ITT shutdown leads to employees suing over sudden layoffs

The for-profit education company faces a possible class action lawsuit by 8,000 fired employees.

By Tom Starner • Sept. 9, 2016

COBRA notices can be expanded with ACA marketplace info

The Labor Dept. has given plan sponsors and employers more leeway when it comes to such notices.

By Tom Starner • Sept. 8, 2016

Connecticut high court overturns decision that fired employee for pot use

It said a less harsh penalty could apply, as proposed originally by the arbitrator.

By Tom Starner • Sept. 8, 2016

Nebraska is latest to sign Labor Dept. worker misclassification agreement

It is the 34th state to sign a three-year Memorandum of Understanding.

By Tom Starner • Sept. 6, 2016

Court ruling means employers must fully vet harassment claims

Employers will be more vulnerable to liability in discrimination lawsuits if a firing is caused due to company negligence.

By Tom Starner • Sept. 2, 2016

Oklahoma comp 'opt out' law about to be tested in state court

In February, the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission (OWCC) deemed the law to be unconstitutional and “not enforceable.”

By Tom Starner • Sept. 2, 2016

For retail HR, closing stores may require consulting employment counsel

Avoiding a class-action lawsuit is of high priority for employers in such a situation.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 30, 2016

Survey: Baby boomers tend to have biggest 'workplace egos'

Household cooks, CEOs and art directors all top the list, as well. 

By Tom Starner • Aug. 30, 2016

EEOC issues first retaliation guidance update since 1998

The Supreme Court has made seven decisions regarding retaliation since the original guidance was published — and retaliation claims continue to grow.

By Kathryn Moody • Aug. 29, 2016

Chipotle suffers NLRB sanction for following outdated social media policy

Employers crafting social media employee use policies need to ensure guidelines are precise and timely to avoid NLRB scrutiny.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 29, 2016

Illinois mandates FMLA bereavement leave

It is the second state to implement such a mandate, reflecting increased public sector attention on employee leave issues.

By Kathryn Moody • Aug. 29, 2016

Experts: When rescinding a job offer, take caution

HR should consult with employment counsel if needed to avoid litigation.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 26, 2016

Labor Dept. 'blacklisting rule' finalized

The new regulations for government contractors are drawing heat from employment lawyers.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 25, 2016

Labor Dept. settles its own $7M, decade-long wage and hour lawsuit

A decade ago, the American Federation of Government Employees Local 12 sued the Labor Dept. on behalf of its members.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 24, 2016

US appeals court rules against EY's use of class action wavers

It is the latest employer to lose its bid concerning class actions within employee arbitration agreements.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 24, 2016

NLRB decides grad students can form unions

In a 3-1 decision, the NLRB said the National Labor Relations Act "contains no clear language prohibiting student assistants from its coverage."

By Tom Starner • Aug. 24, 2016

Illinois passes law to protect domestic workers, boost working conditions

The law extends protections that had been typically denied to such workers.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 23, 2016

Federal court dismisses EEOC transgender lawsuit

The accused company had proven that enforcement of Title VII would "impose a substantial burden" on conducting their business according to their religious beliefs.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 22, 2016

Justice Dept. looks to tighten immigration hiring compliance

The rule adjustments will also result in the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) changing its name.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 22, 2016

Court rules noncompetes can be transferrable in M&A scenario

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court ruling that had claimed otherwise.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 19, 2016

Uber driver settlement struck down in federal court

Uber thought it had an agreement with drivers that could keep its gig economy model intact. A federal judge ruled otherwise.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 18, 2016

Trio of Republican senators asks OMB to halt EEOC pay data reporting change

Their letter served as a final comment during the EEOC's comment period.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 18, 2016

OSHA pilot program pushing the pace on whistleblower reviews

The Labor Dept. admits that OSHA’s current investigation process can take quite a bit of time.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 18, 2016

Fiduciary rule could also affect HSA distribution

The coming regulations on 401(k) fiduciary issues may have further reach than most HR managers expected.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 17, 2016

2016 ballot initiatives may push some employment law changes

Such initiatives are taking place across the U.S., but one of the most complex will affect the Seattle hotel industry.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 17, 2016