The DOL released a new set of Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQs”) on November 6, 2014, which seek to clarify its prior guidance with respect to the treatment of certain premium reimbursement arrangements under the Affordable Care Act (the “ACA”) and which could have a significant impact on how certain employers […]
Labor & Employment Law Update
NLRB Gives Employees Right to Use Employers’ Email for Union Organizing and Anti-Employer Communications
In another effort to support unions, the National Labor Relations Board issued a significant and long-awaited decision yesterday that gives most employees the right to use their employers’ email systems to encourage employees to form and support a labor union. In Purple Communications, Inc., 361 NLRB 126 (December 11, 2014), […]
NLRB Finalizes Quickie Election Rules
Earlier today, the National Labor Relations Board officially announced its “final rule” amending the current union election procedures. The new procedures will be published in the Federal Register on December 15, and will take effect roughly three months from now, on April 14, 2015. According to the Board, the old […]
OSHA Revises Record-Keeping Requirements
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) recently announced revised record-keeping requirements that will go into effect on January 1, 2015, for workplaces under OSHA’s jurisdiction. Under the revised rule, employers will be required to notify OSHA of work-related fatalities within eight hours, and work-related in-patient hospitalizations, amputations or losses […]
Eighth Circuit Dismisses Claim By Nursing Mother
The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit recently found that the alleged mistreatment an employee received after returning from maternity leave did not amount to an adverse employment action under Title VII and the Iowa Civil Rights Act (“ICRA”). The Eighth Circuit affirmed summary judgment for the […]