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Short Takes: Background Checks

A criminal background check on a new employee has revealed that the employee has a warrant for his arrest (drunk driving). The warrant does not appear to have been resolved. Can we discuss this matter with the employee? If so, and if the employee indicates that the matter has been resolved in the courts, can […]

Flooding: Don’t Build an Ark, But Have a Business Plan

The recent flooding in certain parts of the country due to the remnants of a tropical storm is having a huge financial impact on homes and businesses. Here are some tips on what employers can do before, and after a flood event to protect property and valuable assets. First, remember that floods are a natural […]

Workplace Bias: EEOC Spotlights Work/Family Balance in New Guidance

Responding to the emerging issue of “family responsibility discrimination,” the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has published new guidance on how federal equal employment laws apply to employees who must balance work and family. The new guidance, “Unlawful Disparate Treatment of Workers with Caregiving Responsibilities,” offers examples under which discrimination against a working parent […]

Pay Discrimination: Congress Responds to Supreme Court’s Ruling

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that employees who complain of pay discrimination under Title VII, the federal antibias law, must file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 days of the discriminatory pay-setting decision, rather than within 180 days of the employee’s last paycheck. This decision was good news for […]

News Notes: High Court Strikes Down NLRB Standard For Employers Suing Unions

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the National Labor Relations Board erred when it found BE&K Construction Co. guilty of unfair labor practices for suing several unions to stop their campaign against the company. BE&K sued after the unions picketed and distributed leaflets to force the company to build a power plant using only […]

News Flash: Employer To Pay Almost $4 Million For Misclassifying Workers As Exempt

U.S. Bank has agreed to pay $3.8 million to “personalbankers” in several states, including California, who were improperly classified asexempt from the overtime laws. The personal bankers’ job duties included creating newbanking relationships, opening accounts and selling banking services. U.S. Bank contendedthat the workers qualified for the administrative exemption to the overtime laws becausethey were […]

Ergonomics: CAL/OSHA Considering Petition To Alter Ergonomics Rule

On February 20, 2003, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board held a public meeting to consider a petition filed by the California Labor Federation to alter the requirements of the state’s ergonomic rule. At the meeting, the standards board voted to convene an advisory committee to consider the petition, which seeks to drop […]

How Much Should You Pay For Employee ‘Happiness?’

A recent Gallup study shows the higher the compensation, the happier the employee. Happy employees build business success. But where’s the limit? A classic resource may help you find it. Everyone wants happy employees, right? Happy employees are productive, inventive, and supportive of all you do. Yesterday, we gave you one tool to make them […]