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California

It takes two to have an argument—suspend both when beefs get out of hand

09/21/2009

It’s a fact of life: Employees get into arguments at work. Obviously, you can’t let a situation get out of hand. But be careful how you discipline the individuals. That’s especially important if there’s no clear evidence about who said what to whom. If you decide to suspend one employee, suspend the other one, too.

Testifying for subordinate may be protected activity

09/21/2009

Supervisors who stand up for subordinates when they claim they have been discriminated against may be engaging in “protected activity.” That could make punishing those supervisors retaliation.

State law—not local ordinance—may govern worker retention

09/21/2009

The Court of Appeal of California has refused to reinstate a Los Angeles ordinance that tried to force some employers to retain the employees of businesses they acquired. The case may signal a judicial effort to rein in municipal regulation of California companies.

Financial aid helps small biz bring back injured workers

09/21/2009

The California Division of Workers’ Compensation is acting to help small employers that need financial assistance bringing injured employees back to work. Small employers can apply for reimbursement of up to $2,500 for special equipment or other products needed to help accommodate the needs of injured workers returning to the job.

Poizner sues over sale of workers’ comp insurance assets

09/21/2009

Steve Poizner, the California Insurance Commissioner and Republican candidate for governor, recently filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the sale of assets in the State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF). He contends efforts by the Legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to use the funds to balance the state budget are unconstitutional.

Schwarzenegger vetoes farm worker card check election bill

09/21/2009

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed a bill that would have created a card check election process for farm workers seeking union representation. S.B. 789, which was introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg, is similar to bills the governor also vetoed in 2007 and 2008.

Rebound? Pay on the rise, but health insurance could lag

09/08/2009

A survey by consulting firm Watson Wyatt indicates more employers are loosening the compensation purse strings, even as employees will probably bear higher health benefits costs. According to the survey conducted in August, 44% of employers plan to reverse pay cuts made during the economic downturn.

Study shows employers cutting 401(k) matches

09/08/2009

Employees depending on 401(k) accounts for retirement are getting another shock courtesy of the economic meltdown. According to a survey by accounting firm Grant Thornton, 29% of companies have modified or intend to modify their contributions to employees’ 401(k) accounts.

The 5 steps of progressive discipline

09/02/2009

A progressive discipline system is the best way to correct employee performance problems. It’s also the best way to protect against wrongful termination lawsuits. It allows you to ensure that any employee fired because of inferior performance was treated fairly and in accordance with your company’s policies. Here’s a five-step model for progressive discipline:

Military family leave: DOL regs spell out employee rights

09/02/2009

In January 2009, the DOL issued new FMLA regulations that incorporated the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008, which granted new leave rights to family members of employees in the military. The regulations, for the first time, defined what a “qualifying exigency” is under the law that entitles military families to take leave. Qualified exigencies are divided into seven categories: