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Senate Rejects Boost in Federal Minimum Wage

Measures to raise the federal minimum wage to $6.25 per hour, up from the current $5.15 per hour, failed in the Senate last week. One measure, introduced by Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass) as an amendment to a spending bill, was rejected in a 51-47 vote, and a similar GOP-introduced bill went down in a 57-42 […]

Tool of the Week: Prehire Screening Dos and Don’ts

Once you’ve identified the best candidate for the job, prehire screening can help you make sure you’ve got the best possible fit. Prehire screening takes a number of different forms and can include reference hecking, license and education verification, medical or psychological testing, drug screening, skills testing, and credit checks. Each of these processes can […]

Medicare Part D Notices Due by November 15

By Nov. 15, 2005, employers or their group health plans that offer prescription drug coverage to active employees and retirees who are eligible for Medicare must provide these individuals and their dependents with a notice indicating whether the plan’s coverage is “creditable coverage” under Medicare Part D. The notice must be provided regardless of whether […]

OFCCP Finalizes “E-Cruiting” Rule

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), which enforces antidiscrimination and affirmative action requirements for federal contractors, has issued a final rule defining who qualifies as an “Internet Applicant” for purposes of employer recordkeeping. The OFCCP’s new rule is designed to clear the confusion surrounding how to determine who’s an applicant, in light of […]

Employment Law Tip: Don’t Forget to Post Voting Rights Notice

A special statewide election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2005. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The California Elections Code requires employers in the private and public sectors to allow employees to take paid time off to vote if they don’t have sufficient time outside of work hours, but […]

Tool of the Week: 21-Point Safe Terminations Checklist

Terminating an employee is one of the most unpleasant tasks an employer faces. And the fact that you also need to keep track of a complicated set of legal concerns only adds to the stress. Most employers are acutely aware that if you make a mistake, you could be facing an expensive employee lawsuit.