The deadline for submitting comments regarding the National Labor Relations Board’s proposed rulemaking on the standard for determining joint-employer status under the National Labor Relations Act has been extended to December 13, 2018.
Articles Discussing General Human Resources Issues.
What Will the Democratic Takeover of the House of Representatives Mean for Labor and Employment Law?
While some races remain undecided, it is clear at this point that Democrats will control the U.S. House of Representatives in the next Congress. At this writing, House election results show 222 Democrats and 199 Republicans have won their races, with 14 spots undecided. In the Senate, Republicans have picked up a net of at least two seats, with several races still too close to call. What does this new House Democratic majority, and strengthened Republican majority in the Senate, mean for labor and employment policy over the next two years?
2019 Cost of Living Adjustments for Retirement Plans
The Internal Revenue Service recently announced its cost-of-living adjustments applicable to dollar limitations for retirement plans and Social Security generally effective for Tax Year 2019 (see IRS Notice 2018-63). Most notably, the limitation on annual salary deferrals into a 401(k) plan will increase from $18,500 to $19,000. The dollar limits are as follows:
WPI State of the States: What State and Local Measures Will Appear on the Ballot?
After the California legislature adjourned—sending several noteworthy labor and employment bills to Governor Brown for his veto or signature in September1—only a few states remain in active session. Before adjourning or taking a recess, however, several states certified questions for voters to consider on Election Day. This month’s State of the States reviews notable ballot initiatives, as well as the handful of bills that advanced at the state and local levels in October.
The PDI Connection Vol. 2, No. 4 – November 2018
Election 2018: Midterms’ Effect on Employment Law Issues and Advocacy
Voters will have the chance to determine the outcome of races for more than 6,000 legislative seats and 36 governorships, as well as weigh in on 160 or so statewide ballot measures, on Election Day, November 6, 2018. While the federal elections, including the battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, will affect employment law throughout the country, the impact of state elections may be even greater on the companies doing businesses in some states.
Political Speech in the Workplace: Is it Possible to Maintain Civility?
In the days leading up to the confirmation vote on Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh, more than half of Americans said they had engaged in political discussions in the workplace about his confirmation battle, a recent online poll reported. The good news is more than three quarters of those conversations were characterized by participants as “civil” discussions. The not-so-good news is how many workplace conversations about his confirmation resulted in conflict, argument, or tears.
“Doc, mind if I record this?” – Recording Visits Between Patients and Medical Providers
In today’s world, people are accustomed to accessing endless information with their mobile phone. Accessibility to their own conversations regarding their health may not be any different. What happens when a patient wants to use this technology to preserve his or her access to medical information by recording their medical appointment? A recent study by the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice examined patient recordings of clinical encounters and found they are becoming more common. However, like many trends related to advances in technology, such recordings present an array of complex legal issues.
Employers Brace for Hurricane Michael and Its Aftermath
This hurricane season has been chaos for those along the East Coast. Less than a month after Hurricane Florence rampaged through the Carolinas, Hurricane Michael—a category 4 storm—has made landfall in Florida, and is headed toward Alabama and Georgia.1 All states in the direct path of Michael have declared a state of emergency in response to the hurricane and recommend their citizens prepare for the worst. After the hurricane strikes, employers in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia will be faced with some important considerations.
Airline Industry Alert: FAA Enacts Prompt Settlement Policy for Pilots Who are First-Time Violators of Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations
Executive Summary: On October 1, 2018, a new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) policy went into effect that allows commercial pilots who are first-time violators of certain drug and alcohol testing provisions the opportunity for prompt settlement with the FAA.
Why Robot Taxes Won’t Work
Those who find their livelihoods threatened by disruptive technologies have long rallied against those new innovations, finding an ally in governments willing to slow adoption. Queen Elizabeth I’s declaration that all subjects wear knit caps, for example, created an industry and provided work to those who might otherwise not have had any. William Lee developed the stocking frame in 1589 to alleviate the time-consuming labor required to produce knit caps.
Welcome to the Holiday Season! Reminders for Hiring Seasonal Employees
Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that holiday season hiring started as early as June this year. If your company is one of the many that substantially increases its workforce for the holidays, keeping the following practices in mind throughout the season can help to ensure smooth operations and avoid any unnecessary risks.
Supreme Court Preview: 2018-2019 Term
The U.S. Supreme Court will begin its 2018-2019 Term with a docket full of cases significant to employers and businesses. Cases to watch involve questions on employment discrimination and class arbitration, among other things.
Employees in Multiple States: Keeping track of changing laws and policies
Many employers based in the Carolinas have employees across the country, meaning they must keep up to speed on legal developments affecting employers in the states where they have workers.
Hurricane Florence – Another Reminder to Develop a Disaster Recovery Plan
As with prior hurricanes, Florence is a reminder to all organizations of the importance of disaster recovery planning. When a storm approaches, a business’s first concern is protecting its employees/customers, and then its physical property. However, we shouldn’t forget that a natural disaster can also destroy information and technology assets critical to its success and continuity. Key steps to prepare and respond to a natural disaster can help minimize the blow. There are many aspects to comprehensive disaster recovery planning.