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As the New Year approaches, employers throughout the United States must prepare for new legislation taking effect that may impact their operations. One critical change that commonly occurs around the New Year is an increase to the minimum wage in certain jurisdictions. On January 1, 2021 (or December 31, 2020), the minimum wage will rise …
Continue reading “Minimum Wage Set to Rise in 25 States and D.C. in 2021”
This article originally appeared in HR News Magazine, November 2020 Edition. Most collectively bargained contracts define procedures for resolving disputes between an employee represented by the union and the employer. Such grievance procedures generally consist of two to four steps, with the final step being an arbitration hearing before a neutral arbitrator. The arbitrator is …
On August 3, 2020, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that it will resume issuing charge closure documents. The EEOC had suspended issuing charge closure documents on March 21, 2020 due to the pandemic, unless a charging party requested closing charge documents be issued. Although the EEOC has continued to investigate cases, …
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On December 16, 2019, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or Board) issued two significant decisions overruling Obama-era NLRB decisions. Both decisions were 3-1 with the three Republican appointees, Chairman Ring, Member Kaplan, and Member Emanuel joining in the majority, and the Democrat appointee, Member McFerran, writing a dissent. In Caesars Entertainment d/b/a/ Rio All-Suites …
Continue reading “The NLRB Returns to Pre-Obama-Era Board Standards in Two Significant Decisions”
As the New Year approaches, employers throughout the United States must prepare for new legislation taking effect that may impact their operations. One critical change that commonly occurs around the New Year is an increase to the minimum wage. On January 1, 2020 (or December 31, 2019), the minimum wage will rise in 21 states. …
Continue reading “Minimum Wage Set to Rise in 25 States and D.C. in 2020”
On August 31, 2018 President Trump issued Executive Order 13847, titled “Strengthening Retirement Security in America”. This Executive Order directed the Secretary of Labor to: Clarify and expand the circumstances under which small and midsize businesses may sponsor or adopt a multi-employer plan (MEP) as a retirement savings option for employees; and Increase retirement security …
There are a number of state specific paid leave laws that fall into two main categories: (1) sick leave, which entitles employees who work for covered employers to accrue paid sick leave; and (2) family leave, which entitles employees who work for covered employers to be compensated for attending to family caregiving needs, such as …
Every employer wants to hire qualified, motivated employees. Yet, the hiring process at many companies tends to be inconsistent and often results in engaging employees that fail to excel, or to even perform within acceptable parameters. Even worse, poor practices in the hiring process can result in costly litigation from discrimination claims, not only from …
Many employers erroneously classify workers who should be employees as independent contractors, due to the significant tax savings. However, misclassification cases present major risks. The independent contractor status for a worker is not favored by the IRS, the Department of Labor (DOL), the states, and many agencies within the states including those enforcing workers’ compensation …
Continue reading “Employers Beware: Misclassification Cases are Costly and Common”
A common failing of supervision and management in dealing with a problem employee is failing to document counsellings and verbal warnings issued concerning annoying or counterproductive, yet correctable, employee behavior. For example, tardiness, excessive breaks, excessive time away from working areas, etc. These behaviors, in and of themselves, are not serious enough to warrant discharge …
Continue reading “The Most Common Failing of Supervision is Failing to Document”