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Independent Contractors: Maid Company to Pay Big for Misclassification

A federal judge has ordered Southern California Maid Services and Carpet Cleaning, based in Gardena, to pay $3,467,789 in back wages, plus $1,058,973 in liquidated damages, to 385 current and former low-wage domestic workers who were misclassified as independent contractors. The court’s action resolves a lawsuit filed against the employer by the U.S. Department of […]

Employment Law Tip: Bets Are Off for Online Gambling

Gambling exists, in one form or another, in most workplaces. And now that gambling can be done over the Internet, it has become even easier for employees to gamble while at work, accessing online casinos and placing bets, which can really cut into business productivity. To curtail online gambling, as well as other Internet abuses, […]

Employee Compensation: California Supreme Court OKs Bonus Deductions for Workers’ Comp Losses and Cash Shortages

In an important victory for employers that use bonus plans, the California Supreme Court has approved a retailer’s profit-based incentive plan that made deductions for a store’s workers’ compensation costs, cash and merchandise shortages, and other losses. In so ruling, the high court dismissed employee concerns that the plan violated various California wage and hour […]

Policy Tips for Religious Accommodation

The following are recommended provisions for creating a policy on religious accommodation: State that your organization recognizes that many employees have varying religious beliefs and practices and that all will be respected. State that the company does not allow religious solicitation or proselytizing of other employees, customers, or vendors on company premises or while an […]

Employment Law Tip: Paystub Reminder

Employers are reminded that come Jan. 1, 2008, employers must include only the last four digits of an employee’s Social Security number or other personal identification number on an itemized wage statement. Take the time now to make sure your payroll processes are updated to ensure compliance with this law by the start of the […]

Employment Law Tip: New EEO-1 Report Due This Month

Employers take note: Sept. 30, 2007, is the deadline to file the annual EEO-1 Report with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This year, employers must use the new and revamped version of the form (Standard Form 100, rev. 1/06). The EEO-1 form must be filed annually by employers with 100 or more employees or […]

Employment Law Tip: Business Safety Overseas

If your employees travel around the world as part of their job duties, they can face a variety of unique safety concerns, including political unrest or acts of terrorism. One of the things you can do to ensure their safety is to make sure they have access to up-to-date information regarding dangerous airports or countries, […]

Dispute Resolution: What Are Your Recommendations Concerning Arbitration Agreements?

I’m tasked with making a recommendation concerning arbitration agreements for our employees. My questions are: Do you recommend these agreements? For all employees? How do we go about establishing this for new and current employees? Any particular pitfalls to watch out for? — Elaine, HR Specialist in Encino   The typical employee arbitration agreement requires […]

Leave: Is It a Good Idea to Allow Gifting of PTO Time?

Our PTO program wraps together all time off—sick leave, vacation, and personal time. Now we’ve had a suggestion that we allow “gifting” of PTO time; that is, permit workers with excess time to give it to a worker who, say, ran out of time and is dealing with an issue, such as his or her […]