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The California Labor Commissioner has reached an agreement with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., resolving charges that the retail giant underpaid overtime and other wages. Under the terms of the settlement, Wal-Mart will pay $3.9 million in overtime, waiting time penalties, and interest to approximately 50,000 current and former Wal-Mart workers in California. Earlier this year, Wal-Mart […]
In other immigration news, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also recently announced that it is drafting a rule that will reduce the number of documents that can be used establish identity and work eligibility in the I-9 process.
A new measure introduced in the U.S. Senate would remove existing caps on compensatory and punitive damages an individual can recover in an employment discrimination lawsuit. The new legislation, titled the Equal Remedies Act of 2007 and authored by Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., is aimed at eliminating damages caps that were implemented a decade and […]
It’s that time of year when vacations are in full swing, and maybe all the overlapping vacation requests and questions about how vacation works have exposed some gaps in your vacation policy? If so, it’s time to review your policy. Here are the key areas a comprehensive vacation policy should address: Who is entitled to […]
A jury in Los Angeles has returned a $6.2 million verdict to Brenda Lee, a former Los Angeles firefighter who claimed she was the victim of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation because she is African American and a lesbian. The award included $3.5 million in back and future wages and benefits, plus $2.5 million for emotional […]
It’s hard to believe, but many schools will be back in session in just a few weeks, which means that parents may be called upon to make an appearance at their children’s schools. Now’s a good time for employers to review the rules regarding when parents can take work leave to participate in their kids’ […]
The California Labor Commissioner has scheduled a public forum to discuss meal and rest period issues. The forum will be held tomorrow, August 2, in Sacramento. For those who cannot attend, the Labor Commissioner will accept written comments until August 31, 2007. Also, an second forum is being planned for the Southern California area, although […]
Thirty-nine percent of workers say senior executives earn more than they should, according to a survey by the staffing firm Hudson. The survey, which included 10,000 respondents, found that while 64 percent of workers said executive pay should be tied to company performance, just 38 percent of employees say the practice is applied at their […]
Providing references for current and former employees can be tricky. Improperly handling such requests can lead to lawsuits and claims from both the individual and the new employer. Each state sets its own thresholds for liability arising from employment references. Regardless of location, employers should exercise caution and err on the side of providing too […]
On July 24, 2007, the federal minimum wage will rise to $5.85 per hour, with further increases in the next two years that will take the rate to $7.25 per hour.