Defending age claims is now more arduous for employers
POSTED: Monday, May 7, 2012 at 10:31 PM PTBY: Anne Wilde
Although many of us don’t consider 40 “old,” the law does. With Idaho unemployment currently hovering just below eight percent and layoffs continuing throughout the state at many major employers—for instance, Idaho National Laboratory recently announced an additional 35 to 40 job cuts—the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967 gives employers yet one [...]
Mandatory plan summaries delayed six months 
POSTED: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 08:40 AM PTBY: Anne Wilde
On February 9, 2012, the IRS, DOL and HHS published joint final rules relating to the Summary of Benefits and Coverage and Uniform Glossary of Terms mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The most significant development for employers and insurance carriers is the six-month extension of the deadline for completion of [...]
Status update: Social media policies still under scrutiny
POSTED: Monday, February 20, 2012 at 11:54 AM PTBY: Anne Wilde
The acting general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) seems to be updating its status as often as some social media specialists. The board issued a second report on social media cases on January 24, 2012, just six months after issuing its first report on the subject. Social media use is undeniably prolific. [...]
Employer engagement needed to shape Idaho’s exchange
POSTED: Monday, January 30, 2012 at 10:48 AM PTBY: Anne Wilde
Health care remains at the forefront of everyone’s minds these days and Idaho is no exception. Idaho employers of all sizes, and from all industries, should listen to the debates in the 2012 legislative session relating to the anticipated health insurance exchange, as the exchange will have an impact on all. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care [...]
NLRB rule makes it easier for unions to organize
POSTED: Monday, January 23, 2012 at 04:55 PM PTBY: Anne Wilde
Historically, the holidays are a quiet time of year in the workforce as employees take time to enjoy the season. However, this year was different. Although many Idaho employers might not recognize it yet, this recent holiday season dropped a lump of coal in employers’ stockings when the National Labor Relations Board issued new ambush [...]
Workplace discrimination complaints hit record high
POSTED: Monday, December 26, 2011 at 03:23 PM PTBY: Anne Wilde
The less-than-favorable economic times have had many unfortunate implications that reach far beyond the unemployment rate. In addition to those who can’t find work, those who can appear increasingly more disgruntled. Illustrating this fact is workplace discrimination complaints. Claims of job discrimination have risen over 20 percent since 2007 to a record 99,922 for the [...]
Health Care Reform Implementation in 2012
POSTED: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 08:59 AM PTBY: Anne Wilde
BACKGROUND: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) was passed on March 23, 2010. Three federal agencies exercise regulatory authority over PPACA through regulations and sub-regulatory guidance – the Department of Labor (DOL), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). PPACA is, by all accounts, an [...]
The rules for employing kids are changing
POSTED: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 03:45 PM PTBY: Anne Wilde
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed revisions to child labor regulations. The DOL is pushing for stronger safety requirements for young workers employed in agriculture as well as other related fields. The federal child labor laws were authorized by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938. Child labor laws were enacted “to [...]
Facebook Firings: Status is risky
POSTED: Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 12:21 PM PTBY: Anne Wilde
Can employers fire employees for derogatory Facebook posts? How about terminations for tweets on Twitter? The answer is yes, however, federal law may protect certain employee social media communications and as the technological world—and its impact on the workplace—continue to evolve, it’s important to know your company’s status. Proskauer, an international law firm, recently surveyed [...]
OSHA takes a stand on violence in the workplace
POSTED: Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 08:50 AM PTBY: Anne Wilde
Keeping tabs on workplace regulations requires strategic navigation on a good day. Add the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) new Compliance Directive to address workplace violence, and it can become downright difficult. However, OSHA’s regulations are imperative in their protection of employers and employees alike, making its directives essential. On September 8, 2011, OSHA [...]
