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

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

On April 28, 2009, Governor Culver signed into law Senate File 137, entitled an Act "Providing that Wage Discrimination is an Unfair Employment Practice under the Iowa Civil Rights Act and Providing an Enhanced Remedy.”   This law (available here) amends the Iowa Civil Rights Act to expressly provide that pay differentials among employees are unlawful