JOINTLY LIABLE? DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PROPOSES NEW ‘JOINT EMPLOYER’ TEST QUESTION: I am a manager at a business that regularly hires workers through a staffing agency to work on projects, alongside our direct employees. One of the staffing agency workers recently sued
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LOW-LEVEL MANAGERS MAY GET SALARY BUMP UNDER DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PROPOSAL QUESTION: Back in 2016, before the presidential election, I read a lot about a higher minimum salary for managers. Then nothing happened. Last year I increased the salary I pay the
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CAN I COLLECT UNEMPLOYMENT WHEN I HAVE RETIREMENT AND PENSION INCOME? QUESTION: I retired from teaching three years ago, and found a job in an investment firm. Recently the firm downsized, and I was laid off. I am receiving a pension from
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CAN EMPLOYER ASK ABOUT CRIMINAL CONVICTION? QUESTION: I heard that Gov. Snyder signed a “ban the box” law last year, forbidding employers from asking job applicants about their criminal history. Does this mean I won’t be able to know if the candidate
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‘MASSAGING’ RESUME COSTS WORKER HIS JOB – AND MAYBE $100K TOO! QUESTION: Over a decade ago, when I applied at the company I now work for, I exaggerated my educational background a little bit. I have an associate degree in business; I
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VIOLATION OF PRIVACY? EMPLOYEE’S GMAIL ACCOUNT ACCESSED BY FORMER BOSS QUESTION: Until recently, I worked at a title company. I frequently replied to personal emails on my personal Gmail account during lunch. When I resigned from the company two weeks ago; I
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PAID SICK TIME? AVAILABLE, BUT WITH RESTRICTIONS, UNDER NEW LAW QUESTION: I heard that the Michigan legislature passed a law that requires employers to give employees paid sick time. I’d like to take some time off to have knee surgery, but I
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QUESTION: I work at a shop where we routinely work with heavy metal assemblies, cutting and welding tools, drive forklifts and use cranes. Improper use of these machines is extremely hazardous. The problem is that several of my co-workers smoke pot (and
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QUESTION: I heard some talk that the minimum wage was going to be increased to $10, but I haven’t heard anything about it recently. I run a (very) small business, and want to make sure I’m on the right side of the
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HOW DOES THE GRINCH WRECK YOUR OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY? WITH LITIGATION, OF COURSE! By: Daniel A. Gwinn Holiday parties! Great food! Great drink! Wonderful conversation! And a fantastic breeding ground for lawsuits and litigation. Every year, we receive questions from employees and
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