January, 2009

U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Hear FMLA Case

The U. S. Supreme Court declined Jan. 21 to review an appeal of a case under the Family and Medical Leave Act, so the verdict will stand for an employee who received more than $148,000 in damages from an employer found to have retaliated against her for taking FMLA leave.

Solis Confirmed as Next Labor Secretary, But Many Views Still Unknown

The U. S. Senate on Feb. 24 confirmed President Obama's choice of Rep. Hilda Solis (D-Calif. ) as the new  U. S.  Secretary of Labor. The vote was 80 in favor, 17 opposed. Senate Republicans put aside their doubts about Solis and let the matter proceed to a vote without a filibuster.

Tips on Complying With Internal Revenue Code Section 409A

This report discusses final regulations issued under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code concerning deferred executive compensation and the significant challenges these regulations pose for human resources and employee benefits professionals.

Same-sex Marriage: Different Views From Across the Country

This report helps employers keep current on court decisions on same-sex marriage across the United States and determine whether any changes are required to their domestic partner policies to bring them into compliance with applicable law.

Practical Guidelines for Employee Data Security

This report will help employers establish clear policies to protect sensitive employee data and thus protect employees from identity theft and the employer from liability.

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Can a Summary Plan Description Be Two Things in One?

This report advises plan administrators to proceed cautiously before having the summary plan description double as the plan document. .

The New Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act

This report tells employers how to prepare for a new federal statute barring discrimination based on genetic information in employment and for health insurance purposes, which takes effect in November 2009.

Going Green in the Workplace: Positives, Practicalities and Pitfalls

This report gives practical tips on how your organization can implement green policies and best practices HR professionals should follow to ensure that such green policies do not violate state and federal employment law.

Automatic 401(k) Enrollment After the Pension Protection Act of 2006

This report explains the mechanics of automatic enrollment in 401(k) plans and how to handle the unintended administrative complexity that automatic enrollment may entail. .

Implementing a Domestic Partner Benefits Policy

This report suggests ways for employers to implement a domestic partner benefits policy, whether required under state or local law or voluntarily adopted by the employer.

 
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