Employment laws - Articles - Page 2

10 Ways Contractors Can Lawsuit-Proof Their HVAC Businesses

December 24, 2018

Although being sued isn’t as commonplace as the 1-800 TV lawyers would like viewers to think, there is still an issue of both merited and frivolous lawsuits being filed, even in the HVACR industry.

What Every Supervisor Should Know

Richard D. Alaniz

November 20, 2017

It should come as no surprise to most employers that today's workplace has come to be regarded as the most regulated place in America. It is so because of one simple fact. The federal government, state government, and even local entities, such as cities, can and do issue workplace rules and regulations that require employers to do or not do a myriad of things.

Five Must Have Workplace Policies

Avoid the vast majority of workplace issues

Richard D. Alaniz

September 18, 2017

Today's employers have an increasingly regulated and overly litigious landscape to navigate in managing their workplace. The continued growth of federal, state, and even local regulatory protections for employees, coupled with an overabundance of lawyers, has made virtually every workplace decision a potential lawsuit.

Federal Government Increases Scrutiny of Employer Handbook Provisions

Tips for employers to avoid Section 7 violations

Richard D. Alaniz

June 19, 2017

Under the administration of Donald J. Trump, employers may be able to anticipate many changes in the regulatory and legal environment. In particular, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which had been very pro-union under the Obama adminstration, may shift its focus.

Regulations, Executive Orders, and Court Rulings - Part 2

More information on what employers need to know now

Richard D. Alaniz

August 22, 2016

In the first part of this two-part series, we looked at upcoming regulatory changes that will definitely affect many organizations. Here, we look at court rulings and state laws that promise more expenses, paperwork, and headaches for many more companies.

The Push for $15/Hour, and the Impact on Employers

Employers need to prepare now for the challenges a higher minimum wage would bring

Richard D. Alaniz

May 23, 2016

An increasing number of cities and states are raising their minimum wages. As more politicians and union-affiliated groups push for higher minimum wages, employers need to prepare now for the significant financial, compliance, and regulatory challenges these changes bring.

With New California Law, Equal Pay Becomes More Complicated

Employers should take some time to understand the different laws that could impact them

Richard D. Alaniz

April 18, 2016

When California’s Fair Pay Act took effect on Jan. 1, it represented one of the toughest equal pay laws in the nation. The law, which strengthened the state’s Equal Pay Act, represents the latest legislative change causing issues and concerns for employers throughout the United States.

Dotting the I’s and Crossing the T’s: Employment Records You Must Have

Companies have significant responsibilities to create and maintain employee records

Richard D. Alaniz

February 22, 2016

Record keeping laws can be complicated and can even conflict with one another, but failure to comply can expose the company to government investigations, lawsuits, and monetary penalties.

Planning for New Overtime Rules

What to expect and how to prepare for the DOL’s changes to the overtime rules

Richard D. Alaniz

January 18, 2016

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a revamping of the “white collar” exemptions test. When the changes become effective, employers can expect greater scrutiny and a further increase in wage and hour lawsuits. It is therefore important for employers to understand the upcoming changes to the overtime rules.

Advantages and Pitfalls of Using Employee Arbitration to Eliminate Class Actions

It is important for employers to understand the pros and cons of arbitration agreements

Richard D. Alaniz

July 20, 2015

With the Supreme Court on one side of the issue and the NLRB firmly on the other, it is important for employers to fully understand the pros and cons of arbitration agreements with class action waivers, especially in an era of increased employment-related litigation.