November 6, 2008

Post-Election 2008. What’s Next in Employment Law?

Filed under: Employment Law — Tags: — Jane @ 9:18 am

In the aftermath of an historical (and very long) national election season, overjoyed Obamacrats and melancholy McCainicans can certainly agree on at least one thing.  The world of employment law could and likely will change significantly in the next few years.  And I do not mean only because the presidential election is a fascinating statement on the emerging power of diversity on the national scene.  The Democrats now control both the Executive and Legislative branches of government.  Republicans still will be able to block certain legislative proposals with Senate filibusters, but the power in Washington has clearly shifted.   Here are some things to watch for from Washington in the coming months.

1. FMLA expansion

2. Sexual orientation and pay discrimination

3. Immigration

4. Unions and minimum wage

5. Health care reform

6. Job security for HR

Check back regularly to the HRN HR News & Views Blog in the coming weeks for more information on each of these important employment law issues.

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October 24, 2008

HR Fact Friday: Rule on Time Off to Vote

Filed under: Employment Law — Tags: , , — Paul @ 1:46 pm

In case you haven’t heard, there’s an election coming up fast. This time of year, employers must remember that various state laws require that employees who may not have time otherwise during the work day must be given time off to vote.  CCH notes, “Employers in many states risk fines or even jail sentences for interfering with employees’ right to exercise their franchise. In other states, however, the law offers no special protection or incentive for someone who takes time out of the workday to vote.”  CCH has provided a chart listing “those states with time off to vote laws, along with information on which employers are covered, the amount of time that may be taken, special conditions under which time off may be taken, and penalties for employer violations.”  Here’s a link to the chart: http://hr.cch.com/cases/Time_Off_Vote.pdf

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