Court: Employer ignorance is no excuse concerning overtime back pay

An employer has the responsibility to know if it owes overtime to workers, according to a ruling by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Ohio.

By Tom Starner • July 25, 2016

EEOC raising the stakes on religious discrimination

The EEOC filed 73 lawsuits since the beginning of fiscal year 2010, including five in FY 2015.

By Tom Starner • July 25, 2016

How personalization can make employees happier with their health benefits

Large employers generally have happy workers when it comes to health and well-being programs, but there is room for improvement.

By Tom Starner • July 21, 2016

Connecticut becomes the ninth state to 'ban the box'

The new law has a lower bar than some other states, however.

By Tom Starner • July 18, 2016

How a separation package can be a good solution for a bad employee

If an employer wants to get rid of a bad apple, it must first gain some leverage.

By Tom Starner • July 15, 2016

EEOC releases latest pay data proposal, extends deadline

But critics remain unconvinced.

By Tom Starner • July 14, 2016

NLRB decision gives temp workers more chance to organize

The decision overturned a George W. Bush-era decision, Oakwood Care, that previously required employer consent.

By Tom Starner • July 13, 2016

Survey: Overtime rule, LGBT discrimination, ACA have employers worried most

Compliance and discrimination workplace issues are top of the list of concerns during this election year.

By Tom Starner • July 13, 2016

Four court cases and new laws that could affect benefits compliance

Employers should review policies on topics such as cash-in-lieu of benefits, pregnancy discrimination, health questionnaires and arbitration agreements.

By Tom Starner • July 12, 2016

Fox News lawsuit gives harassment, retaliation a public stage

It also sheds light on why retaliation cases have become more common than discrimination claims in recent years.

By Tom Starner • July 11, 2016

EEOC, Labor Dept. raising non-compliance penalties later this year

And they'll likely keep increasing, thanks to a new rule.

By Tom Starner • July 11, 2016

Labor Dept. serves up $700K fine to Wisconsin restaurant chain

Companies and individual defendants failed to pay kitchen staff and servers at least the federal minimum wage, and overtime.

By Tom Starner • July 7, 2016

UPS facing class action lawsuit by 'on demand' worker

There aren't any federal regulations on the issue, but individual states and municipalities have rules and regulations that vary.

By Tom Starner • July 7, 2016

Why background checks should come after a job offer

Conducting a background check before turning someone down for a job could result in litigation because the applicant can believe it was for reasons other than qualifications.

By Tom Starner • July 7, 2016

EEOC sues McDonald's franchisee in alleged HIV-related firing

EEOC attempted to reach a settlement, but the employer decided to take the case to court.

By Tom Starner • July 6, 2016

6 biggest HR storylines in 2016 ... so far

2016 is half over. HR's big stories ranged from federal overtime changes to recruiting losing the human touch.

By Tom Starner • July 6, 2016

Massachusetts lawmakers look to balance playing field in 'disruptive' economy

The Senate passed a bill aimed at regulating and encouraging ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft.

By Tom Starner • July 5, 2016

US employers in the UK must closely monitor post-Brexit separation options

Two U.S. employment attorneys say the UK likely has three options for how it will proceed.

By Tom Starner • July 1, 2016

Controversial 'persuader' rule blocked by Texas circuit court

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas granted a nationwide preliminary injunction on the rule.

By Tom Starner • June 30, 2016

EEOC levies $200K fine in one of first sexual orientation lawsuits

Protecting LGBT employees under Title VII's sex discrimination provisions is one of six national priorities identified by EEOC's Strategic Enforcement Plan.

By Tom Starner • June 30, 2016

Labor Dept.'s home healthcare wage rule stands

The U.S. Supreme Court passed on the case, meaning the rule will continue to exist.

By Tom Starner • June 29, 2016

One year later: Same-sex marriage's impact on employers

The ruling had actually simplified benefits for many, a legal expert says.

By Tom Starner • June 29, 2016

Will the new overtime rule reduce litigation?

The Labor Dept. expects wage and hour litigation to drop with its new OT rule, but legal experts are not as convinced.

By Tom Starner • June 28, 2016

How the Supreme Court's affirmative action decision will affect employers

The SCOTUS decision was primarily about universities, but experts say there could have been fallout in the private sector if affirmative action had been denied.

By Tom Starner • June 27, 2016

Will American willingness to work long hours stymie compliance with OT rule?

American employees would work off the clock even if the practice was banned, a new survey says.

By Tom Starner • June 23, 2016