Tag: business
Theft: Can We Deduct the Cost of a Loss from the Whole Team?
We have agreed to operate on a team basis in our organization. We share workload, bonuses, etc. Now we’ve got a problem. We think someone on the team has stolen something from the office, but no one will admit to the theft. May we deduct a certain amount from each employee’s check to cover the […]
Sex Discrimination: Pre-Hire Strength Test Was Biased, Says Court
A federal appeals court has ruled that a pre-employment strength test administered to applicants for jobs at Dial Corporation’s Armour Star sausage-making plant in Fort Madison, Iowa, discriminated against women. The decision upholds a lower court ruling last year ordering Dial to pay $3 million to a group of women who were rejected for hire […]
Wells Fargo Shells Out For Alleged Overtime Violations
Wells Fargo & Co. has agreed to pay $12.8 million to settle a class action lawsuit charging that the bank improperly classified certain business-systems employees in California and other states as exempt from overtime, in violation of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. The suit, filed in federal court in San Francisco, alleged that Wells […]
Short Takes: Sexual Harassment Training
We’re a small office—14 employees. How often do we have to do sexual harassment training?
Handbooks: Can You Help Us with a Rewrite of Our Handbook?
I’ve been tasked with the rewrite of our employee handbook. Can you tell me what the current thinking is on disclaimers? What are the key topics I should focus on as I do this rewrite? — Tom T., Manager of Staffing and Development, Modesto
Taxes: IRS Raises Mileage Reimbursement Rates for 2007
The IRS has increased the standard mileage rate commonly used to reimburse employees for business use of a car to 48.5 cents per mile, up from 44.5 cents in 2006. The new rate will apply to miles driven beginning January 1, 2007. Employers who use the IRS standard mileage rate to reimburse employees may deduct […]
Court Proceedings: Help—I Have to Give a Deposition!
I’ve been summoned to give a deposition related to a lawsuit filed against our company. What tips do you have to help me to prepare? — Sharon, HR Manager in West Sacramento
Flu Epidemic: Can You Help Me with a Concrete Plan for a Possible Flu Epidemic?
I need some help with creating a plan for coping with a possible avian flu epidemic. My boss wants a concrete plan—she thinks our operations could be hit hard if the flu comes. A few issues back you gave us a website for avian flu information, which I’ve visited. But now, can you give some […]
Hiring: New Law Addresses Revoked Contractors’ Licenses
A new law aimed at construction safety will make it harder for a contractor whose license has been revoked to simply turn around and work under the license of another business. The law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2007.