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New Family Military Leave Laws in Effect

This content was originally published in January 2010. For the latest FMLA regulation changes, visit our FMLA article archives or try our practical FMLA compliance guide. On October 28, 2009, President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (the 2010 NDAA), which made several changes to the family military leave provisions […]

News Notes: Government Expanding Use Of Undercover Testers

Federal agencies responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws are stepping up their use of ‘testers’-individuals who act as job applicants for the sole purpose of scoping out whether your hiring practices are legal. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is now utilizing outside vendors to conduct the testing. And the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, the […]

News Notes: Federal Discrimation Laws Don’t Cover Sexual Orientation

Medina Rene, a butler at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, filed a lawsuit claiming that because of his sexual orientation he endured daily harassment by his male co-workers and supervisor. But the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals threw out his case, reaffirming a 1979 ruling that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation […]

Telecommuting: What Are the Key Concerns in Starting a Telecommuting Program?

We’re contemplating a new policy that will allow many of our employees to work from home several days a week. Before we launch into this program, I’d like to have some clarification on what responsibilities—or liabilities—we have. If employees are injured while working at home, for example, what happens? If customers get injured while seeing […]

Safety: Governor Signs Cell Phone Law

Governor Schwarzenegger has signed S.B. 1613, which will make it an infraction to drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless phone unless a hands-free device is used. In particular, the new law, known as the California Wireless Telephone Automobile Safety Act, prohibits driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, unless the phone […]

Attorneys, HR Pros Participate in Public Hearing on NLRB Election Rules

Often a source of interest and concern for employers and unions alike, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has been particularly top of mind in recent weeks. Observers have noted uncertainty over whether the agency will be able to muster a quorum as terms end this year for two of the five members. Additionally, business […]

DOL Nixes Salary Deductions When Exempt Worker Damages Equipment

If an exempt employee damages or loses company-issued equipment, and you decide to dock the person’s salary to pay for the loss, you risk the employee’s exempt status. That’s the conclusion of a new opinion letter from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The opinion was requested by an employer that issues cell phones and […]