Author Archive
I’ll Take You There
Today, Thursday 3/29, we kick off our two-day Literacy and Leadership workshop with twenty Liberian community advocates, including leaders of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY).
Kofi will be taking part, coming back for day two tomorrow to watch some of the Tim-and-Jay show and to offer his twenty-cents to these 20-somethings.
HANDBOOK HELPER EPISODE 25
PROFICIENCY AND CAREER TRAINING POLICY
With limited exceptions, such as for continuing education required to maintain a government or industry-mandated professional license, employee time for company-required training programs – seminars, courses, conventions, and other educational opportunities – is compensable, particularly those aimed at improving existing job performance.
PREFERENCE DOESN’T MATTER
Incorrect Classification Leads to Massive Liability
A prudent company must consider state and federal law before deciding to classify a worker as an independent contractor rather than an employee. Unfortunately, many businesses make such decisions for illegitimate reasons including avoidance of payroll record-keeping and employer-side taxes or the hiree does not want taxes withheld. These arbitrary preferences can lead to hiring an employee as an independent contractor, often without even entering into a written agreement as required under most pertinent laws.
HANDBOOK HELPER EPISODE 24
PERSONNEL RECORDS POLICY
California employers must schedule either weekly, biweekly, or semimonthly (minimum two/month) payrolls. All wages must be paid within seven calendar days following the close of the payroll period. Temporary employees must usually be paid weekly (or daily for daily assignments).
LETTER FROM LIBERIA
The Journey Continues
I have on occasion offered glimpses of my volunteer work in West Africa. My Pro-Bono Life: Purpose is Prime: Why West Africa? Why Literacy? (February 20, 2023); Small Planet, Big Dreams; African Literacy Campaign in Liberia and Ghana (October 14, 2022). I have been back Liberia in for a week, with these thoughts over the first few days.
HANDBOOK HELPER EPISODE 22
Policy Should Establish Management’s Discretion on Pay Rates
Employers who reserve the right to set compensation rates and pay random, unexpected discretionary bonuses should include a clear handbook policy confirming these points.
A MEMORABLE $3.6M LESSON
“Unforgettable” Roofing Co. Hit for Knee-Jerk Retaliation and Intimidation
Roofer Unforgettable Coatings and its Final Touch painting subsidiary have agreed to pay the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) $3.6 million for falsifying pay records, not paying overtime, having employees work on weekends without pay, and intimidating those employees who dared to complain about their illegal practices.
HANDBOOK HELPER EPISODE 21
Split Shifts Policy
California employers must ensure hourly workers receive additional one-hour “split shift” pay when scheduled or required to work two distinct work periods in the same workday separated by more than a one-hour meal break, such as an employee who works the 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. shift and returns for the 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. shift.
AGE DISCRIMINATION: EMPLOYEE’S SUSPICION NOT ENOUGH
Older Worker Needs More Than Her Belief of Unequal Treatment
The federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently confirmed that a former worker’s self-professed speculation that her employer terminated her due to her age and national origin was insufficient to establish a discrimination claim. Opara v. Yellen.
HANDBOOK HELPER EPISODE 20
Overtime Policy
California employers must pay overtime to non-exempt employees for work in excess of eight hours per workday or 40 hours per workweek.