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Mervyn’s California has agreed to shell out $7.3 million to resolve overtime claims brought by 1,600 store managers who charged they were improperly classified as exempt from overtime. The managers contend they spent most of their time stocking shelves and performing other nonmanagerial duties. Mervyn’s previously agreed to pay $4 million to settle similar lawsuits […]
The number of California workers killed on the job in 2000 was the lowest since 1992, when the state first published such data. Preliminary figures from the California Department of Industrial Relations show there were 553 deaths in 2000, down from 644 a decade ago. Over 41% of the total deaths resulted from transportation accidents, […]
California overtime pay rules don’t apply to unionized employees if the union contract sets premium overtime rates as well as a regular hourly rate that’s at least 30% over the minimum wage. Examining an older version of this exemption, a California Court of Appeal explained that it permits an employer and union to negotiate how […]
In what could be another economic blow to California employers, the actuarial committee of the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Ratings Bureau is recommending a midyear increase of 11 percent to the pure premium rate. This recommendation follows on the heels of 10.5 percent increase that took effect on January 1, 2003. Note that the pure premium […]
On July 24, the federal minimum wage rose to $5.85 per hour, with further increases in the next two years that will take the rate to $7.25 per hour. Most California employers aren’t affected by this rate increase, as the California minimum wage remains higher. However, all employers are required to post the current federal […]
California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi has announced he will likely recommend a further workers’ compensation insurance pure premium rate cut of at least 6.3 percent—which would bring the cumulative rate decreases to 58 percent since workers’ comp reform measures were implemented back in 2003.
In yesterday’s Advisor, we presented several tips on hiring veterans. Today, help with cultural distinctions, plus an introduction to the “lawsuit preventer,” audit checklists. Understand Cultural Distinctions to Help Vets Feel Comfortable There are some important cultural distinctions to keep in mind when a member of the armed services transitions into the civilian workforce. First […]
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation has published a new guide to assist workers in understanding how defined benefit pension plans operate and the rights and options of plan participants. “A Predictable, Secure Pension for Life: Defined Benefit Pensions” is available by calling (888) 878-3256 or on the Internet at www.pbgc.gov. Also, a new Department of Labor […]
Can I deduct an employee’s remaining debt from a final paycheck?
Can an employee take FMLA leave to care for a domestic partner?