Tag: DOL

Checklist for Unpaid Internship Programs

Internship programs can provide advantages for both employers and interns, but many internships risk running afoul of state and federal laws. Employers can end up on the hook for significant amounts in unpaid wages, employment taxes, and penalties. To avoid these unintended consequences, review the checklist below.

Government Guidance on Paid and Unpaid Internships

“Every spring, as college students nationwide prepare for finals and pull all-nighters to wrap up their spring semesters, many simultaneously ramp up their search for the perfect internship,” says Laura Fortman, principal deputy administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) in a blog. “The WHD understands that these “foot-in-the-door” […]

Health Care Reform: COBRA notices changed; special enrollment opportunity created

Due to some ambiguity in model government language explaining the interplay of the Affordable Care Act with COBRA coverage, the Obama administration has both proposed an update to model COBRA notices and provided a new special enrollment opportunity for COBRA qualified beneficiaries (QBs) to enroll in marketplace coverage. Last year, the U.S. Department of Labor […]

The Importance of Training in Instructional Design

“If trainers are asked to be designers, they have to be familiar with adult learning theory in instructional design if they are going to be effective,” Guilkey insists. And the same applies to subject matter experts if the task of designing a training session is assigned to them. “A lot of people being asked to […]

Video Training on Retaliation

Retaliation is now the leading basis for charges against employers. What should you be doing to avoid such charges? In the latest Compliance Corner video blog from our sister publication, HR Daily Advisor, editor Stephen Bruce explains how to reduce your risk of a lawsuit.   Looking for exciting new ways to train your supervisors? […]

Shutdowns, Furloughs and Weather Delays—Wage/Hour Minefields

Business Shutdowns and Furloughs It should be no surprise that many employers have sought creative work arrangements in order to weather bleak times without resorting to morale-killing layoffs. Furloughs, temporary shutdowns, and reduced-hour schedules are common workplace solutions. However, the intricacies of the FLSA make these solutions tricky. The salary basis test is not satisfied […]

Best Defense Against Leave Fraud? Continuous Performance

Continuous Performance Management Is Your Best Potential Defense Always start dealing with the productivity or performance issue, says Eyres. Let the employee bring up the disability. Eyres, who is managing partner of Eyres Law Group, LLP, offered her tips at a recent BLR-sponsored webinar. Consider the following, she says: Employees should not be genuinely surprised […]

DOL Gets a Slap or Two, but Litigation Threats Abound

The DOL has gotten a few “slapdowns” from the courts recently, but while that may make employers feel a little better, wage and hour problems are still a major threat. The agencies—and the attorneys—are looking at most employers, and, sooner or later, they’ll look at you. In her recent presentation at the Advanced Employment Issues […]

FLSA Failures: Youth, Records, Interns, and Deductions

Yesterday’s Advisor covered the first five sins of wage and hour; today, more sins, plus we offer a free white paper that shows you how to focus your compliance training for maximum effect. [Go here for sins 1 to 5] Sin #6. Inappropriate deductions Just because you’re a manager, it doesn’t mean you can come […]