Can workers' compensation in opt-out states be done fairly?

Employers in Texas and Oklahoma are taking advantage of the ability to opt-out of state-regulated workers' compensation plans, and it's not without controversey.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 22, 2016

Supreme Court rules that class-action lawsuits can outlive compensation offers

The 6-3 decision may deeply impact companies facing expensive arbitration.

By Kathryn Moody • Jan. 21, 2016

DOL issues more guidelines for joint employment legal mess

The question of who is responsible should an employment law be violated by a franchise or contractor of another company was clarified somewhat, but largely remains unclear.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 21, 2016

Tread carefully if using PTO during bad weather, say experts

An employer could force an employee to use paid time off during bad weather, but it's not all that simple, according to employment law experts.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 19, 2016

Report: Vanguard slammed with 20 discrimination lawsuits in 5 years

Vanguard is a giant, successful investment company outside of Philadelphia – and it was also on the wrong end of a variety of employee lawsuits.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 19, 2016

The Supreme Court may rule against union 'fair share service fee'

It appears ready to overturn a law that allows unions to collect money from non-union members in a unionized workplace. 

By Tom Starner • Jan. 13, 2016

NLRB isn't buying Whole Foods' policy on recordings, photos

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has told Whole Foods that it can't blanket ban recording or photography in the workplace.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 5, 2016

Law firm releases detailed guide to 2015 EEOC litigation, actions

Seyfarth Shaw, an employment law firm, has released a detailed look at EEOC actions and litigation within the past year.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 5, 2016

Judge fines employer who ignored FLSA bathroom break rules

A Pennsylvania telemarketing firm was socked with at least $1.75 million in fines for not paying low-wage workers when they took bathroom and other short-term breaks.

By Tom Starner • Jan. 4, 2016

Feds offer employers extension on filing ACA reporting paperwork

The IRS and Treasury have given employers a few extra months to file ACA-related tax forms.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 29, 2015

The 'scariest' employer legal challenges in 2016

According to an employment law expert, the coming year brings a smattering of important issues to consider.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 22, 2015

Courts continue to back employers in banning workplace pot use

Despite pot legalization on the state level, employers continue to enforce anti-pot workplace policies, a SHRM survey reports.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 22, 2015

Controversial ad offers lesson in how not to boost diversity

A job ad for a tenure track position at the University of Louisville represents a wrong-headed way to boost diversity.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 22, 2015

With 2015 almost over, time for a final tax reporting check, say experts

With W-2s, the Affordable Care Act, and more, employers have a lot to keep track of this year - and big fines to avoid.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 18, 2015

'Familial status' gaining ground as a protected status

Thanks to a new law, New York will be joining five other states in prohibiting discrimination against parent and caregiver employees.

By Kathryn Moody • Dec. 18, 2015

Cadillac tax may be delayed two years: Congress

The House of Representatives reached a "tentative accord" Tuesday night on a spending bill that includes language on the tax.

By Kathryn Moody • Dec. 16, 2015

Seattle is first city to pass ordinance allowing Uber, other contract drivers to unionize

The vote by the Seattle City Council was unanimous.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 15, 2015

When odorous becomes onerous: Workplace odor and litigation

If employers don't take odor problems seriously, bigger problems may arise.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 14, 2015

Utah court shakes up Wal-Mart workplace self-defense policy

Many states allow employers to fire workers who violate workplace violence rules to defend themselves from attackers. A court in Utah rejected that basis.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 9, 2015

Court rules pregnant workers can request light duty work

Light duty work is no longer restricted to those injured on the job, according to HR Morning.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 8, 2015

One way to solve the state-by-state HR compliance puzzle

ThinkHR uses a benefits broker network to give HR leaders the best possible data on complex state-by-state compliance, according to Fortune.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 2, 2015

Rising whistleblower lawsuits require more monitoring, says expert

Employers in several industries who serve the federal government must be diligent.

By Tom Starner • Dec. 2, 2015

EEOC grabs record $525 million in discrimination cases

The EEOC had a banner year in 2015.

By Tom Starner • Nov. 25, 2015

Some HR leaders admit their firms knowingly ignore wage rules, says survey

17% reported that their company had not been in compliance with wage and work hour rules in the past year.

By Tom Starner • Nov. 24, 2015

How poor job descriptions can lead to courtroom losses

Make sure description language actually matches job duties and responsibilities or it could hurt in the courtroom, according to one expert.

By Tom Starner • Nov. 23, 2015