Civil Law

Quitting Cold Turkey: Federal Agencies Suspend Enforcement of Back-Pay Requirement for Employee Wellness Incentives, Including Tobacco Cessation Programs (US)

For many employees, the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle aren’t just physical; they are financial. Through health-contingent wellness programs, employers can offer monetary rewards or reduced health insurance costs to employees who achieve specified health-related goals. These programs may focus on nutrition, weight loss, tobacco cessation, fitness, substance abuse assistance, stress management, or general health education.

However, determining what rewards employees are eligible for, and when those rewards must be provided, has long presented a compliance challenge for employers. … Read the rest

Civil Law

Starbucks Trademark Fight: Coffee Chain Targets Employee Union

IPNews® – Starbucks has joined the ranks of companies fighting their own unions.

The Starbucks union, called Starbucks Workers United, has been taking actions that Starbucks claims are infringing its trademark rights. As exhibit A Starbucks is alleging that consumers are being confused between it’s own social media and the union’s controversial social media posts. To continue reading, click: Starbucks Trademark Fight: Coffee Chain Targets Employee Union

LexBlog… Read the rest

Civil Law

Navigating employee relations: The advisor’s role (Part 3)

In recent months, I’ve spoken to many HR professionals about all things employee relations or “ER.”

What stood out was the challenging nature of the role of those in ER.

The role of ER has never been more valuable to Australian employers, whose workplaces have never been more regulated.

Yes, compliance is a must, but so too is meeting business objectives.

ER is at the pointy end of keeping a business out of trouble and getting things done.

The passion … Read the rest

Civil Law

Hepatitis A positive Cracker Barrel employee prompts warnings

Erie County Health Department has identified a case of Hepatitis A in a restaurant worker, it announced Friday. The employee works at Cracker Barrel, which is located at 7810 Interstate Dr. in Summit Township. The health department said the risk of infection is low, but customers who ate or drank at the restaurant or ordered or delivered take-out Jan. 30 through Feb. 21 are asked to watch for symptoms of hepatitis A. Symptoms can take two to seven weeks after … Read the rest