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Bulletin Item: Ruling On Deductions From Employee Bonuses Stands

Earlier we reported on a California appeal court ruling challenging Ralph’s Grocery Co.’s practice of subtracting certain expenses—including the store’s workers’ compensation costs and cash and merchandise shortages—when calculating employee profit-based bonuses. Now the California Supreme Court has declined to review the appeal court ruling holding that the grocer’s practice violated various Labor Code and […]

EEOC offers website and guidance for young workers

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) Youth@Work program is designed to educate working-age young people about their rights and responsibilities in the workplace and how they can protect themselves against illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. The program consists of three main components:  the Youth@Work web site, free outreach events, and partnerships with business leaders, […]

News Flash: San Francisco Unveils Compromise Living Wage Proposal

In an effort to head off a sweeping living wage initiative in the November election, San Francisco has negotiated an alternative proposal with business and labor groups that would boost wages for thousands of low-paid workers. If the plan is adopted, San Francisco would be the 46th municipality in the nation to require a living […]

Age Discrimination: New Case Examines Whether You Can Deny Older Workers Educational Assistance Benefits; Preventive Measures To Take

Suppose an employee in their 50s or 60s wants to take advantage of your employee educational assistance program. You may be reluctant to shell out thousands of dollars to educate a worker who’s close to retirement. One employer that faced this situation recently got slapped with an age discrimination lawsuit when an older worker’s request […]

E-Alert Item: Employment-Related Measures On Gov. Davis’ Desk

Now that Sacramento lawmakers have wrapped up the 2001-2002 legislative session, several employment-related measures sit on Gov. Davis’ desk, awaiting his signature or veto. Among the bills Davis is considering are measures that would establish a paid family leave program, prohibit mandatory arbitration, and create new penalties for health and safety violations.

Are College Alums Displacing High School Grads in the Workforce?

One-third of hiring managers and HR professionals said they are hiring more employees with college degrees for positions that were historically held by high school graduates, according to a recent CareerBuilder® survey. This hiring trend varies across industries: Financial Services—53 percent Healthcare—40 percent Manufacturing—38 percent Transportation & Utilities—37 percent Information Technology—33 percent Professional & Business […]

News Notes: No Overtime For Truckers, Court Says

A group of truckers sought back overtime pay from their employer, Overnite Transportation Co. The truck drivers argued that when the state Legislature passed A.B. 60 in 1999, reinstating daily overtime—following its repeal in 1997—it abolished a previous “motor carrier” exemption from overtime for workers whose hours of service are regulated by the Department of […]

News Notes: Assembly Proposes Higher Fines For Gender-Based Pay Discrimination

The California Assembly has approved a bill, A.B. 2317, that would hike the penalties for employers who violate the state’s prohibition against gender bias in pay for employees who perform jobs of equal skill, effort, and responsibility. Under the current law, employees who suffer pay discrimination can sue to recover the wage differential plus an […]

Setting Up a Telecommuting Program and Managing Offsite Employees

Telecommuting has gained in popularity in the past few years as employers look for ways to keep their businesses going during natural disasters and to help employees have a better work-life balance and cope with high gas prices. Telecommuting also can be a benefit to keep good employees when there isn’t enough money for raises […]