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Update: NLRB Again Postpones Implementation Date for Notice-Posting Rule: Will Now Take Effect on April 30, 2012

Posted on January 3, 2012 by

For a second time, the National Labor Relations Board (“Board”) has postponed the implementation of its new “Final Rule” requiring employers to notify employers of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA”). (National Labor Relations Board Postpones Implementation Date for New Notice-Posting Rule) A federal judge in Washington D.C. has requested additional time […]

Social Security Administration Releases Key Figures for 2012

Posted on December 27, 2011 by

The Social Security Administration (“SSA”) recently released key figures for 2012 that will affect all elderly and disabled individuals who receive program benefits, including social security benefits, supplemental security income benefits, and Medicare benefits. This notice summarizes these changes and their impact on various benefits. Social Security Retirement For the first time in two years, […]

2012 Standard Mileage Rates

Posted on December 12, 2011 by

The Internal Revenue Service has announced the optional standard mileage rates for computing the deductible cost of operating an automobile for business, medical, and moving expenses for 2012. Effective January 1, 2012, the optional standard mileage rates will remain at 55.5 cents per mile for business transportation, and decrease to 23 cents per mile for […]

NLRB Adopts Resolution to Implement Several Proposed “Quickie Election” Rules-But Final Passage in Doubt

Posted on December 6, 2011 by

(See Original Legal Update of July 29, 2011) Not surprisingly, the National Labor Relations Board (“Board”) recently advanced its July 2011 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, adopting a resolution designed to make union avoidance a more challenging proposition for private-sector employers. At a public meeting held on November 30, 2011, the Board voted, 2-to-1, in favor […]

Changes in Age Discrimination Regulations and the RFOA Defense

Posted on November 29, 2011 by

On November 16, the EEOC approved a draft final rule to amend the Commission’s existing Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) regulations to reflect two recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions regarding ADEA disparate impact claims and the “reasonable factor other than age” (RFOA) defense. The draft regulation will now go to the White House Office […]

Governor Walker Signs Bill Allowing Unions and Municipalities to Agree to Salary or Benefit Reductions Without Triggering Act 10 Provisions

Posted on November 11, 2011 by

On Thursday, November 10, 2011, Governor Walker signed Assembly Bill 319 which allows any municipal employer to enter into one memorandum of understanding with a union to reduce the cost of compensation or fringe benefits, and the change will not be considered a modification of the current collective bargaining agreement for purposes of Act 10. […]

National Labor Relations Board Postpones Implementation Date for New Notice-Posting Rule

Posted on November 11, 2011 by

On October 5, 2011, the National Labor Relations Board’s (“Board”) Office of Public Affairs announced that the Board has elected to postpone the implementation of its new “Final Rule” requiring employers to notify employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act. Under the new rule, which was to become on November 14, 2O11, […]

Wisconsin Tax Code Amended to Follow Federal Tax Treatment of Coverage of Adult Children

Posted on November 7, 2011 by

Human resources and benefits professionals working for Wisconsin employers will now have one less thing to worry about with respect to Health Care Reform. On Friday, November 4, Governor Scott Walker signed legislation which conforms Wisconsin s tax code to the Federal tax code for purposes of determining the tax treatment of employer-provided coverage of […]

Hold Everything: Do You Need a Litigation Hold Notice?

Posted on November 4, 2011 by

Recently, courts have awarded monetary sanctions ranging from $25,000 to $1,000,000 against companies that failed to prevent the destruction of electronic evidence. These sanction amounts reveal that the failure to implement a litigation hold and preserve evidence when required can have serious consequences for your business. Many business owners, managers, and human resources professionals believe […]

2012 Qualified Plan Cost of Living Increases, 2012 Social Security Taxable Wage Base

Posted on October 21, 2011 by

The Internal Revenue Service has announced the cost-of-living adjustments for the various qualified retirement plan limits. Unlike 2011, almost all of the limits shown below are changed from last year. Qualified Plan Limit Cost-of-Living Adjustments 401(k) and 403(b) elective deferral limit 2011 – $16,500 2012 – $17,000 $200,000 compensation limit 2011 – $245,000 2012 – […]