Lawmakers to reintroduce bipartisan H-1B reform bill

The question is on the table. How, if at all, will this bill affect the debate over the visa program?

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 23, 2017

Expert: Wage and hour class action suits dipped slightly in 2016, but expect 2017 uptick

2016's top 10 wage and hour class action suits alone set employers back by nearly $700 million in settlement payments.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 23, 2017

Executive order to begin ACA repeal among President Trump's first acts

The executive order does not repeal anything just yet, but sets the framework for removing or reducing major parts of the law.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 23, 2017

Employment law violators to face steeper penalties

Notable jumps included fines for violating FLSA minimum wage and overtime standards, as well as FMLA posting requirements.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 20, 2017

Tax-law changes, higher interest rates could close more defined benefits plans

One expert predicts regulatory agencies will step up retirement plan audits in 2017.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 20, 2017

Trump's HHS nominee talks up ACA replacement plan at confirmation hearing

It's not completely certain what the plan will look like, but one model supported by Price would establish age-based credits for individual market plans.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 20, 2017

Some states poised to protect workers' rights under pro-business Trump presidency

New York’s attorney general is aiming to be an example to other top state attorneys throughout the nation.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 20, 2017

EEOC reports handling 97,443 discrimination charges in 2016

Retaliation, race and disability topped the list of discrimination complaints, the EEOC says.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 19, 2017

29% of business owners think Trump will block the FLSA overtime rule

The FLSA overtime rule is still in limbo, for now.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 19, 2017

SHRM asks Congress to strengthen employer-sponsored healthcare under ACA repeal

Particular requests include keeping employer flexibility under ERISA and eliminating the excise or "Cadillac" tax.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 19, 2017

CNN reports Puzder may be rethinking DOL nomination

The Trump transition team disputes CNN's report, citing a tweet from the DOL nominee. His confirmation hearing date was set today as well.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 18, 2017

Trump vows to rescind Obama's executive orders, potentially including diversity gains

Many of Obama's executive orders were aimed at protecting minority groups in the federal government.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 18, 2017

Employers must start using new Form I-9 on Jan. 22

"Smart I-9" adds new functionalities without making excessive changes. A new administration will make detailed reporting even more crucial.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 17, 2017

Supreme Court to hear case on mandatory arbitration clauses

SCOTUS may finally put an end to disputes over arbitration mandates in employee contracts in upcoming hearings.  

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 17, 2017

Trump may replace H-1B visa program with job petitions plan

The H-1B program could be rooted out, if the Trump team and tech execs agree.  

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 16, 2017

Tracking Andrew Puzder's contributions to senators who will confirm him

The DOL secretary nominee has given over $1 million to Republican causes and candidates since 1990. The Trump team says that's par for the course.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 13, 2017

Study: $15 minimum wage in CA will have no impact on jobs

Increased worker productivity and purchasing power balance out any negative effects, researchers at University of California, Berkeley say.

By Kathryn Moody • Jan. 13, 2017

Trump pushing Congress to repeal and replace ACA now

Expect the earliest drafts of ACA replacements to cut down on restrictions and guidelines that employers consider burdensome.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 11, 2017

Texas Lt. governor pushing for a 'bathroom bill' like NC

Dan Patrick was a strong advocate for North Carolina's bill, despite large national backlash against it.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 11, 2017

Stock market downturn may necessitate doubling of millennial savings

Perhaps it's time for employers to get serious about financial training for younger employees.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 11, 2017

Judge dismisses suit against Prudential, CapTrust in 401k fiduciary claim

Prudential was declared the 401k plan provider, not the fiduciary – an important difference.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 11, 2017

Bipartisan opponents of ACA's Cadillac Tax show support for repeal

It's one of the few parts of the ACA that both Democrats and Republicans consider burdensome.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 10, 2017

Apple to settle $2 million lawsuit for mishandling workers' meal and rest breaks

The plaintiffs also accused Apple of not paying terminated workers their final wages within a reasonable time and forbidding workers from talking about working conditions.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 10, 2017

ACA repeals could double nation's uninsured, cause loss of 2.6M jobs

The study, from the Commonwealth Fund, predicts the lack of a GOP replacement for the ACA could harm other economic measures.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 10, 2017

Puzder's business violations could affect his labor secretary confirmation

Democrats oppose Puzder’s labor secretary nomination and want aggrieved workers at the Thursday hearing.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 10, 2017