Chris Hoffman is the managing partner of the San Diego law office of Fisher & Phillips LLP, a national firm which limits its practice to representing employers in labor and employment law matters. He writes and speaks on wage and hour lawsuits, harassment and discrimination cases, and state and federal law issues.
Employees are working longer and harder to ensure that they keep the jobs they have. For employers, employees who work harder and longer can only be a good thing, right? State and federal wage hour requirements still apply, recession or no recession.
Even a lawfully worded rule can result in an unfair labor practice finding if it is overbroad, implemented after the onset of union activity, or applied inconsistently against union supporters. Enforcing lawful confidentiality, no-solicitation and no-distribution rules can be very helpful to the employer, but only if your institution is willing and able to enforce the rules consistently.
Wage and hour issues are taking center stage again. The current recession has resulted in increased wage and hour claims filed by unemployed individuals seeking money. With turnover and hiring in flux, new employees assigned to duties requiring expertise in payroll and wage and hour compliance expertise must be provided with adequate training. Here are five strategies to reduce claims filed against your business:
