MD's paid sick leave law takes effect, despite legislative struggles

More than half of Maryland employees already have access to paid sick leave, but the state's law extends the benefit to an additional 700,000 workers.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Feb. 14, 2018

Reference checking: Are you in compliance with anti-discrimination laws?

It's easy to see how a busy hiring manager may not be focused on the risks of asking the wrong question of a job reference. But compliance can't fall to the wayside, writes Ray Bixler, president and CEO of SkillSurvey.

By Ray Bixler • Feb. 14, 2018

Trump's budget proposes cuts to DOL, pushes new paid leave program

The request did not, however, include a previously proposed merger of DOL's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

By Kate Tornone • Feb. 13, 2018

In gig economy test case, Grubhub worker ruled an independent contractor

The judge in the much-watched case made note of the problematic nature of the "all-or-nothing" proposition for workers in California; either they enjoy all state-law protections, or none.

By Kathryn Moody • Feb. 12, 2018

H-2B petitions may surge yet again for the second half of FY 2018

Already, the DOL has announced it won't issue H-2B visa certifications until Feb. 20 due to an unprecedented influx of applications.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Feb. 9, 2018

Resource Actions: It's time to talk about office romance

When it comes to office dating policy, your first instinct used to be to rely on "common sense." But as recent history shows, what's considered acceptable behavior varies widely.

By Kathryn Moody , Ryan Golden • Feb. 9, 2018

1 in 5 LGBTQ workers is afraid to take caregiver leave because it might disclose their identity

Human Rights Campaign says this data highlights the need for a federal nondiscrimination law protecting workers from adverse employment actions based on LGBTQ identity.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Feb. 8, 2018

New minimum wage study disputes theory that increases harm workers

An analysis of 137 minimum-wage increases that have occurred since 1979 shows that the end result may be good news for workers — or at least not bad news.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Feb. 7, 2018

WHD faces audit over handling of tip pool regulations

After senior officials allegedly scrapped an analysis showing that a rule change could allow employers to pocket workers' tips, the agency announced an internal investigation.

By Kate Tornone • Feb. 7, 2018

National dialogue on sexual harassment raises questions about dating in the workplace

Having a policy in place allows an employer not only to protect employees, but also itself.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Feb. 7, 2018

AI startup aims to help victims of workplace sexual harassment, discrimination

Spot can record someone's memory in a messaging-type chat, and time stamp it for use as evidence in a legal proceeding, if necessary.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Feb. 6, 2018

5 things you must include in your sexual harassment prevention plan

From policies to reporting procedures, ​Jeffrey S. Ettenger, Esq., a partner at Schwartz Ettenger PLLC, outlines the basic tenents of a sexual harassment prevention plan.

By Jeffrey S. Ettenger, Esq. • Feb. 6, 2018

How to avoid miscommunication mishaps now that 5 generations work together

Depending on the definitions, between four and five generations are co-workers for the first time in history — creating both communication and legal challenges.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Feb. 5, 2018

Ethics investigation at NLRB centers on joint employer question

A Trump appointee may have had a conflict of interest when he asked a court to send Browning-Ferris back to the Board.

By Kate Tornone • Feb. 2, 2018

Report: DOL scrapped unfavorable internal analysis of tip pooling change

An initial analysis showed workers would lose out on billions in gratuities if DOL rescinded the Obama-era rule, according to Bloomberg BNA. Though revisions to the report estimated less impact, DOL refused to release it anyway, sources said.

By Ryan Golden • Feb. 2, 2018

Maine becomes first state to protect marijuana use outside of work

Beginning today, employers in the state can't test applicants for the drug, nor can they discriminate against workers for using it.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Feb. 1, 2018

Will unpaid internships make a comeback in light of new guidelines?

As employers make summer hiring plans, a new test from the U.S. Department of Labor lowers the bar for unpaid intern requirements. 

By Lisa Burden • Feb. 1, 2018

State and local employment laws continue to pick up steam

Unfortunately for employers, experts don't predict an end to the chaos anytime soon. Some have pushed back with litigation and legislation, but it remains to be seen whether they'll have any success.

By Pamela DeLoatch • Jan. 29, 2018

Dealing with FMLA, ADA leave in a post-Severson landscape

A federal appeals court threw employment law experts for a loop late last year when it held that an extended leave of absence isn't an accommodation required by the ADA. What does the ruling mean for HR?

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 29, 2018

An employer's compliance guide to pregnancy accommodation

As with most compliance challenges, HR must strike a careful balance between an employee's needs and the needs of the company.

By Kathryn Moody • Jan. 29, 2018

Outlawed for 50 years, age discrimination remains employment's 'open secret'

Our society seems to find age discrimination more acceptable than other forms of discrimination, says an EEOC senior advisor. Still, it remains illegal, and employee claims are on the rise.

By Pamela DeLoatch • Jan. 29, 2018

7 compliance issues every HR leader should know

New to the field? Need to brush up on some hot-button issues? We've got you covered.

By Pamela DeLoatch • Jan. 29, 2018

Wage and hour gets a shakeup from litigation, state laws

We've gone from arguable overregulation to arguable underregulation at a break-neck pace. But that doesn't mean the space has quieted down completely.

By Kate Tornone • Jan. 29, 2018

GOP bill could double number of available H-1B visas, promote STEM training

Currently, the H-1B cap is 85,000 — 65,000 plus 20,000 for workers with advanced degrees from U.S. universities.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 29, 2018

EEOC charge backlog hits ten-year low

Following pressure from Congress and a shift in leadership, the agency again resolved more claims than it received last year.

By Kathryn Moody • Jan. 29, 2018