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News Notes: OFCCP’s Revised Affirmative Action Rules Take Effect
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs has issued new affirmative action regulations for federal contractors, the first major overhaul of the program in 30 years. The new rules, which took effect Dec. 13, 2000, simplify some affirmative action plan requirements. But they also mandate that every other year all nonconstruction employers fill out an […]
Accommodating Disabilities: Employer Hit With Punitive Damages For Firing Supervisor Who Accommodated Epileptic Employee
Kevin Terry, a customer service representative at a Time Warner Entertainment Company office in Fayetteville, Ark., suffered from nocturnal epileptic seizures. His supervisor, Jane Foster, accommodated his condition by allowing him to arrive after the usual starting time and stay later in the evening to make up the missed time. But when angry co-workers complained […]
Obesity Can Be a Disability, Court Rules
An employee’s obesity may be a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, a federal district court has held. The employer challenged the claim, arguing that the ADA does not cover obesity, but the court disagreed, refusing to dismiss the suit. Joseph Whittaker sued his former employer, America’s Car-Mart, Inc., alleging that the company […]
Maine Voters Latest to Consider Marriage Referenda
Voters in Washington state and Maryland will weigh in on whether same-sex marriage should be legal in their states. Employers in these states — as well as those in adjacent states where same-sex marriage is not legal — would be wise to monitor developments and use the upcoming months to prepare for any possible changes […]
The ROI of Diversity Initiatives: The Challenges of Metrics
By Dr. Edward E. Hubbard There’s a fair amount of buzz around diversity measurement and analytics. Advances in software, newly-available data sources, and how-to manuals have made it easier gain access to diversity measures. Although interest in measuring the effects of diversity has been growing, the topic still challenges even the most sophisticated and progressive […]
Time To Take a Closer Look at Mediation?
Survey Says: While Conditions Are Improving, There’s Still Work to Be Done
The American workforce is ever changing, with women now accounting for about half the work force as well as increased racial and ethnic diversity. Recently, CareerBuilder conducted a survey of more than 1,300 workers from diverse segments — African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, women, workers with disabilities and Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT) workers — to find out how […]
New Overtime Regulation Won’t Apply in Puerto Rico
By Kate McGovern Tornone, Editor The new Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) salary threshold will not apply in Puerto Rico when it takes effect for the rest of the country this winter.
Monitoring Employees’ E-messages — Impact of Recent U.S. Ruling for Canada
By Derek Knoechel and Lorene Novakowski On June 17, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its much anticipated decision in City of Ontario v. Quon. This was its first decision regarding the monitoring of electronic communications in the workplace by employers. What impact, if any, will the Quon decision have on Canadian law regarding employer […]