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Employment Law

Download the new FMLA poster, certification forms

01/27/2009

The new FMLA regulations that took effect Jan. 16 require you to post the newly updated FMLA poster in your workplace. Advice: Ignore ads from vendors selling the posters. Download them free …

Class actions exploded in ’08, employers continue to pay the price

01/27/2009

Employment law class-action litigation is growing at an explosive rate, and the economic meltdown will probably fuel even more lawsuits in 2009. So says a recent report that also predicts far greater financial exposure for employers that must defend their employment policies in court. Here are the gory details.

High court clears way for more retaliation suits

01/27/2009

On Jan. 26, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Title VII protects from retaliation employees who cooperate with employers’ internal harassment investigations. Some attorneys worry the decision will open the litigation floodgates for employees who believe they have suffered retaliation.

The Obama years: 4 predictions for employment law circa 2012

01/21/2009

President Obama has put forth a significant employment and labor agenda. If he and the Democratic-controlled Congress succeed in passing proposed legislation, the next several years will see the creation of new protected classes, more family leave rights and the re-emergence of labor unions.

Senate begins confirming Obama’s HR-related Cabinet nominees

01/21/2009

Expect swift confirmation of President Obama’s nominees to head the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, Labor and Justice. And expect the Obama administration to take a far harder line than the Bush administration did against organizations that break employment-related laws.

Can you discipline workers for their raunchy Facebook postings?

01/21/2009

The Internet has created a whole new pond for employment lawyers to fish in. But you’re not powerless to your employees’ embarrassing—and potentially illegal—online activities. You can discipline employees who go over the line. Here’s a recent example, plus five tips to help you avoid legal trouble …

Huge Wal-Mart settlement spotlights OT, breaks

01/16/2009

In what’s being described as the largest settlement ever for wage-related lawsuits, Wal-Mart recently agreed to pay as much as $640 million to settle 63 pending lawsuits over wage-and-hour violations.

Know when to fold ’em: Sometimes, settling lawsuit is wisest move

01/16/2009

Even bosses who’ve been taught that one word can trigger a harassment or discrimination lawsuit can put their foot firmly in their mouths. If that’s the case and an employee starts the legal wheels in motion, it’s usually best to settle the case and move on.

Hire illegals? Feds send message with record fine

01/16/2009

IFCO Systems, the nation’s largest pallet manufacturer, agreed last month to pay a record $20.7 million fine to settle claims that it knowingly employed illegal immigrants.

New minimum wage levels take effect in 11 states

01/16/2009

On Jan.1, the hourly minimum wage increased in 11 states. The federal minimum, currently $6.55 per hour, is scheduled to increase on July 24 to $7.25.