A $40,000 payout over a leave policy breakdown shows how quickly compliance risk can turn into a financial problem that finance teams are left to manage. That’s what happened when a Maryland plant nursery told an employee attempting to return…
Employment Law
Employers should be aware the federal law that protects veterans and service members has been amended by a new law, making the stakes higher. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act was enacted early in…
Back pay probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of ADA violations, especially if the employee never claimed to have a disability. But a recent federal appeals court decision shows how back pay liability can…
Employers may need to reverify certain employees’ Form I-9 documents due to recent changes from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Specifically, DHS revised the temporary protected status (TPS) that it’d previously designated for two foreign countries. By way of…
New Jersey’s highest court has ruled that commissions are always wages under the state’s Wage Payment Law, reviving a sales employee’s chance for a potentially huge payout. The ruling cautions employers to carefully articulate for employees how non-salary compensation will…
Enforcing workplace harassment policies goes beyond HR concerns – it directly impacts a company's financial well-being. Case in point: Walmart’s recent $415,112 settlement with the EEOC illustrates the high cost of inadequate policy enforcement, leading to legal, reputational and operational…
Picture this: A salesperson establishes a long-term relationship with a customer who places a recurring order every month. And the salesperson is paid commissions on each of those orders. Then the salesperson goes out on FMLA leave – and the…
Workplace misconduct isn’t just a legal risk – it’s a financial one. A recent court case alleging a hostile work environment against a major airline highlights how poor handling of harassment complaints can lead to costly lawsuits, regulatory scrutiny and…
In tough economic times, employees desperate for extra income might say they're willing to forgo overtime pay – but that doesn’t make it legal. A past case out of Ohio shows how even well-intended arrangements can lead to hefty penalties…
A leaked spreadsheet helped secure a $28 million equal pay settlement. Here’s what happened, according to a press release from Gunn Coble LLP, a civil rights law firm in Los Angeles. Google has agreed to pay $28 million to settle…
A joint letter signed by the attorneys general of 16 states clarifies their support for DEI programs, noting the "important role of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts … in creating and maintaining legally compliant and thriving workplaces." Massachusetts AG…
In a final rule, the Department of Homeland Security increased the penalties for violations of federal immigration law. With enforcement of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) on this rise, it's crucial to ensure compliance so you can steer clear…
