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Pennsylvania

Is it OK to use SSNs as ID numbers?

11/23/2011
Q. A few employees have complained that we use their Social Security numbers (SSNs) as their ID numbers. They’re concerned about identity theft. Is it legal to use Social Security numbers for ID purposes?

How do I make a noncompete enforceable?

11/23/2011
Q. Can I ask employees who are already with the company to execute noncompete agreements?

Does workers’ comp cover telecommuters?

11/23/2011
Q. Do workers’ compensation laws apply if an employee is injured while working in his own home and using his own equipment?

Can I fire someone I just don’t like?

11/23/2011
Q. I would like to fire an employee who is unpleasant to work with. We simply don’t “click.” Do I have to have cause to terminate him?

Do you recommend anti-harassment training?

11/23/2011

Q. Our company is considering anti-harassment training for all employees. Some managers and executive are concerned that this will stir up lawsuits. Do you recommend such training?

Court eliminates one strategy for ending class-action litigation

11/23/2011

Resourceful defense attorneys have tried a few legal tactics to help em­­ployers defend against wage-and-hour class-action lawsuits. One strategy is to “tender an offer of judgment” to the named plaintiff before the case gets to the collective-action certification stage. Unfortunately, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals has removed this arrow from defense counsels’ quiver.

EBSA says employer took liberties with retirement funds

11/23/2011

The U.S. District Court for West­ern Pennsylvania has ordered Kevin T. Weir, chief executive officer of Liberty-Pittsburgh Inc., to repay $67,138 to his employee’s 401(k) plan. The settlement resulted from an in­vestigation by the U.S. Depart­ment of Labor’s EBSA.

Harrisburg-area town mulls sexual orientation protection

11/23/2011
Dauphin County’s Susquehanna Town­­ship is considering an ordinance barring employment and housing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. If enacted, the suburban Harrisburg township would form a volunteer board to investigate any claims that arise.

Update in works for FLSA computer professional exemption

11/23/2011
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators wants to update the definition for computer professionals under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Computer professionals who earn more than $27.63 per hour are currently exempt from the FLSA. But the bill’s sponsors claim the state of computer technology has rendered outdated old definitions of the IT profession.

EEOC: Brownsville butcher sexually harassed subordinates

11/23/2011
The EEOC is suing Country Fresh Market and Fredericktown Produce for sexual harassment after several women who work there filed complaints against the store’s head butcher.