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
Weekly Web Roundup: October 16, 2009
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
Weekly Web Roundup: October 2, 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
Weekly Web Roundup
The biggest news this week is the EEOC’s release of the proposed regulations for the ADA Amendments Act of 2009. This post from Jackson Lewis provides some of the highlights. Note that these are proposed regulations. There is a 60 day period during which the EEOC will receive comments. After considering the comments, the EEOC will
Wage and Hour Cases in the News
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
What’s New This Week
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
Proceed with Caution When Considering Employee Furloughs
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