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News Flash: Government Agrees To Landmark Half-Billion-Dollar Discrimination Settlement
In a record-setting settlement, the federal government has agreed to pay $508 million to more than 1,000 women who claimed the now defunct U.S.Information Agency denied them jobs based upon their sex. The women had applied forpositions as writers, editors, technicians and foreign-language broadcasters between 1974and 1984. The government was also ordered to pay the […]
Employee Benefits: New EEOC Guidance Covers Benefit Differentials Based On Disability And Pregnancy, Part 2
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently issued new guidelines explaining how federal employment discrimination laws apply to employee benefits. Last month we examined the rules regarding age discrimination. This month we look at the EEOC guidelines dealing with disability and pregnancy discrimination.
Exempt Employees: Labor Commissioner Won’t Follow Federal Docking Rules, Issues Strict New California Standard
Under federal wage and hour law, employees must be paid a predetermined salary to qualify as exempt from overtime. And there are strict guidelines on when salary docking can jeopardize exempt status. When overhauling state wage and hour laws in 2000 with the passage of A.B. 60, California for the first time adopted similar salary […]
Good News on Maximum Length of Stay for Intra-company Transferees
By Gilda Villaran It’s common for companies to fill executive positions in Canada and the United States with one executive. That person is based in the United States and commutes to Canada on a regular basis to provide services to the Canadian affiliate. Since such executives are providing services to a Canadian company, they can’t […]
PBGC Proposes Facilitating DC-to-Pension Plan Rollovers
As more 401(k) plan participants look for retirement savings options that resemble traditional pensions, the U.S. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. has proposed exempting DC-to-DB rollovers from maximum guarantee and five-year phase-in limits. The agency in early April proposed regulations that would amend its rules on allocation of assets and benefits payable in terminated single-employer plans to clarify […]
News Flash: Employees Can Have Co-Workers Present At Disciplinary Meetings
As a result of a new decision by the National Labor Relations Board, investigating complaints of harassment or other employee misconduct is likely to become more complex. The NLRB recently ruled that nonunion employers must allow employees to bring a co-worker to so-called investigatory interviews. The rule applies to any interview in which employees will […]
The holiday (party) season is coming: Plan now to minimize the risks
by Craig M. Borowski The holiday season is almost upon us. Employers often use this time of year to show their appreciation for employees’ hard work and to celebrate with them in the workplace. Unfortunately, however, even an office party planned with the best of intentions can create legal liability for your company or possibly […]
President, Congress Extend COBRA Subsidy Again
Yesterday, President Barack Obama signed the Continuing Extension Act of 2010 (H.R. 4851) into law. The bill, which passed the U.S. Senate by a 59-38 vote and the U.S. House of Representatives by a 289-112 vote yesterday, extends the original federal COBRA subsidy created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The new […]
Domestic Assault Victims Now Shielded by Antidiscrimination Laws
Workers who experience domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking may be protected from discrimination by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to new guidance from the federal government. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which is responsible for enforcing both of those laws, made the announcement in […]