Tag: White Paper

Big Bias Class Action Against FedEx Moves Forward

Last week, a federal judge in San Francisco granted class-action status to a lawsuit charging that approximately 10,000 African-American and Latino employees in FedEx Corp.’s western region were discriminated against on the basis of pay, discipline, and promotions. The company’s western region covers Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, […]

Short Takes: Background Checks

A criminal background check on a new employee has revealed that the employee has a warrant for his arrest (drunk driving). The warrant does not appear to have been resolved. Can we discuss this matter with the employee? If so, and if the employee indicates that the matter has been resolved in the courts, can […]

Exempt Employees: Labor Commissioner Changes Guidance on Vacation and Paid Time Off

The California labor commissioner has withdrawn an existing opinion letter regarding employer-mandated use of vacation and other paid time off (PTO) for exempt employees, as well as the use of vacation or PTO for partial-day absences. We’ll explain what the commissioner’s action means and how it will affect your workplace. 

Benefits: DOL Issues Final Rules on COBRA Notice Requirements

Employees whose group health coverage terminates may have COBRA continuation rights to coverage in certain circumstances. Now the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released its final rules on notice requirements under COBRA, which covers employers with 50 or more employees. Because the final rules differ in some respects from the proposed rules, it’s a […]

Nonsolicitation Agreements: Employer Who Sued To Enforce Agreement Ordered To Pay $1.3 Million To Former Employees

Flair Communications Agency in San Francisco asked for an injunction against three former employees, claiming they violated a nonsolicitation and trade secrets agreement by stealing the agency’s clients and setting up a rival promotional agency. Flair also sought $1.3 million in damages. But the tables were turned when the court denied the injunction—and instead awarded […]