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Compensation & Benefits

Stuart bike commuter confronts unexpected hazard

11/10/2008

High gas prices have driven many commuters to consider alternative transportation, and many are choosing to get to work on their bicycles. That can be risky business …

Employer not liable for worker’s injury caused by co-workers

11/07/2008

In most circumstances, employers aren’t going to be held directly responsible if an employee suffers a physical injury because of something a fellow employee did. Instead, such cases are handled through the workers’ compensation system.

Can I fire an employee who is likely to develop a serious disease?

11/07/2008

Q. I own my own business, and controlling my insurance costs is my biggest challenge. Recently, I learned one of my employees has been tested and has the genetic makeup likely to develop into a very serious illness. While I feel sorry for the employee, this disease is likely to cost our company hundreds of thousands of dollars. Can I fire the employee?

Associated Supermarket execs charged with wage violations

11/07/2008

Two Brooklyn grocers have been charged with underpaying workers by more than $300,000 and falsifying business records. Bienvenido Nuñez, president of the Associated Supermarket in Bushwick, and Martin Duran, vice president, allegedly paid no wages to baggers, who worked for tips …

Stop class-action train wrecks! Let local offices set salaries and raises

11/07/2008

The worst-case scenario for a large company with operations in many locations: A class-action lawsuit alleging discrimination against an entire class of employees. One way to discourage such massive lawsuits is to let managers at separate locations keep substantial control over setting salaries and raises.

Class-action suit alleges gender bias at Sterling Jewelers

11/07/2008

The EEOC has filed a class-action gender discrimination lawsuit against Sterling Jewelers in U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York in Buffalo.

CSU offers benefits to employees’ domestic partners

11/06/2008

Beginning Jan. 1, Colorado State University will offer domestic-partner benefits to eligible employees.

We’re going to be slammed this month! Must we let employee remain on FMLA leave?

11/06/2008

Q. One of our employees hurt her back lifting boxes. She has been off work for several weeks. We have been counting her absence against her FMLA entitlement. She was scheduled to return to work recently, but she now tells us the healing will take longer than expected. December is our busiest time of the year! Must we continue giving her leave?       

May we replace an employee on FMLA leave?

11/06/2008

Q. We have an employee on FMLA leave. Can we replace her and find a different job for her when she returns?

Employment law in the Obama administration: What to expect

11/06/2008

With a Democratic-controlled Congress, President-elect Barack Obama will likely push for these employment law priorities …