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Compensation & Benefits

Troopers Cite ADA and Privacy in Lawsuit Over Call-In Policy

09/01/2006

The Pennsylvania State Troopers’ Association has filed a lawsuit against the state police, arguing that troopers shouldn’t have to tell their duty desk the specific reason they’re calling in sick. The association alleges that the call-in policy violates the ADA because it may force troopers to disclose a disability …

Run FMLA time concurrently with sick leave

09/01/2006

Q. We have an employee who is going to be out eight weeks for a qualifying serious health condition. The employee isn’t requesting to use FMLA leave because she has enough paid sick leave. Can employees choose not to use FMLA leave even though they meet the qualifications? —C.T., Georgia

Plastic paychecks save on payroll processing

09/01/2006

Four million employees at more than 3,000 companies now collect plastic instead of paper on payday (a debit card look-alike that allows users to withdraw cash at ATMs or pay for goods at retail outlets) …

Hold firm on raises; salaries to rise 3.5 percent in ’07

09/01/2006

Employers report that they’ll be dishing out average pay raises of 3.5 percent for exempt and nonexempt employees in 2007, the same level that they’re currently paying in 2006, according to a new Conference Board survey of 441 companies …

Heed IRS warnings about independent-contractor errors

09/01/2006

The IRS issued a fact sheet this summer to remind employers to correctly classify workers as either independent contractors or employees. (IRS FS-2006-21) The main factor in making that decision: control …

Obtain written OK for wage deductions

09/01/2006

Q. Our company allows employees to purchase products on an installment basis. When employees quit and haven’t yet paid the full amount, can we deduct the remainder due from their last paycheck?—K.M., Pennsylvania

Texas employer honored for disability hiring

09/01/2006

The EEOC recently honored Fluor Corporation of Sugar Land, Texas, as one of seven companies across the country cited for their efforts in promoting inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace …

To boost productivity, teach money management

09/01/2006

At least 15 percent of Americans are so stressed out about money that it affects their work, and about half say they spend more than 20 hours a week dealing with financial matters, says a Virginia Tech study. One solution: Ease employees’ financial pains—and bolster your organization’s retirement plan participation rates—by teaching employees how to better manage their money …

401(k) participation hints at employees’ longevity

09/01/2006

If you’re wondering whether a new employee will stick around, look at whether he or she signed up for your retirement plan. A new study confirms that employees who forgo employers’ retirement plans also tend to change jobs frequently …

New pension law creates extra duties, questions for HR

09/01/2006

Even though some provisions of the new landmark pension law don’t take effect for 16 months, HR professionals need to start educating themselves immediately. The changes amount to the most sweeping reforms of pension law in more than 30 years …