EverythingPeople This Week!

Last week a New York district court judge found the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) rules limiting when businesses that use other businesses’ workers (vertical) may also be sued by the workers if a wage and hour (FLSA) violation is alleged.

When employees, especially sales people, have access to various electronic devices, databases, and documents from an organization, at what point does a company have a right under the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) to bring a case against an exiting employee for computer fraud? 

The Center for American Progress (CAP) and Business for America have released a new brief that outlines 17 ways in which the business community can help boost voter turnout and ensure that Americans can vote safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reasonable suspicion drug testing can be a challenge for employers, especially with so many states making recreational marijuana legal. Whether you have a current drug testing program or if you are new to drug testing, make sure that you have a clear, documented policy on your drug testing program that includes reasonable suspicion procedures. If you are subject to federally regulated drug testing, make sure you follow the steps as required by the federal agency under which you are covered.

Four generations at work, numerous mediums to use, and new technology to master – does your organization have a need for a class on communication etiquette? 

U.S. DOL updates FFCRA regulations:  The U.S. Department of labor updated their FFCRA regulations to conform with the Southern District of New York’s August 3, 2020 decision invalidating certain parts of the regulations.  

Positive drug tests are the highest reported in long time:  According to a new Quest Diagnostics study, employers saw the highest rate of positive workforce drug test results since 2003. As expected, marijuana was the most detected drug, including in states where marijuana remains illegal. The study reported a surge in positive results in the Midwest for cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. 

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court’s decision determining that an auto parts supplier in Caro, MI, had not committed age discrimination under Michigan’s Elliot-Larsen Civil Right Act. Walbro LLC fired the plaintiff, a department manager and 41-year veteran, allegedly based upon his age. He was 60 years old at the time. Lowe v. Walbro LLC (Case 19-2386)

The Bostock decision on LGBTQ rights under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act was a civil rights victory long coming.  From the American perception of same sex marriage to LGBTQ rights, the country took a mighty swing to a new direction since the 1990s when the Defense of Marriage Act was enacted by Congress under the Clinton Administration.  The decision itself was groundbreaking in that it was a 6-3 decision with two of the “conservative” justices voting with the...

The CDC has posted information on limiting workplace violence related to retail and service businesses’ COVID-19 prevention policies. Based on a 1996 Current Intelligence Bulletin, threats and assaults can happen in any workplace, but may be more likely to occur in retail, services (e.g., restaurants), and other customer- or client-based businesses.

Have you ever thought of becoming a Distraction Prevention Coach or perhaps an HR Data Detective?  How about a WFH Facilitator?  Well, according to Cognizant Center for Future of Work and Future Workplace these jobs might become common place in HR departments.

Make sure you track employee hours who work remotely:  On August 24, the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division issued a Field Assistance Bulletin (2020-5) in order "to clarify" employers’ obligation to track the number of hours of compensable work performed by employees who are teleworking or otherwise working away from premises controlled by their employers.

Under the laws enforced by EEOC, it is illegal to discriminate against someone (applicant or employee) because of that person's race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.  It is also illegal and unethical to ask candidates about marital status, children, and health conditions.  However, during this challenging time of COVID-19, it seems some employers may be...

A new survey from FlexJobs and Mental Health America (MHA) reports that 75% of workers have experienced burnout, and 40% of those polled said it was a direct result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The U.S. Department of Labor issued three new FAQs concerning when FFCRA applies to school openings this fall.  Previously, the DOL covered school closings in March, and there was much uncertainty as to how school openings would be treated under the FFCRA.