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Wages & Hours

Union-Free and eager to stay that way

07/07/2008
Q. Our company has operated union-free for many years. How can we best protect ourselves against future union-organizing activities? …

Quick discrimination check: Tally pay by protected status

07/07/2008
If you do a quick assessment of whether your organization may be inadvertently discriminating in pay and there seem to be big differences between the groups, it’s probably time to seriously consider doing a full analysis of your pay structure …
 

Relying on law enforcement exemption? Be prepared to show volunteers meet the test

07/07/2008
Government agencies that employ fewer than five people in fire protection or law enforcement aren’t required to pay those employees overtime. A common problem is that many small public agencies rely on volunteers to perform firefighting and law enforcement duties. If that’s true at your agency, make absolutely sure those “volunteers” meet the volunteer test …

Kroger will pay $16 million in discrimination suit settlement

07/07/2008
he Kroger Company will pay $16 million to settle a race discrimination lawsuit by 12 current and former employees. The lawsuit accused the Cincinnati-based grocery chain of blocking the promotions of black employees and paying them less than whites …

Cintas will pay $1.18 million

07/07/2008
A California appeals court has ordered Cincinnati-based Cintas Corporation to pay more than $1.18 million in back wages and interest to 219 northern California workers for violating the city of Hayward’s Living Wage Ordinance. The judgment is believed to be the largest living-wage award in U.S. history.

10 ways to help ease employees’ pain at the pump

07/03/2008
Nearly a third of HR pros in a recent survey reported knowing at least one employee who quit in the past year because the high price of gas made the commute too expensive. Some organizations are addressing the driving dilemma—and revving up their retention programs—by pushing telework and shorter workweeks. But other employers take an even more direct approach: paying for employees’ gas …

Preserve flex, work/life benefits during tough economy

07/03/2008

The stormy economy hasn’t dampened employers’ interests in offering work/life benefits to their employees, says a new study. Even as organizations severely cut contributions to health care, disability programs and pension plans, they continue to offer flexible schedules, child and elder care support, and employee assistance with family and personal problems …

By the Numbers: Faking it: Excuses for arriving late

07/03/2008
Twenty-four percent of employees admit they lie when explaining why they’re late for work. Here are their top excuses…

Hand Out Paychecks in Most Efficient, Legally Safe Way

07/01/2008

Putting paychecks (or pay stubs) in employees’ hands is a basic HR chore: No glory, but it must be done right. What’s the best way to do it? HR specialists around the country chimed in on this topic. Here are some of their best ideas … 

The HR I.Q. Test: July ’08

07/01/2008
Test your knowledge of recent trends in employment law, comp & benefits and other HR issues with our monthly mini-quiz …