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

Anthem-Cigna merger case takes a turn with potential new offer

In a hearing Friday, a Justice Dept. lawyer said the government may be open to settlement from Anthem to resolve the antitrust lawsuit.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 15, 2016

Overtime rule looms, but employers aren't opting for wage and hour training

According to a recent survey of planned training topics, wage and hour training finished dead last, at 29%. 

By Tom Starner • Aug. 12, 2016

Court decision upholds Seattle gig worker unionization law, for now

The judge, however, dismissed the lawsuit "without prejudice," meaning it's possible for the same lawsuit to be brought down the road.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 12, 2016

Court: Firearms can be on company property if state law permits

Firing someone for having a gun on premises could lead to a wrongful discharge case in some states, a federal court has ruled.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 11, 2016

Retirement plan fee scrutiny hits 3 major universities

With 401(k) fee scrutiny on the rise for private employers, it's no surprise the the non-profit sector is now in the mix.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 11, 2016

OSHA gives employers a 3-month reprieve on new anti-retaliation rules

The anti-retaliation provisions are the second of a two-part OSHA initiative — and likely the most controversial.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 10, 2016

Chipotle location loses $550K pregnancy lawsuit

It's been a busy time in the labor world for the fast casual chain, as it also gathered headlines for a new tuition benefit this week.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 10, 2016

Judge relinquishes one of two major group health antitrust cases

Health insurer mega-merger cases split between two judges for expediency's sake. 

By Tom Starner • Aug. 8, 2016

Federal court reluctantly tosses sexual orientation discrimination case

A federal appeals court says it had no choice in granting discrimination rights based on sexual orientation.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 8, 2016

NLRB rule revision has businesses up in arms

Some businesses cite higher labor costs and delayed expansion plans.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 8, 2016

4 questions about the 'robust' Massachusetts pay law, answered

The chance the law will spread to other states is highly likely, an expert said.

By Kathryn Moody • Aug. 8, 2016

For overtime exemptions, don't ignore state law

The duties test in some states may be more strict than the federal requirement, meaning employers must be wary.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 8, 2016

Information matters when it comes to Zika-related business travel liability

If a business-critical meeting is happening in a Zika hot zone, employers need to cover every base to keep employees safe.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 8, 2016

Study: Weight discrimination is alive and well in US workplaces

Also called "size discrimination," new studies show that it may be more prevalent than expected.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 8, 2016

Ad executive denies diversity is an issue, takes unplanned early retirement

A high level executive is gone after his controversial comments on gender diversity.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 4, 2016

Why documentation is more important than ever for compliance

More judges are placing emphasis on the decision-making process, meaning the "good faith" defense is changing.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 4, 2016

Quicken Loans non-disparagement policies ruled to have violated federal law

Quicken Loans argued that the NLRB lacked evidence employees were disciplined or actually intimidated by the rules, but judges felt otherwise.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 4, 2016

NLRB federal contractor 'blacklist' imminent

The NLRB's new rule aimed at barring businesses who break labor laws from working for the federal government may arrive this month.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 4, 2016

Google defends itself over ageism charge

Google isn't the only Silicon Valley company even in the past couple months to be accused of ageism.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 4, 2016

LGBT discrimination lawsuits may rise where protections are lacking

In 28 states, it is still technically legal to discriminate against LGBT employees – meaning litigation based on federal laws may rise this year.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 3, 2016

EEO-1 forms are officially on their way

Proposed changes to the form have not yet gone into effect.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 2, 2016

Massachusetts poised to pass pay equity law

The proposed new law considerably broadens the state's existing legislation.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 1, 2016

Is Ban the Box backfiring for black applicants?

In states with Ban the Box laws, the race-based gap rose from a 7% to a 45% advantage for white applicants. But some experts say the laws aren't to blame.

By Tom Starner • Aug. 1, 2016