New Virginia Law Restricts Employer Access to Employees’ Social Media Accounts

Background Checks, Employment Law & Verdicts, Interesting Reading, Job Success, Legislature, Productivity, Social Media

“Add the Commonwealth of Virginia to the ever-growing list of states (now 19) that have enacted legislation to restrict an employer’s ability to seek access to current employees’ or job applicants’ social media accounts.  Signed into law by Governor Terry McAuliffe on March 23, 2015, the new legislation, H.B. 2081, will take effect on July…

Accommodating Religious Dress in the Workplace

Discrimination, Employment Law & Verdicts, Interesting Reading, Job Success, Legislature, Productivity

“As an employer, you strive to maintain a certain image for the benefit of your small business, while simultaneously accommodating employees in order to promote company morale. But what do you do when an employee’s religious practices conflict with workplace policies? Here’s what you need to know about your legal responsibilities and how you can…

EEOC PUBLISHES PROPOSED RULES ON HOW ADA RELATES TO WELLNESS PROGRAMS

Background Checks, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Interesting Reading, Job Success

“Many employers offer corporate wellness programs to promote healthier lifestyles, prevent disease and reduce healthcare costs. These wellness programs may include, for example, nutrition classes, on-site exercise facilities, weight-loss and smoking-cessation programs, and/or coaching to help employees meet personal fitness goals. On April 16, 2015, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued a much-anticipated…

Operations at West Coast Ports Resume Despite Warning of Gridlock

Employment Law & Verdicts, Interesting Reading, Job Success

“Labor negotiations resumed Monday at West Coast ports, including the Port of Oakland, following a weekend shutdown of vessel cargo operations. By mid-Monday, there were 14 container ships anchored in San Francisco Bay and outside the Golden Gate awaiting a marine berth at one of the port’s five terminals. The partial shutdown of port operations…

National Labor Relations Board and Courts Disagree about ‘Joint Employer’ Ruling

Hiring, Interesting Reading, Job Success, Lawsuits, Legislature, Policy Updates & Changes

“A divide may be forming between courts and the National Labor Relations Board over the “joint employer” ruling. In a statement issued to The Daily Caller News Foundation Friday, the International Franchise Association argued, “A ruling by a federal judge this week yet again affirmed the definition of ‘joint employer’ as it relates to franchise businesses,…

Business Leaders and White House Clash Over Current and Upcoming Regulation

Employment Law & Verdicts, Hiring, Interesting Reading, Job Success, Legislature, Policy Updates & Changes

“With the White House taking a more aggressive role in setting labor standards, industry groups are beginning to fight back — lashing out at the executive branch for pursuing “a partisan agenda.” A coalition of five national industry groups — including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce — filed a complaint in federal court earlier this week…