Telecommuting Tips and Traps

Each year, more employers are allowing their employees to telecommute.  Many of them, however, do not take into consideration the legal or tax issues raised by telecommuting before allowing employees to work from home or another remote location.  In addition, they do not consider whether telecommuting is appropriate for the particular position and employee.  Federal … Read more

October 1, 2013 Deadline for Employers under the Affordable Care Act

Even though the Obama Administration delayed implementation of the employer health coverage mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Affordable Care Act) until January 15, 2015, employers must still let their employees know about health care options by October 1st of this year. All employers who are subject to the federal Fair Labor … Read more

Spread the Word about “Spread of Hours”

On April 1, 2013, Governor Cuomo signed legislation that will increase New York’s minimum wage (currently, $7.25/hour) to $9.00/hour over a three-year period.  Starting December 31, 2013, the minimum wage will raise incrementally as follows: December 31, 2013 – $8.00/hour December 31, 2014 – $8.75/hour December 31, 2015 – $9.00/hour What many employers don’t know … Read more

Final Days for NYC Employers to Check Their Hiring Practices Before Unemployed Law Goes Into Effect

On March 13, 2013, the New York City Council passed a bill amending the New York City Human Rights Law to protect the unemployed.  The new law goes into effect June 11, 2013 and generally prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s unemployment status and the posting of job advertisements requiring applicants to be employed. The … Read more

After EEOC’s Big Win, Employers Urged to Revisit EEOC’s 2013-2016 Strategic Enforcement Plan

Earlier this month, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) secured a $240 million jury verdict for a group of 32 intellectually disabled workers who were subjected to physical abuse and pay discrimination in their employment with Hill Country Farms Inc.  The verdict is the highest the EEOC has ever secured. Although the amount ultimately … Read more

Pay to Play: Compensable Time and Employer-Sponsored Recreational Activities

A common way for employers to boost employee morale and promote team building is to host non-work related recreational activities, such as sports teams and bowling events.  While most employers are mindful of the potential for workers’ compensation and negligence liabilities for injuries occurring during these events, and often take necessary precautions to minimize those … Read more