Month: April 2016

DOL Considers Lower, $47,000 Overtime Threshold

The U.S. Department of Labor is considering a lower, $47,000 salary threshold for its upcoming overtime regulations, according to news reports. A former Wage and Hour Division administrator called the move an “empty gesture” and said that setting the threshold any higher than $35,000 is irresponsible. The version of the rules that DOL proposed last June would […]

Don’t Let Your Mistakes Define Who You Are

Recently, Jordan Spieth lost the Masters golf tournament in stunning fashion. One headline on ESPN’s website read, “Jordan Spieth’s collapse at the Masters the most shocking in golf history.” That’s saying a lot since the “modern” game of golf originated in 15th century Scotland and made its Olympic debut in 1900, more than 100 years […]

Don’t Let Your Mistakes Define Who You Are

Recently, Jordan Spieth lost the Masters golf tournament in stunning fashion. One headline on ESPN’s website read, “Jordan Spieth’s collapse at the Masters the most shocking in golf history.” That’s saying a lot since the “modern” game of golf originated in 15th century Scotland and made its Olympic debut in 1900, more than 100 years […]

Employers can find ways to turn negative feedback to positive outcomes

Most employers consider feedback from employees necessary, but those employers might wonder if that feedback has to feel so much like a necessary evil. When the feedback employees have to offer is negative, it can be tough for employers to stomach. But more and more employers are realizing that even when it’s negative, feedback can […]

Did Railroad Employee’s FMLA Claim Have Steam?

By Laurie Jirak, The Murray Law Group, P.C. The U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota recently had to decide whether a railroad’s decision to terminate just one employee in a reduction in force was an unlawful retaliation against the employee for exercising his Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) rights.

Wine Before 9 Sends Employee to the Unemployment Line

By Martin J. Regimbal, The Kullman Firm Be careful if you take an adverse action against an employee who is using or has recently used FMLA leave. Claims of retaliation based on an employee’s protected leave are common under the FMLA. You must use the same care when you terminate someone who has exercised his […]

Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors (Part II): Administering New Leave Requirements

By Susan Schoenfeld, JD In February 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published its notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to implement Executive Order (EO) 13706, Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors. EO 13706 requires parties that enter into covered contracts with the federal government to provide covered employees with up to 7 days […]