On the Friday before Thanksgiving, Vice-President Biden announced at a Middle Class Task Force event the creation of a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Labor and the American Bar Association.   According to the press release associated with the event, the purpose the collaboration is to “help workers resolve complaints received by DOL’s wage

Wage and hour collective actions remain active in Iowa.  A Judge in Clinton County just approved a collective action settlement in which Wal-Mart agreed to pay $11 million to settle claims that it failed to pay overtime, properly account for breaks, and altered time records.   Employees and former employees who worked for Wal-Mart in Clinton between 1999-2009

More signs this week that the federal government is ramping up enforcement of employment laws.  The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division is seeking a $22 million budget increase for 2010, and is seeking to hire 50 new attorneys.   Law Memo Employment Law Blog reports that the EEOC has been very active recently in filing lawsuits.   The Agency  filed 32

Employee Availability After Hours Comes at a Price

The Wall Street Journal reports on a potential boom in lawsuits relating to unpaid overtime.  The culprit–company issued smart phones combined with lean workforces requiring fewer employees who handle more responsibility.   With new technology, employees are capable, and often expected, to handle work related communication anytime and anywhere, whether they are

As we enter the traditional "dog days" of summer, the world of labor and employment law remains active.  Here are are some highlights of important and interesting news this week:

1.   Furloughs

Although there is some indication the recession is easing, many employers remain concerned about the economy.    Pay reductions and temporary furloughs provide a means by which employers can manage payroll

Many businesses in Iowa and elsewhere continue to experience slack demand, lower revenue, and low to non-existent profits.   Economic indicators in Iowa continue to sink.   As a means of trimming payroll expenses while avoiding long term or permanent lay-offs of employees, many employers are looking to voluntary or even mandatory unpaid furloughs.  

Employers should be cautious