Tag: DOL

Federal Contractors’ FMLA Policies Face New Scrutiny from Executive Order

By Peter A. Susser     Federal contractors’ administration of family leave will face unprecedented scrutiny as a result of a new executive order from President Obama. The order requires the disclosure of labor law violations committed by would-be contractors, and a determination of whether that candidate is satisfactorily responsible and ethical. The order is […]

Designating FMLA— First Place Employers Fail

When the employer has enough information to determine whether the leave is being taken for a FMLA-qualifying reason (e.g., after receiving a certification), the employer must notify the employee whether the leave will be designated and will be counted as FMLA leave within 5 business days, absent extenuating circumstances. The employer is always responsible for […]

Comment period on $10.10 minimum wage rules ends July 28

by Rachael E. Luzietti The comment period for the proposed rule to implement President Barack Obama’s Executive Order to raise the minimum wage for employees working on government contracts ends July 28. Those interested in having their voices heard should submit comments at www.regulations.gov. In February, Obama issued Executive Order 13658, which mandates a minimum […]

Multiple DOL/IRS Filings Needed to Avoid Penalties for Late Form 5500s

So you thought you were all caught up on annual-report tasks when you filed your Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program form with the U.S. Department of Labor? Well … not exactly. Some plan sponsors that filed under the DFVCP may still find themselves with tasks to complete before Dec. 1. Bottom line: Avoiding Form 5500 […]

Win-Win Approach to Managing ‘Unplanned’ FMLA Leave

Caraway, who is a member of Miller & Martin PLLC, in the Chattanooga office, offered six tips for reducing FMLA abuse during a recent webinar sponsored by BLR. Here are tips four to six for dealing with FMLA abuse. [Go here for tips 1 to 3] Tip #4—Planned vs. Unplanned Leave It’s important to pay […]

DOL Releases Official Proposal to Raise Federal Contractor Minimum Wage to $10.10

U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez released a proposed rule to raise the minimum wage for federal contractor employees on new contracts to $10.10 on June 12. President Obama directed the U.S. Department of Labor to issue the rule in February. The rule provides guidance and sets standards for employers for contractor employees, and it […]

DOL issues proposed rule on $10.10 minimum wage for federal contractors

U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez announced a proposed rule on June 12 that will raise the minimum wage for workers on federal service and construction contracts to $10.10 per hour. The proposed rule implements the executive order President Barack Obama announced on February 12. The proposed rule provides guidance and sets standards for […]

Active Shooter in the Workplace? Use this Video to Train Employees on How to Respond

The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security announced the release of a video that provides key steps individuals should take if they encounter an active shooter. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of Aurora’s (Colorado) tragic shooting, along with their friends, family and community,” said Mayor Annise Parker. […]

PA Mistake #7—Gaming the System

[Go here for sins 1 to 6.] Sin #7. Gaming the system “John’s work is just OK, to be sure, but I need to give him a big raise to keep him, so he gets an ‘excellent.’” “I can’t stand Sandy, but I can’t transfer him unless he has a high rating; let his next […]

Checklist for Unpaid Internship Programs

Internship programs can provide advantages for both employers and interns, but many internships risk running afoul of state and federal laws. Employers can end up on the hook for significant amounts in unpaid wages, employment taxes, and penalties. To avoid these unintended consequences, review the checklist below.