FLSA overtime rule facing 21-state lawsuit

Officials claimed the Obama administration's initiative will place a "heavy burden on state budgets."

By Tom Starner • Sept. 21, 2016

Fantasy sports leagues require similar employer strategy to other e-distractions

While the article mentions the idea of conducting internal office pools (no entry fees, etc.) as a way to build culture, managing that could be problematic.

By Tom Starner • Sept. 20, 2016

Court rules that employee hairstyles are not protected by Title VII

There are many ways employers can cross the line when it comes to discriminatory hiring, but so far, 'race-neutral' grooming policies are safe.

By Tom Starner • Sept. 19, 2016

Why the fast food industry gets extra Labor Dept. scrutiny

The Labor Dept.'s Wage and Hour Division gives fast food employers a closer look on FLSA compliance, and it says there is good reason for it. The industry, of course, doesn't agree.

By Tom Starner • Sept. 16, 2016

H-1B visa overhaul measure derailed

The complication, and the reason why employers who are H-1B dependent should pay attention, is that the language included cash bonuses in the wages.

By Tom Starner • Sept. 16, 2016

Oklahoma Supreme Court ends the state's workers' comp alternative

The court ruled 7-2 that the alternative gives employers the authority to single out injured workers for inequitable treatment and is therefore unconstitutional.

By Tom Starner • Sept. 15, 2016

Labor Dept. sets post-flood guidance for affected employers

The guidance gives employers in Louisiana further instructions on employee benefits compliance.

By Tom Starner • Sept. 14, 2016

Samsung, LG accused of anti-poaching agreement scheme

LG has denied such an agreement existed, while Samsung did not comment, according to Reuters.

By Kathryn Moody • Sept. 13, 2016

EY calls for quick US Supreme Court decision over class action waivers

EY wants the U.S. Supreme Court to end an arbitration clause-driven legal mess as quickly as possible.

By Tom Starner • Sept. 12, 2016

Labor Dept. hits Chevron with $1.5M in back wages

The Labor Dept. hit a major oil and gas employer with a $1.5 million wage and hour fine.

By Tom Starner • Sept. 12, 2016

Uber racks up a court win over background check processes

The court decided the employees who filed suit would have to go through arbitration as defined in their signed arbitration agreements.

By Tom Starner • Sept. 9, 2016

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