Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has announced the latest in its elaws FirstStep Internet tools, the FirstStep Recordkeeping, Reporting, and Notices Advisor, which will help employers figure out which of the agency’s recordkeeping, reporting, and notice requirements apply to them. The FirstStep series also includes interactive tools on poster requirements and an overview of […]
A federal appeals court recently ruled that the National Labor Relations Act’s (NLRA) prohibitions against unfair labor practices don’t apply to employees of a U.S.-based company while on temporary assignment outside the country. The case arose after two employees were terminated, allegedly for complaining about work conditions they encountered on temporary assignment in Ottawa. […]
By Stephen D. Bruce, PHR Editor, HR Daily Advisor Just My E-pinion Our recent column featuring a question about amnesty for illegal immigrants generated responses from many readers, most of whom voted (or railed) against amnesty. [Go here to read the original column.] The original questioner/writer had low-level positions to fill. No one with a […]
In a unanimous decision favorable to employees, the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that individual 401(k) plan participants can sue plan administrators under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) for breach of fiduciary duty. James LaRue had initiated the lawsuit after his employer failed to follow his investment instructions, which he said resulted […]
Changes to California’s disability bias laws, which took effect Jan. 1, 2001, broadened the class of disabled persons to include those with conditions that make a major life activity “difficult.” This new definition of a disability is a more lenient standard than the “substantial limitation” of a major life activity that was previously required under […]
Trustees of health savings accounts, as well as participants, have some time left for reporting on 2012 accounts. And now they can begin preparing for 2013 reporting. The IRS has issued a reminder concerning the Form 5498-SA, “HSA, Archer MSA, or Medicare Advantage MSA Information,” for 2012 and 2013. The IRS on March 5 reminded […]
The cooler weather that has arrived in many parts of the state has also ushered in cold and flu season—which could mean the beginning of high rates of absenteeism in the workplace. Here are some measures you and your employees can take to help keep everyone healthy and productive:
401(k) Fee Disclosures Type 1: Service Provider Disclosures Service provider disclosures are the first of two types of 401(k) fee disclosures covered by the regulations. Downs gave us further details, explaining that “the compliance date for the service provider fees is July 1, 2012. A service provider . . . has to provide to a […]
We employ a number of workers in outdoor jobs during the summer. With summer heat coming on, are there Cal/OSHA requirements we need to comply with in this regard? —Sarah G., HR Manager in Marina del Rey