awarding increases of more than 2.5% and 2% awarding increases above 5%. Among employers awarding merit increases in 2012, the most commonly cited increases ranged from 2.5% to 3.0%. This corresponds […]