Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
by Elaine Young In October, Democrats in the House of Representatives released H.R. 15, their comprehensive immigration reform (CIR) bill. The bill essentially mirrors S. 744, which the Senate passed earlier this year. Meanwhile, House Republicans proposed a series of bills that addresses components of immigration reform (e.g., border security and agricultural and highly skilled […]
By Patrick Gannon Occupational health and safety legislation in all provinces across Canada places the ultimate responsibility for occupational health and safety on employers. Among other things, Canadian employers have to provide certain information, instruction, and training to workers. Last month, Ontario took occupational health and safety training to a new level, announcing that Ontario […]
Employers face tough personnel decisions every day, and the threat of litigation makes the decision process even more problematic. Recently a group of attorneys tackled a couple of situations that present discrimination hazards–whether it’s too risky to reduce an older employee’s hours and whether it’s possible to lawfully check out an applicant’s workers’ compensation history. […]
Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson and his family are most likely not enjoying a Happy Happy Happy Holiday after his recent GQ interview hit newsstands. In the interview, Robertson is quoted as saying: “It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: […]
by Joshua Wood The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency responsible for enforcing federal employment discrimination laws, periodically issues enforcement guidance to aid employers in complying with the laws it enforces. The guidance is usually published on the agency’s website at www.eeoc.gov and can be an indication of how the EEOC will interpret or […]
Drugs are no laughing matter, except of course when it comes to the referenced exchange between Charlie Sheen’s character and Jeannie Bueller in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Yet, when it comes to our celebrity news cycle, drug use is as prevalent as steroid use has become in baseball. The latest scandal involves Nigella Lawson, most […]
By Kevin O’Neill In a recent British Columbia Supreme Court decision, Gerry Miller v. Convergys CMG Canada Limited Partnership, the court confirms a number of useful principles for employers who use an employment agreement containing minimum severance provisions.
A couple of recent surveys paint a disturbing picture: One survey from talent management firm Right Management found that 83 percent of 900 North American employees surveyed plan to seek new positions in 2014. Another Right Management survey reports that 56 percent of the more than 1,800 human resources managers polled concede that their employee […]
by Jeff Sloan The classic Yogi-ism―”It ain’t over ’til it’s over”―has special significance for employment investigations. An investigation can lead not only to discipline against a perpetrator but also to litigation by the victim―or even the perpetrator―against the investigator or the employer. In either of those unsavory situations, the investigator or HR manager may be […]
By Charles G. Harrison A recent labor arbitration in British Columbia upheld the employers’ policy requiring annual flu vaccinations or masking for their healthcare staff. Coming as it does during flu season, this is a timely decision.