March Madness is upon us, and that means that just about every work place, whether it’s an office, a shop or a warehouse, has at least one pool where employees can jump in and fill out a bracket. Billions are wagered every year. Depending on the size of a workplace and the fervor of the […]
It’s a Snow Day. Who Gets Paid?
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) sets out minimum standards for wage rates and the calculation of overtime, and defines which employees are exempt and non-exempt from these minimum standards. The FLSA governs if, and when, employees must be paid when a workplace is closed due to inclement weather or other unforeseen event. FLSA […]
Responsibility to Temporary Employees Under State and Federal Laws
Over the past several quarters, the economic recovery has shown signs of real traction, and employers are increasing their reliance on temporary employees as they ramp up capacity to meet increased demand, whether for goods or services. Business owners who have not previously engaged temporary employees should understand how employment laws apply to their engagement […]
Misclassification of Workers / Employment Law
Companies large and small continuously seek ways to manage and control expenses. Business owners often focus on payroll expense because it is, for many businesses, one of the largest expense items. Replacing employees with independent contractors is one way to reduce payroll expense, but it is not without risk. The Internal Revenue Service uses a […]
Social Media/Employment Law
Social Media
Good News and Bad News for Employers
Social media enables its users to transform the mere communication of information into an interactive dialogue. The ease with which employees can connect and interact by using web-based platforms has spurred creativity and boosted productivity, and that is good news for employers.
Will New Jersey “Ban the Box?”
The “box” in question is the one on an employment application asking whether the applicant has a criminal history. If current trends are any indication, New Jersey may soon join the ranks of state and local governments that have enacted laws limiting the ability of an employer to inquire about an applicant’s criminal history. Currently, […]
Employer Obligations under the USERRA
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (38 U.S.C §§4301-4335), known as USERRA, applies to all employers, including government agencies, regardless of size; and to all service members, except for those separated from military service under other than honorable conditions. Under USERRA, any individual who enlists in the armed forces, or is […]
Employee or Independent Contractor?
Although the economic outlook continues to improve, many employers remain hesitant about adding permanent staff. As a hedge against the expense of benefits such as health insurance for full-time employees, and the cost and administrative burden of withholding for payroll and income taxes, employers may consider engaging independent contractors. The use of independent contractors may […]
