Judge: McDonald's Corp. not a joint employer in Bay Area workers' lawsuit

But employees could reasonably believe they worked for the corporation itself, the judge said, given their daily work.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 9, 2017

DOL claims Wells Fargo is blocking investigation into employee treatment

Attorney Tammy McCutchen, working with Wells Fargo, disputes the accusations made against her.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 9, 2017

British courier wins misclassification case, scoring another victory for gig workers

The lesson for employers is universal: Be as clear as possible when describing a job opening, and know how to treat temp workers.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 9, 2017

Netflix fighting Fox in court over talent-poaching rights

Will Netflix nab more talent from Fox or will Fox’s fixed-term contracts prevail?  

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 9, 2017

DOL sues Google for not releasing equal opportunity records

The Labor Dept. might cancel the tech giant's government contracts for noncompliance.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 5, 2017

NY Labor Dept. slips new overtime rule into wage-hike mandates

The new threshold is still less than the enjoined federal rule under FLSA, but NY business advocates haven't backed down opposition.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 5, 2017

EEOC releases regs for federal agencies to recruit and hire more disabled workers

The regulations set “model employer” expectations for the federal government.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 5, 2017

CA court to hear rare reverse sexual orientation discrimination case

One expert tells SHRM that employers should expect to see even more cases of this type in the future.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 4, 2017

Middle managers, employee experience on Workforce Institute's 2017 top trends list

The new year should see an increased focus on giving middle managers the tools, skills and technologies needed to engage employees.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 4, 2017

Judge dismisses preliminary injunction against EEOC wellness rules

The EEOC’s rules will stand despite objections over health privacy concerns and worker incentives.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 4, 2017

Federal judge halts ACA transgender and abortion-related rules from enactment

The judge agreed the ACA measures force physicians to perform healthcare services that are counter to their religious beliefs or medical opinions. 

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 3, 2017

French workers can ignore after-hours email, new law says

The law is ostensibly intended to prevent burnout among workers, but the broader set of labor reforms has sparked protests.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 3, 2017

5 positive HR trends for 2017

From parental leave benefits and LGBT inclusivity to mental health awareness, there's plenty to be optimistic about.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 2, 2017

New cross-platform technologies boost disabled employees' performance

Tools like Window-Eyes and ZoomTech could also simplify ADA compliance.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 31, 2016

Exotic dancers sue boss, claim they're labeled as 'independent contractors'

The Oklahoma-based dancers say they were never paid wages and were forced to share tips with other workers classified as employees.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 31, 2016

Whole Foods charged with ill intentions over employee bonuses

The suit was filed by employees in the D.C.-area. Last week, some area store managers were fired for allegedly exploiting a gainsharing program.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 23, 2016

Google sued by employee for $3.8B over 'spying program'

The suit alleges that the company's confidentiality policies run counter to CA labor law.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 22, 2016

Court: Firing a worker for sleeping on the job didn't negate her retaliation claims

The employee was able to move her claims forward despite breaking a workplace rule.  

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 22, 2016

Injured USPS worker, called 'fraud' by manager, loses FMLA retaliation case

The court's ruling centered on the fact that the employee tried to claim worker's comp. first — not medical leave.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 21, 2016

Maine Gov. puts 3-week hold on new wage increases for tipped workers

Maine employers get temporary reprieve, but the delay also leaves open the possibility of legislation against the increases.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 20, 2016

When is allowing dogs in the workplace barking up the wrong tree?

Bringing pets to work is not just a cute perk. The ADA sets clear guidelines for dogs trained as either emotional support or disability service animals.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 20, 2016

Ford workers sue Xerox HR Solutions for alleged overcharges in retirement plan

Ford workers paid $5.79 million in fees for investment advice and are suing their plan record-keeper for taking an apparent 30% cut.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 20, 2016

2017 CA laws: All-gender restrooms, wage increases, expanded pay equity among new regs

Will the rest of the nation follow California's 2017 workplace rules?

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 19, 2016

How HR can face the most challenging compliance issues of 2017

Employers find the future of pro-labor laws and an evolving workplace unsettling after an unexpected outcome in this year's election.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 19, 2016

DOL intensifies investigations of mental health care compliance

Complying with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act focuses on two categories of care: quantitative and nonquantitative.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Dec. 19, 2016