| Issue: # 38 |
September 29, 2009 |
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Our On-Call Human Resource Service
About a year ago we implemented a new service to assist with Human Resource type questions for our clients. We are proud to have helped with Cobra administration, hiring policies, Reduction in Workforce & other HR administration issues.
Beth Graham, our Professional In Human Resources (PHR), became a valuable asset for our clients. Being more of part-time nature, Beth has accepted a full-time position. We have reorganized our service and have now partnered with Shelley Dropkin, of Dropkin Consulting. For over 20 years Shelley has managed the human resource function for a variety of businesses. Our format will essentially be the same with a monthly human resource corner and the ability to email Shelley with questions. These are all free services to Advantage Benefits clients.
In addition, in the event you need additional services, she is available for Employee Handbooks and other consulting services. You can read more below about Shelley. As always, If you have any questions email Bill or Vanessa. To learn more about Advantage Benefits click here. Please give us your feedback.
Sincerely,
Bill Randell, CLU, CHFC Vanessa Costa, CLU,CHFC
Advantage Benefits Group, Inc.
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Compliance Corner
MMLA versus FMLA |
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- Massachusetts law for companies with at least six employees
- For female employees for the purposes of:
- giving birth
- adoption of a child under 18 years
- or, adoption of a child under age 23 if the child has a disability
- Employee must be employed for at least 3 consecutive months and have completed their Training & Orientation Period prior to commencement of the leave
- Coverage up to 8 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave
FMLA (Family & Medical Leave Act ):
- Federal law for companies with 50+ employees
- For female & male employees for the purposes of:
- birth or adoption and care of the newborn child of the employee
- placement of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care
- care for immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition
- medical leave when employee is unable to work due to a serious health condition
- Employee must be employed for at least 12 calendar months and at least
1,250 hours prior to commencement of the leave
- Coverage up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period
MMLA actually provides a higher level of maternity leave than mandated by FMLA. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, small firms with 6 to 49 employees are required to provide up to 8 weeks of maternity leave for full-time employees after 3 months of consecutive service. In comparison, FMLA requirements begin at 50 employees and 12 months of service.
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| Ask Shelley
Handling Layoffs |
Question: My company has been struggling for several months. We may need to layoff some of our workforce. What are some helpful hints that that you would suggest which would help us mitigate legal risk and yet do the best by our employees?
Answer: If your company is planning a layoff, or "Reduction-in-Force," which is the term used today, there are several factors that need to be considered. Whether you are reorganizing, downsizing or rightsizing, reductions in an employer's workforce need to be carefully thought through as such actions can give rise to litigation. In considering a reduction in a company's workforce, there are several areas of concern which an employer needs to consider.
Click here for guidelines for structuring a reduction in a company's workforce that mitigates legal risk while being fair and objective in managing the workforce, both the impacted employees and those who will remain with the company.
If you need assistance in planning your RIF, please feel free to e-mail me. |
| Wal-Mart Prescription Plan
Mail 90 day supplies to you at no cost |
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Many times we have notified you of the Generic Prescription Drug Plan at Wal-Mart
- 30 day supply for $4
- 90 day supply for $10
Keep in mind no insurance or insurance card is needed. All you need is an original prescrption from your doctor. Does Wal-Mart have every single drug? No, but they do have over 300, check to see if your current prescription is one of them.
Walmart launched its Prescription drug program in 1986 featuring low co-payments of $4 and $10 for many generic drugs. Due to the success of the program, it has recently added a mail feature. They will mail you the 90 day supply for $10 without any additional postage, membership or enrollment fees.
As prescriptions grow at Wal-mart and other pharamcies, encourage employees to check out the drugs available and to ask their PCP if there are generics available for some of their current medications.
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