Day: October 2, 2012

Another shot across the bow: NLRB challenges ‘at-will’ statements

by Jeff Hurt Nonunion employers must be scratching their collective heads over the recent shelling they’ve been getting as the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) seeks to make union organizing easier: proposed labor law posting requirements, “quickie” election rules, and strict limitations on employer social media policies. While some of those initiatives are on hold, […]

Wal-Mart Settles for $ 86 Million? Your Settlement Probably Won’t Be so High

Wal-Mart has settled a lawsuit over unpaid wages to over 200,000 workers that could cost them up to $86 million. Over the past few years, the giant retailer has paid as much as $640 million to settle 63 federal and state class-action lawsuits alleging unpaid wages. And what about your organization? Your settlement costs probably […]

Romney: Repeal and Replace Health Reform Law With More Consumerism, Tax-based Incentives

GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney recently provided more details on his own health reform plan, stating that if elected, on his first day in office, says he will issue an executive order for the federal government to issue health reform waivers to all 50 states, and immediately work on repealing the health reform law passed […]

8 Do’s/Don’ts for Work-Ready Job Descriptions

Here are the BLR editors’ do’s and don’ts for worthwhile job descriptions that will really support HR operations. 1. DO give specifics For example, rather than stating that a maintenance worker "keeps up equipment," it is better to spell out the position’s requirements, which might include performing routine maintenance on assembly machines, including adjusting settings; […]

Telecommuting: A Reasonable ADA Accommodation?

You may think that the federal, state and local courts move at a glacial pace, but they often deliberate and resist change of opinion on employment law matters because, well, the modern workplace is a living, breathing, complex organism. Telecommuting is one such complexity, as are the multitude of situations that employers need to consider […]

Telecommuting: A VIP Benefit?

Employees often view the telework option as a form of recognition. They may see it as a privilege earned through good performance. Unfortunately, they also may see the work-life perk — offered to some, but not all — as an entitlement, or worse, they may see lack of telecommuting privileges as an inequity caused by […]

Top 10 employment handbook mistakes

California’s strict and complex employment laws make it more important than ever to have an effective employment handbook. Policies that are clearly written and effectively spell out the rights and responsibilities of both you and your employees can reduce your risk of liability and protect your business. But if you don’t get your employment handbook […]

Is Your Training Award-Winning?

Johns Manville of McPherson, Kansas, which produces fiberglass insulation materials, was honored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for its commitment to safety. In 2007 Johns Manville earned membership in OSHA’s prestigious “star” Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). The star designation is the highest level in the program. “Johns Manville has exhibited excellence in […]

Minneapolis shooting a reminder to be on guard against workplace violence

by Tammy Binford The September 28 shootings that killed six at a Minneapolis business put employers on notice that workplace violence can occur with no warning. Other times, though, there are signs that employers should heed. The October issue of Minnesota Employment Law Letter contains an article titled “Employers look anew at preventing violence in […]