As an HR professional, you know some conversations must be handled carefully to avoid a retaliation lawsuit. But sometimes your managers, including company leaders in the C-suite, may not realize that – and their words can end up costing the…
Employment Law
An employee who was fired after an absence related to migraines filed an FMLA lawsuit against his former employer. The Third Circuit recently issued its second ruling in the long-running legal dispute. Here’s what happened – and what HR can…
With open enrollment season underway, you’re probably looking for ways to offer a competitive benefits package – without blowing the budget. One common way to help keep costs in line is to implement a tobacco surcharge. And if that’s a…
A recycling plant in Wisconsin faces more than $202,000 in penalties after OSHA found repeat violations at a follow-up inspection. The case provides yet another example of how exposure to chemical hazards can be expensive for employers. Ongoing Chemical Hazards…
Lilly Ledbetter, a former Goodyear employee who became the face of the pay equity movement, died last month at age 86. Here’s a look at her story, legacy and the fair pay legislation named in her honor. First things first:…
A national employer is the latest to find itself on the wrong end of an OSHA whistleblower investigation. Here’s what happened at a Georgia worksite that turned out to be a six-figure mistake. Terminations Prompt Whistleblower Investigation CSX Transportation is…
The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024-25 term opened this week – and several employment issues are already on the docket. Here are six cases that need to be on your radar: On the Supreme Court’s Calendar Here's what's on the Court's…
Word to the wise: When OSHA comes knocking, take the visit seriously the first time around. Otherwise, the penalties can really pile up, as a boat manufacturer in Florida recently learned the hard way. Here’s what happened. Workplace Safety and…
Heads up, HR: The EEOC has recently taken several employers to task for alleged pregnancy discrimination in violation of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). In early September, the agency filed its first-ever PWFA lawsuit and negotiated its first successful…
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced its Top 10 frequently cited workplace safety violations in FY 2024, according to a National Safety Council press release. For the 14th straight year, Fall Protection-General Requirements tops the list of OSHA’s…
Addressing workplace safety concerns, Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed the “Retail Worker Safety Act,” which requires retail employers in New York to develop and implement training programs and policies to help prevent workplace violence. The new legislation applies to employers…
A federal jury in Washington state has returned a $237.6 million verdict in favor of a Black employee who filed a racial bias suit. The verdict, which is subject to appeal, includes $198 million in punitive damages. Tahvio Gratton began…
When it comes to paying employees bonuses, some tricky questions come up. What are the tax consequences of the bonus? How does the payment of a bonus affect overtime calculations? What if the bonus was discretionary? This is a many-tentacled…
Every HR pro knows how important it is to avoid illegal interview questions. After all, no one wants to be known as that person who got their company involved in a legal mess. And while some illegal interview questions are…
A truck driver was illegally fired for reporting legitimate safety issues, the Department of Labor (DOL) has determined. OSHA has ordered the employer to pay back wages with interest as well as compensatory and punitive damages. The agency’s federal whistleblower investigation…
This FAQ breaks down FMLA intermittent leave rules, including eligibility, scheduling, hour calculations, and when employers can push back on abuse. Managing compliance issues under the Family and Medical Leave Act can be challenging, especially when dealing with FMLA intermittent…
