Helping Employers in Employment Law Matters and Labor Relations
The Department of Labor has proposed a new rule to classify independent contractors. It is more stringent that the last rule, which had a brief life. How big an impact would this rule have? Uber and Lyft stocks tanked after … Read More
Many people believe pay transparency is an important tool to close the wage gap. If information is power, employees and applicants in several states will now have that tool. As we mentioned in an earlier blog, RI has a whopper … Read More
Last summer Amazon removed marijuana from its pre-employment drug screening for all positions (excluding where required under federal law). Amazon recognized the change in the cannabis landscape: 19 states have legalized recreational marijuana use. A ripple effect was predicted at … Read More
Thankfully, this is not a post about a railroad strike, which was narrowly averted. What pushed the railroad workers and their unions to the brink? Time. Specifically, time off from work and the ability to take sick days. According to … Read More
The backpacks are all packed and it’s back to business for students. Fall is also a great time for employers to look ahead at what’s around the corner for employment compliance. There are many new laws that will become effective … Read More
We all love our pets. And for some people, pets could include alligators, snakes, ducks–you name it. Some people need their pets or animals for emotional support. Others need a service animal, not a pet, to help perform their job. … Read More
From Tim Kenneally, who heads up our Litigation Department, comes the following update: “The aim of philosophy is the logical clarification of thought.” —Ludwig Wittgenstein The aim of the courts—at least in Massachusetts—is confusion when it comes to independent contractors. … Read More
Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control eased its guidelines for COVID precautions, which is good news for workplaces. The CDC is shifting the onus of quarantine and vaccination status to individuals. Noting that COVID is here to stay, the agency … Read More
PROBLEM: You see Help Wanted signs everywhere. We hear every day from clients just how tough this labor market is to attract and retain talent. The traditional signing bonus does not make the dent it used to when everyone is … Read More
“What do we do now?” It is no surprise that organizations have been more reactive than strategic over the past few years. We’ve organically grown to survive the wave of changes, rather than taking a look to the horizon. During … Read More
New laws often take effect July 1 and the poster solicitations come fast and furious. We got two last week. As we always say: you do not have to buy, just comply! State and federal mandatory posters are free–see the … Read More