Day: December 9, 2011

DOL Survey to Analyze COBRA Premium Subsidy Up-take

To fill in the knowledge gaps on how many individuals enrolled in the COBRA premium subsidy program — data that will be helpful in determining the program’s cost-effectiveness, who best benefited from the subsidy and how to target similar programs — the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) plans to sponsor a study sometime in 2012. […]

6 Health Reform Issues Loom over Plan Sponsors in 2012

After so much ink spilled and heartache over health reform, plan sponsors might think the dust has settled and say: “The coast is clear. We can come out of hiding.” But if you thought that all this effort has totally clarified health reform (and if you think you know just what to do to comply), […]

Contract Vote Ends Controversial NLRB Case on Boeing Plant

The April 2011 unfair labor practice charge that was filed against the Boeing Co. and that became an immediate flashpoint for criticism of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), has been withdrawn. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union asked to withdraw the charge after its members ratified a four-year collective bargaining agreement […]

Feds Consider Requiring Contractors to Meet 7% Hiring Goal for Workers With Disabilities

Federal contractors will have to meet a 7 percent hiring goal for individuals with disabilities under a U.S. Department of Labor proposal announced December 8.  DOL’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (41 C.F.R. 77056) which included, among other things, a mandate that employers aim to have individuals with […]

Terminations: ‘Maybe’ Involve HR? No, Always Involve HR

Consulting with HR before any termination should be an absolute. And not just to help with the firing itself; HR needs to be involved long before that. What sorts of things can go wrong when HR’s not involved in the decision to terminate? Let’s list a few of the expensive problems that can crop up: […]

There Was Talk of Oatmeal

Litigation Value:  Surprisingly, despite the free-flowing shots and porcupine quills, the legal risks associated with the most recent Dunder Mifflin Sabre holiday party ultimately proved to be relatively low.  What “holiday” am I referring to?  Well, just ask Stanley. If only more employees could be like Kevin — not wanting to put anyone out, while […]