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metoo

Is #MeToo Over Already?

Two years ago, sexual misconduct allegations against (in)famous movie producer Harvey Weinstein were followed in quick succession by similar accusations against other high-profile men alleging acts ranging from lewd texting to forcible rape. Lurid stories of sexual harassment (or worse) in the workplace were broadcast over social media and filled the news.

Who Can Recoup Attorney’s Fees Under California Wage and Hour Law?

California wage and hour law is a convoluted landscape when it comes to determining when a prevailing employee or employer can recover attorneys’ fees and costs. Under California Labor Code Section 1194, an employee who wins a lawsuit against her employer for nonpayment of overtime compensation is entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees.

What Are the Typical Obstacles to an Effective Safety and Health Program?

After evaluating the safety and health program in your business, it’s time to work toward solutions for any of the issues, obstacles, and problems that arose during the evaluation. Typically, there are certain obstacles facing the management and supervisors of this plan. And those tend to differ from those that the employees working under the […]

You Failed to Submit Component 2 of the EEO-1: Now What?

In a recent episode of HR Works Podcast, I discussed the impending EEO-1, Component 2 submission with experts Mark Adams and Maggie Spell of Jones Walker LLP. Specifically, we discussed what employers need to submit on the 30th of September and what happens if they don’t make the deadline.

Money Doesn’t Buy Happiness, but Maybe Volunteering Does

According to a recent study, 27% of U.S. travelers are planning to volunteer on a trip this year. Volunteerism, thankfully, is becoming a stronger trend, and in the case of potential employees in the Millennial generation, who, as a group, highly value volunteerism, it’s important to recognize this need in a benefits program. In fact, companies […]

Unwelcome Office Birthday Party Leads to $450K Verdict, Lessons on Disability Law

Misunderstandings over an office birthday party recently taught a Kentucky employer an expensive lesson about disability discrimination. A jury awarded $450,000 to the affected employee who didn’t want the party and allegedly suffered a panic attack afterward. The employer’s alleged, repeated mishandling of the worker’s behavior after the episode offers the best explanation for the […]

COVID-19

New WHD Guidance on Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Last week, we discussed the signing of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) into law, as well as the revisions it underwent as it went through the legislative process. On March 24 and 26, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) announced its first two rounds of published guidance concerning the […]

HSA

IRS Clarifies HSA Preventive Care Rule, Provides Transition Relief

Male sterilization and male contraceptives are not considered “preventive care” for health savings account (HSA) purposes, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) confirmed in Notice 2018-12. However, the March 5 notice also provided transition relief for applicable fully insured plans at least through the end of 2019.