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Compensation & Benefits

Special analysis: Worker status issues expand beyond payroll

05/29/2014
The incentive to misclassify employees as independent contractors to get under the ACA’s 50-employee cap may seem tempting. The real incentive is to ensure that your workforce is properly classified in the first place.

San Antonio fast food franchisee hit with OT suit

05/28/2014
A San Antonio area franchisee faces charges he failed to pay proper overtime to his employees. Wessam “Sammie” Aldeeb operate eight restaurants, including Subway, Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery stores. A recently filed suit seeks class-action status for at least 125 current or former employees of Aldeeb’s franchises.

Proposed model COBRA notice pushes health insurance exchanges

05/28/2014
The Department of Labor has issued a new proposed model notice of continuation coverage rights under COBRA. It’s similar to previous versions you may have used, but emphasizes that separated workers might be better off seeking health insurance from state or federal Health Insurance Marketplaces than purchasing COBRA coverage through your plan.

Church wages don’t count toward unemployment benefits

05/28/2014
Employees can’t count their work histories with religious organizations when seeking unemployment benefits.

Keep bereavement leave policies up-to-date

05/27/2014
Although there’s no federal requirement to offer time off after the death of a loved one, many businesses do it anyway. Before long, however, those voluntary policies could become law.

New relief offered to victims of payroll service bureau fraud

05/27/2014
Buried deep in the Consolidated Appropriations Act is a provision that requires the IRS to send a notice confirming any change of address to your old and new address. And for victims of service bureau fraud, the law also directs the IRS to give special consideration to offers-in-compromise, which may allow you to settle a tax debt for less than the full amount owed.

Wage stagnation may be long-term business reality

05/26/2014
Wages will rise less than 3% over the next three years, according to 82% of U.S. employers polled by the nonprofit National Association for Business Economics.

Real wages declined significantly in past 7 years

05/26/2014
Real wages are down almost 8% since 2006, according to the compensation research firm PayScale, which analyzed Consumer Price Index data and information provided by 3,000 clients.

Are we allowed to require employees to receive their wages through paycards?

05/23/2014
Q. Our company wants to start using paycards instead of issuing paychecks to employees who do not use direct deposit. Is it legal to use payroll cards in California?

What should we include in the ‘mandatory wage statements’ we must give new hires?

05/23/2014
Q. We are hiring a new employee and I understand that I have to give her a “Mandatory Wage Notice.” What information do I need to include on the notice?