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Employment Law

Leave off job application any language that limits time frames for employee to sue

04/23/2014
Don’t even think of including in your job application a shortened statute of limitations for resolving employment disputes.

Want to require an arbitration agreement? That’s fine as long as it’s fair to employees

04/23/2014
Here’s some good news for employers that want to use arbitration as a way to resolve employment disputes instead of relying on federal or state courts: Imposing a fair arbitration policy on applicants as a condition of employment is fine.

Just having a policy isn’t enough! Enforce your rules against harassment

04/23/2014
We’ve said it before, but it needs to be said again: Simply having a sexual harassment policy in your handbook won’t save you from a lawsuit. It’s all about what you do with that policy.

Disability leave: Best intentions may backfire

04/23/2014

Here’s something to consider before you place an employee on disability leave following an em­­ployer-ordered medical exam. That employee may end up being considered disabled—even if the exam revealed no real medical problems. Essentially, by examining him and placing him on leave, you are regarding him as disabled. He can then sue for disability discrimination.

Continue benefits status during military leave

04/23/2014
Always count military leave as time worked. Simply pretend the worker is present and earning leave and other benefits. That principle applies to both your attendance policies and your FMLA practices.

ACA state exchanges get thumbs up from Consumer Reports

04/23/2014
Back in November, Consumer Reports magazine urged its readers to hold off on buying health insurance through websites operated by the state-based exchanges authorized by the Affordable Care Act. Now it holds a different view.

CBO: Minimum wage hike would add $15 billion to U.S. payrolls

04/22/2014
Democratic efforts to raise the national minimum wage to $10.10 per hour would cost private-sector employers an additional $15 billion per year, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

Most 2013 EEOC charges were filed by employees in 10 states

04/18/2014
Ten states—mostly home to the nation’s largest cities or located in the South—accounted for 56% of all EEOC charges filed in 2013.

Is a salary only for full-timers?

04/18/2014
Q. Can part-time employees be salaried?

Is it possible for an employee to take FMLA leave after the birth of her grandchild?

04/16/2014
Q. An employee wants to use FMLA leave to spend time with her daughter after her grandchild is born. There are no expected post-birth complications, but the new mom will need assistance. Would this qualify for FMLA leave?