HR in Review June 2009
HR in Review is a monthly e-newsletter produced by the Manufacturer & Business Association Human Resource Department for professionals seeking to stay informed on the latest HR news and updates.
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Legal Briefings
REMINDER: Association members are encouraged to register for our FREE legal briefings on June 3 in Erie; and June 24 in DuBois and Ridgway.
Advisory
2009 REGIONAL WAGE & SALARY SURVEY: This 2009 survey details compensation and benefit information on more than 180 positions based on data collected from 233 northwest Pennsylvania companies. Both print and electronic forms are now available. Order online.
Employee Benefit Updates
ALERT: Influenza A (H1N1) update
The 2009 H1N1 virus has created unparalleled urgency for government health agencies and employers. This Web site provides interim guidance for managing the risks to your organization and understanding what resources are available.
Legal Commentary
BOTCHING THE ANSWER TO ‘WHY WASN’T I HIRED?’
Whether employers write or call unsuccessful candidates, one thing is clear: In today’s tight job market, applicants are more likely to sue if they don’t like what they’re told when they’re rejected. Find out six mistakes to avoid when delivering the bad news.
10 CRUCIAL STEPS WHEN YOU’RE HIT WITH AN EEOC COMPLAINT
How employers respond to an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint often spells the difference between a speedy, successful defense and a nightmare investigation. A disgruntled employee…
KEEPING WORRIED EMPLOYEES PRODUCTIVE
Employees have a lot to worry about these days, which creates a new challenge for HR and management: How do you keep outside distractions from affecting people’s work? Read more…
THE DARK SIDE OF EMPLOYEE TURNOVER: SLACKERS STAY
A rougher job market means fewer employees can jump ship. The problem: High performers are still likely to leave, while everyone else is sticking around. Roughly 46 percent of employees…
Government Affairs
Legislature Eyes Mini-COBRA Proposal
The Pennsylvania state legislature is currently considering the MBA-OPPOSED Mini-Cobra bill, which contains mandatory COBRA health-care options for small businesses. Passed by Congress in 1986, the original COBRA legislation gave workers the right to receive post-employment health insurance under their employer’s plan, provided they paid the necessary premiums. Federal COBRA law, however, does not apply to businesses with less than 20 employees. As a result, the state legislature is considering HB 1089, which would require small businesses to offer COBRA benefits to former employees for a period of nine months. HB 1089 also would extend to small-business employees the premium assistance program approved by Congress under the federal stimulus package. Eligible employees would only be required to pay 35 percent of the premium, while the employer would pay the remaining 65 percent and be reimbursed by the federal government through tax credits. For more information on Mini-COBRA or to contact your legislator regarding HB 1089, click here.
Professional Development
Effective Safety Committees Class Offered
In need of a safety committee? Our half-day program on June 30 covers all aspects of effective safety committees – from motivational techniques to proper documentation.
Recommended Reading
For more on the Association’s services, see the June 2009 issue of the Business Magazine.