DOL penalizes farm that allegedly threatened to send H-2A workers 'back to Mexico'

"The outcome of this investigation sends a strong message to other employers that the Wage and Hour Division will not tolerate abuses of the H-2A program," a DOL director said.

By Katie Clarey • March 1, 2022

A comprehensive audit is crucial for wage and hour compliance

When wage and hour violations are alleged, employers become exposed to severe financial consequences, writes Neil Eddington, associate at Michelman & Robinson, LLP.

By Neil Eddington • March 1, 2022

Feds lay out plan to collaborate on 'intersecting' workplace violations

Joint investigations are a possibility, and agencies may advise workers to file complaints with other agencies, leaders at DOL, EEOC and NLRB said.

By Ryan Golden • March 1, 2022

DOL, ASA website brings best practices to employ workers with disabilities

The website's launch marks the latest joint effort from the American Staffing Association and the Office of Disability Employment Policy.

By Katie Clarey • Feb. 28, 2022

Critical observation skills improve workplace safety

Critical observation is one of the most important soft skills, and it can augment safety procedures.

Feb. 28, 2022

FMLA leave not always a straightforward 12 weeks, DOL advisor explains

Variables like holidays and overtime may affect workers' leave entitlements, sources said.

By Kate Tornone • Feb. 25, 2022

ADA may require additional leave following FMLA exhaustion, EEOC reminds employers

"Policies that lead to the automatic termination of employees immediately upon the expiration of FMLA leave conflict with the ADA," EEOC regional attorney Marsha Rucker said in announcing a settlement.

By Katie Clarey • Feb. 25, 2022

California's $15 minimum wage begins this year. Debate on the next increase has already begun.

Advocates say the change is needed to keep up with living costs, but one management-side attorney said municipal governments may struggle to adapt.

By Ryan Golden • Feb. 24, 2022

Mailbag: Is rounding ever OK in timekeeping?

Employers most commonly round work time to the nearest quarter of an hour, as the practice makes processing easier for payroll administrators.

By Katie Clarey • Feb. 23, 2022

Study: Oregon's predictive scheduling law grew wages, reduced turnover

Though Oregon is the only jurisdiction to adopt a state-wide law requiring some form of predictive scheduling, the concept has spread to cities in other states.

By Ryan Golden • Feb. 23, 2022

After the #MeToo bill, is the future of mandatory arbitration in question?

Congress recently passed a law banning mandatory arbitration in cases of sexual assault and sexual harassment, rendering the future of the controversial practice unclear.

By Emilie Shumway • Feb. 22, 2022

1 of 4 workplace deaths in New York are on a construction site

New York remains the most deadly state for construction workers.

By Zachary Phillips • Feb. 18, 2022

IBM exec referred to older workers as 'dinobabies,' suit says

A court filing in an age discrimination suit revealed "incriminating animus" against older workers, the suit argues.

By Katie Clarey • Feb. 18, 2022

Nurse's firing stemmed from poor bedside manner, not bias, 5th Cir. says

The employee allegedly was forceful with a patient who harassed her, but inappropriate sexual conduct by patients is unfortunately common in healthcare facilities, the appeals court said.

By Katie Clarey • Feb. 17, 2022

A quick, 4-step guide to a successful pay equity audit

Employers need to have the right mindset if they want to attempt an audit, and will want to consider involving counsel early on, Epstein Becker Green's Robert O'Hara said.

By Ryan Golden • Feb. 17, 2022

DOL plans 'vigorous' enforcement of FLSA, FMLA in supply chain industry

The initiative is aligned with a broader push for wage and hour enforcement at the agency.

By Emilie Shumway • Feb. 16, 2022

Michigan TV service company to pay $60K following ERISA violations

The company's president and director failed to "remit and/or forward employee contributions" to the company 401(k) on time, according to DOL.

By Katie Clarey • Feb. 15, 2022

Employer settles claim it refused to hire women, saying they 'make trouble'

American Freight will pay $5 million to resolve the nationwide lawsuit.

By Katie Clarey • Feb. 14, 2022

NYC transit worker alleges OT violations stemming from Kronos outage

The employer paid straight-time wages in a timely manner, the suit said, but it reportedly skipped overtime payments.

By Kate Tornone • Feb. 14, 2022

President signs bill ending mandatory arbitration for sexual assault, sexual harassment

The law will take effect immediately, invalidating whatever arbitration provisions employers have addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment.

By Emilie Shumway • Updated March 4, 2022

Employer pays $75K to settle claim it wouldn't let nurse wear scrub skirt as religious accommodation

As part of the settlement, Wellpath will provide anti-discrimination training and distribute a notice that informs employees of their rights.

By Katie Clarey • Feb. 11, 2022

4 Maine employers indicted in wage-fixing scheme

The participants fixed employees' rates of pay and agreed not to hire each other's workers, a grand jury indictment alleged.

By Emilie Shumway • Feb. 10, 2022

EEOC: Wisconsin schools paid women lower wages

A male special education teacher made as much as $17,000 more than female workers who performed similar work with similar experience, the agency claimed.

By Katie Clarey • Feb. 10, 2022

Party City's bi-weekly pay violated New York labor law, suit claims

State law requires that manual laborers be paid on a weekly basis.

By Katie Clarey • Feb. 9, 2022

Construction's union membership remains consistent, as numbers across other industries dip

Union workers earn more in a week than their non-unionized peers, according to new government data. In construction, that pay gap is even wider.

By Zachary Phillips • Feb. 7, 2022