Federal Law When an employer is notified that an employee is pregnant or has a pregnancy-related limitation or disability, three federal laws often come to mind: the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Under these laws, an employer may have to accommodate a Read more
On January 1, 2014 Delaware’s governor signed legislation raising the state’s minimum wage. The increase occurs in two steps: Effective June 1, 2014 the rate increases to $7.75 per hour Effective June 1, 2015 the rate increases again to $8.25 per hour An additional change which was effective last year has been implemented. Back in Read more
Vermont plans to raise the state minimum wage rate from $8.73 per hour to $10.50 per hour over the next four years under a bill that passed just before the legislative session ended on Saturday. Once the bill is signed into law, Vermont will lead with the highest scheduled minimum wage rate of any state Read more
Conducting an organizational audit, reviewing formal and informal systems and procedures, helps an employer determine current and projected needs, provide protection from legal liability, as well as, prioritize issues of concern in terms of significance. Specifically, an HR audit will answer questions such as: What are our current formal and informal employment policies? Where can Read more
Shortly after taking office in January, Seattle’s new Mayor made implementing a citywide minimum wage rate a priority. His proposal has rapidly gained support and the measure is now in the final stages of becoming law. As proposed, the minimum wage rate for employees of small employers will start at $10.00 per hour beginning in Read more
According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) over 15 million Americans live with food allergies, including those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. So what happens that some individuals suffer from food allergies and how does it work? Food allergies result from ingestion of food that the immune system mistakenly attacks as a food protein. Read more
Many small businesses rely on independent contractors for their staffing needs, but doing so raises special concerns. Independent contractors, by definition, are self-employed and because they are not employees, independent contractors are not covered by employment, labor, and related tax laws. There are many benefits to hiring independent contractors such as savings in labor costs, Read more
Cautious food handling habits protects workers and consumers from the risks associated with various food sources. Training food industry workers how to handle food safely, recognize and respond to adverse reactions, and preventive measures is the first defense against food-related illness. A poster is worth a thousand words. Reinforce training by posting once of Compliance Read more
According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) about 15 million Americans have food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. Many cities and states have enacted laws designed to improve the process by which restaurants address the needs of customers affected by food allergies. In New York City, food establishments where food Read more
Hawaii is the latest state to enact legislation increasing the state minimum wage rate. Eventually Hawaii’s minimum wage rate will reach $10.10 per hour. Right now, Hawaii’s minimum wage rate is $7.25 per hour. Hawaii’s new minimum wage rates will be phased in as follows: $7.75 an hour on Jan. 1, 2015 $8.50 per hour Read more
