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Family and Medical Leave Act Is Getting a Facelift

Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published a long-awaited proposal to update and retool regulations under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The proposal covers many topics, including notice requirements, medical certifications, the definition of “continuing treatment” for a serious health condition, fitness for duty, and more.

Holidays PTO Survey: Floating Holidays

How many floating holidays (including Christmas week) are observed besides those already indicated above? (Exclude “personal days”)   None 1 day 2 days 3 days 4+ days Exempt  Employees 561 (65%) 124 (14.4%) 89 (10.3%) 33 (3.8%) 45 (5.2%) Nonexempt  Empoyees 556 (64.4%) 123 (14.3%) 86 (10%) 30 (3.5%) 48 (5.6%) In chart form: Previous       Next

News Notes: Employers’ Snooping Impacts Internet Privacy

A recent survey by the American Management Association shows that employers are stepping up their monitoring of employees’ Internet use, with 61% of employers reporting that they monitor Web surfing and 46% stating they keep tabs on e-mail. And some employers are going even further when it comes to trying to track down the identity […]

Bill Would Lower Burden of Proof for Employees Bringing ADA, ADEA Claims

Lawmakers have introduced a bill that would lower the burden of proof for employees bringing disability and age discrimination claims. If passed, the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act (S. 2189) would change the laws’ “but for” standard to one allowing “mixed motives.” Both the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act […]

Dealing with bad calls

When things don’t go as planned

If you’ve read many (any?) of my writings, you may have gathered that I’m a sports fan and often use sports-related stories to make a point. This week is no different. Earlier this NFL season, I, like many football fans, suffered through the debacle that was the replacement referees. I’m sure you recall those ill-prepared […]

Do You Comply with the FLSA? Most Employers Don’t

Statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor estimate that almost 70% of employers aren’t in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)—a percentage that almost certainly increases when similar violations under state law are taken into account. The federal Department of Labor is tackling this problem in a big way, dedicating a staggering $25 […]

DOL’s Overtime Proposal Would Double Salary Threshold

The long-awaited proposed rules to update the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime exemptions, issued June 30 by the U.S. Department of Labor, would extend overtime protections to an additional 5 million workers in 2016. The proposed changes would extend overtime coverage to all workers making up to approximately $50,400 per year. The proposal, released just under […]

Computer Firm Enters $2.65 Million H-1B Wage Settlement

Computech, Inc., a Michigan-based firm that places computer professionals at workplaces throughout the U.S., has agreed to pay $2,250,000 in back wages and a $400,000 fine to settle charges levied by the Department of Labor that the company violated immigration law. The settlement proceeds will be shared by 232 computer professionals.

DOL’s new ‘persuader’ rule goes into effect July 1

by Steven R. Semler The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) new “persuader” rule is set to take effect on July 1. The rule will require employers and their attorneys and consultants to file with the DOL for public disclosure all agreements and payments to attorneys and consultants for providing advice, counter-organizational campaign training, and assistance […]