December 2009

Question: In a compliance evaluation, how does the OFCCP decide whether to ask for more compensation data?

November 2009

Question: I consistently have female and/or minority placement goals for my entry-level positions. These positions are almost exclusively filled through a temporary agency. How can I get the temporary agency to send me a more diverse candidate pool?

October 2009

Question: During the summer, my company employs several interns who are hired in the spring and terminated in the fall when they return to school. The interns are paid but do not receive benefits.
 
Are they actually employees? Do we have to track applicants, hires and terminations for internships?

September 2009

The Veterans' Employment & Training Service (VETS) has announced that the VETS-100 and VETS-100A filing deadline has been extended to October 31, 2009.

January 2008

Question: I consistently have female and/or minority placement goals for my entry-level positions. These positions are almost exclusively filled through a temporary agency. How can I get the temporary agency to send me a more diverse candidate pool?

November 2007

Question: Our company is currently in the midst of a compliance evaluation with the OFCCP. Our auditor has asked for several pieces of documentation in support of our AAP for Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, including copies of our most recent VETS-100 form. One of our other sites was audited last year, and we were not asked to provide this documentation. Is this part of a new initiative or is this standard practice?

January 2010

Since January is typically the month we make resolutions for the year, here are our top recommendations to do in early 2010.

1. Review and update your employee handbook to ensure compliance with employment regulations and to keep up with best practices. Click here to see a recent article we published in the RBJ on this topic.

December 2009

On December 19, 2009, President Obama signed the 2010 Department of Defense Appropriations Act, which includes amendments to the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that provided health care premium assistance for certain individuals.

December 2009

Regulations in New York were recently amended, requiring employers to notify employees hired after October 26, 2009, in writing, of their rate of pay, overtime rate for nonexempt employees, and regular pay date.

September 2009

On August 27, 2009, the Federal Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new edition of Federal Form I-9 dated (Rev. 08/07/09) that extends the form's expiration date to August 31, 2012. The previous edition of Form I-9 dated (Rev. 02/02/09) expired on June 30, 2009.

Employers are responsible for completing and retaining the Form I-9 which verifies employment eligibility for each individual they hire to work in the United States.

July 2009

On July 29, Governor David Paterson signed legislation that will change the face of healthcare in New York State. The Governor signed the legislation at the University of Rochester Medical Center and was joined by members of the Senate, Assembly and community.

Among other provisions, the bills signed into law will expand COBRA coverage for 36 months and insure dependents through age 29.

June 2009

Pandemic flu, such as the swine influenza A (H1N1; "Swine Flu"), occurs when an influenza virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity, the virus causes serious illness, and it is able to spread easily from person to person. A pandemic flu can spread around the world in a short period of time and has the potential to infect and sicken millions of people.

With the increasing media attention surrounding the outbreak, many employees may have concerns or questions regarding their potential exposure to the flu at work. Here are some recommendations for employers to consider.

April 2009

In New York State, employers can deduct amounts from employee wages as authorized by law or regulation or by employees in writing. Employers cannot require employees to return, donate, or contribute any part of their wages as a condition of employment.

Employers are encouraged to review their deductions from wages to ensure they are not violating the New York State labor law. They are also urged to consult an attorney concerning any specific legal questions.

January 2009

Severe weather, including snow and ice storms, are common during the winter months. Weather emergencies can force employers to shut down early for the day, open late, or not all.

Employers should adopt a clear severe weather policy and decide how to handle compensation when the company must shut down due to inclement weather.