The Employee Free Choice Act will reportedly be introduced in Congress on Monday, March 9, 2009 according to the National Association of Manufacturers blog called The ShopFloor. Unions are mobilizing their membership for passage by targeting legislators with messages like the following one appearing on the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Employers limited in use of Genetic Information
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) was enacted to curtail the use of genetic history in employment-related areas. GINA includes two titles. Title I, which amends portions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code, addresses the use of genetic information in health insurance.
Union Leader Predicts EFCA passage by August 2009
Andy Stern, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), was recently interviewed by USA Today where he predicted the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) by August.
Unions have substantial political clout and this prediction should be respected. According to Department of Labor filings, the SEIU has almost 1.7 million members and
IRS Releases Information for Employers to Claim COBRA Assistance Credit on Payroll Tax Form
On February 26, 2009, the Internal Revenue Service released detailed information that will help employers claim credit for the COBRA medical premiums they pay for their former employees.
Under the new law, eligible former employees, enrolled in their employer’s health plan at the time they lost their jobs, are required to pay only 35 percent
New Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis
The Associated Press reports that "California Rep. Hilda Solis won confirmation Tuesday as President Barack Obama’s labor secretary, giving the agency a decidedly pro-worker tilt after years of business-friendly leadership under the Bush administration…. The 80-17 vote ended more than a month of delays prompted by GOP concerns over Democrat Solis’ work for a pro-union
IRS issues new Tax Withholding Tables implementing Making Work Pay Credit
On February 21, 2009, the Internal Revenue Service released new withholding tables implementing the new Making Work Pay credit, one of the key tax provisions included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The new withholding tables, along with other instructions related to the new tax law, will be incorporated in
Premium Assistance for COBRA Benefits a part of Stimulus Legislation
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has passed both the House and Senate and awaits the President’s signature. The substance of the Act as it relates to COBRA continuation subsidies is as follows:
COBRA Subsidy: Eligible Employees who are involuntarily separated from employment can receive a 65% subsidy toward COBRA premiums for up to 9
Don’t use Revised I-9 Form: USCIS Delays Rule Changing List of Documents Acceptable to Verify Employment Eligibility until April 3, 2009
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today it has delayed by 60 days, until April 3, 2009, the implementation of an interim final rule entitled “Documents Acceptable for Employment Eligibility Verification”. The Revised I-9 was to take effect on February 2, 2009.
The delay will provide DHS with an opportunity for further
Pennsylvania Employers prepare for Super Bowl Flu Outbreak
Last year a survey called "Super Bowl Fever Sidelines Employees on Monday Morning" reported that 1.5 million adults may call in sick the day after the big game. The solution to the productivity loss is so obvious.
Why isn’t the Super Bowl on Saturday? It has spawned websites and a great media debate. There
Ledbetter now Law: Employers must Focus on Compliance
President Obama signed into law the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act nullifying the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Previous posts on the content and effect of the law are as follows:
Ledbetter Fair Pay Act passed by Senate and awaiting Obama Signature