• The HR Specialist - Print Newsletter
  • HR Specialist: Employment Law
  • The HR Weekly

Compensation & Benefits

Costs rise as workers skimp on health care

01/27/2009

Consumers are hanging on tightly to every penny. One main cost they’re skimping on: their own health care—a move that experts say will lead to sicker Americans and higher health care costs down the road for U.S. employers. Here are three ways your organization can keep workers focused on their health even as they skimp on other expenses.

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.

OK to transfer worker on FMLA intermittent leave, as long as compensation remains same

01/27/2009

The FMLA allows employers to move employees taking intermittent leave to positions that make it easier for the employers. If you do so, just make sure that the temporary position has equivalent pay and benefits. It does not have to have equivalent duties.

Patience key when you think worker won’t return from FMLA

01/27/2009

Employers can terminate an employee on FMLA leave if it becomes clear she will not return. But get this one wrong and you may end up in court. A better approach: Wait to do the firing.

Gear up for New Jersey’s new paid family leave law

01/27/2009

By now, you have started withholding 0.09% of your employees’ pay, up to a total of $26.01 for the year, for New Jersey’s new Paid Family Leave Insurance program.

When in doubt, note multiple FLSA exemptions

01/27/2009

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employees fit into one of two general categories—they are either hourly or exempt. But sometimes, an employee’s job may seem to fit into more than one category. If that’s the case, don’t be shy about noting that in the job description.

New Jersey may boost minimum wage to $8.50

01/27/2009

Back in 2005, the New Jersey Legislature enacted legislation raising the state’s minimum wage to a rate higher than the federal minimum wage. Now, with the federal minimum set to go up later this year, a state commission is advocating another boost in the state minimum wage.

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.

The HR I.Q. Test: February ’09

01/16/2009

Test your knowledge of recent trends in employment law, comp & benefits and other HR issues with our monthly mini-quiz …

Chicago protest becomes symbol of the nation’s woes

01/16/2009

Workers who occupied Republic Windows and Doors in Chicago after getting three days’ notice that the plant was closing became a symbol of the nation’s economic trials, drawing support from then-President-elect Barack Obama.