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News Notes: Employee Gets Green Light To Take Military Leave Claims To Jury
Michael Mills alleged that his time-off requests for weekend National Guard duty were met with hostility from his employer, Earthgrains Baking Co. And when his Guard duty became mandatory after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the company allegedly threatened him to get out of the duty “or else.” Eventually Mills was fired following a two-week […]
Feds at the Door: What To Do … and Not Do
One result of the current business downturn is increased employee complaints about unfair compensation or other discrimination. As it takes just one complaint, justified or not, to trigger a probe. That means getting ready for a visit from your friendly DOL investigators. Here’s how to handle things if (or these days, when) they show up. […]
Health Coverage Premium Subsidies: One Step Closer to Extension?
At least in the Senate, a consensus is being reached on trade adjustment assistance that could lead to an extension of premium subsidies under the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) program. Here are two snippets from a joint statement issued Wednesday: [Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.)]: “My staff and Senator McConnell’s staff have been […]
Baucus Unveils Health Care Reform Proposal
After many months of efforts to craft a health care reform bill that would garner at least some bipartisan support, Sen. Max Baucus unveiled today, September 16, 2009, proposed legislation that has no Republican support as of yet, even from the three Republicans who were part of his efforts to craft a bipartisan bill. As […]
Part-timers—What Benefits Should They Get?
By BLR Founder and CEO Bob Brady Increasingly, part-timers are taking on important roles in our prganizations. Whether they are soon-to-retire veterans or new-to-the-workforce grads hoping to get to fulltime, they all want benefits. Where should you draw the line on who gets benefits and what they get? Today’s survey will help you figure it […]
All the Changes in Employment Law You Need to Know at One Time … in One Beautiful Place
BLR announces its first annual Employment Law Update conference … all you need to know about changes in the law this year … in one beautiful setting—Walt Disney World. Who says you can’t keep up with the latest in employment law changes and enjoy it at the same time? Certainly not BLR. And we intend […]
Employment Lawsuits: State High Court Deals Employers a Blow Regarding Arbitration of Overtime Claims; Practical Impact
Although employers have received some welcome rulings from the California Supreme Court over the past few months, a new high court decision squelches a tool some employers had used to prevent class action lawsuits in the wage and hour context. We’ll explain the court’s reasoning and what it means for you.
Another shot across the bow: NLRB challenges ‘at-will’ statements
by Jeff Hurt Nonunion employers must be scratching their collective heads over the recent shelling they’ve been getting as the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) seeks to make union organizing easier: proposed labor law posting requirements, “quickie” election rules, and strict limitations on employer social media policies. While some of those initiatives are on hold, […]
E-Alert Item: DOL Says Insurance Adjusters Not Entitled to Overtime Pay
The federal Department of Labor has said in a recent opinion letter, which was issued in response to an insurance industry group’s inquiry, that adjusters qualify for the administrative exemption from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The opinion reaffirms the DOL’s position on this issue, and was based on the DOL’s review of […]