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Compensation & Benefits

Can severance deal address unemployment?

09/17/2012
Q. We want to terminate an underperforming employee and are considering offering a severance agreement in which we agree not to contest unemployment benefits and he agrees to resign and release the company from any claims. Is that OK?

Sick pay after suspension doesn’t count against unemployment

09/17/2012
Employees who are suspended for 30 days or more without pay are considered terminated. If they then receive accumulated sick leave pay, that doesn’t count as wages—and it doesn’t lower their unemployment compensation benefits.

One way to avoid unemployment liability: Offer time off for medical problems

09/17/2012
In Minnesota, an employee who has a medical condition that prevents him from working can still collect unemployment benefits if he quits. But before he quits, he has to tell his employer about the medical problem so the employer has a chance to offer time off and continued employment when he returns.

Ohio WC seeks to curb prescription painkiller abuse

09/13/2012
Ohio’s Bureau of Workers’ Com­pen­sation is trying to reduce the amount of powerful narcotics prescribed for injured workers receiving workers’ comp benefits.

Census: Health coverage varies widely by state

09/12/2012
Nearly one in five Americans under age 65 lacks health insurance, according to data analyzed by the U.S. Census Bureau, but the rate of coverage varies widely depending on where people live.

Small businesses: Benchmark your employee benefits

09/11/2012
Many small employers make decisions about medical plans and other benefits based on cost alone. But here’s another factor to consider: How does your organization stack up against employers of the same size?

Court of Appeals case reinforces value of written job offers

09/10/2012
A recent decision by New York’s highest court highlights the value of spelling out the terms of employment in a written offer letter.

DOL docks federal funding to pay contractor’s back wages

09/10/2012
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division will deduct unpaid wages and benefits from future government payments to Lettire Construction Corp. to settle violations of the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts …

In Lower Manhattan, how about a slice of class action?

09/10/2012
A federal judge has certified a class-action lawsuit against Manhattan’s hip Adrianne’s Pizza Bar. Current and former workers allege they were not paid minimum wage, overtime and “spread-of-hours” premiums required for restaurant employees who work long split shifts.

Bank extends wellness from employees to local communities

09/10/2012
Cleveland-based KeyBank has healthier employees and lower medical costs since it embraced a systemic approach to encouraging employees to become more involved in their well-being.