|
|
|
 |
 Title VII Training Critical
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is charged with enforcing six federal laws including, the Equal Pay Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. While the scope of six laws may seem small, the number of EEOC charges in 2014 came in at just under 89,000. And when it comes to certain states, EEOC charges are through the roof. According to EEOC data, the following states top the charts for the most number of EEOC charges last year.
10 - Virginia
9 - Tennessee
8 - New York
7 - North Carolina
6 - Pennsylvania
5 - Illinois
4 - Georgia
3 - California
2 - Florida (Total number of EEOC charges: 7,528, Percentage of total U.S. charges: 8.5%)
1 - Texas
A key component for employers to have an affirmative defense against a Title VII charge is to demonstrate regular and consistent Title VII training with managers and employees. Harassment, Discrimination, and Diversity Awareness training should be done annually with all staff. Lawman Benefits Consulting provides annual Title VII training along with other vital HR support services to clients free of charge.
"We feel very passionate about our helping our clients reduce liability and improve their workplace through sound HR and benefits practices."
Sincerely,
Larry Lawman
Lawman Benefits Consulting, Inc.
|
|
|
|
Breaking News...
|  | |
Don't Delay Cadillac Tax Planning
The Caddy tax remains one of the more controversial elements of the Patient  Protection and Affordable Care Act. It requires employers that offer "rich" health plans to some or all employees to pay a tax on the "overage" as defined by the law.
In an article for Politico, author Brian Faler reports growing concerns among employers about what the tax may cost them when it's triggered in 2018. Strong Obama supporters such as the National Education Association are calling for its repeal.
Opposition has swelled as plan managers have begun applying the Cadillac tax formula to their own plans. Now, more plans appear to fall in the Cadillac category. Health insurance plans covering hundreds of thousands of workers will be affected. Potentially any employer could be hit by this tax.
Here are some of the actions contemplated next year by companies where the excise tax impact has been evaluated:
- 33 percent are reducing the richness of their plan designs through higher out-of-pocket costs, including 10 percent that say they will eliminate high-cost, rich design options.
- 31 percent are increasing the use of wellness incentives in their plans.
- 14 percent are evaluating private exchange options for pre- and post-65 retirees, while 7 percent are considering private exchanges for active employees.
- 5 percent are implementing narrow/high performance provider networks.
|
|
|
Upcoming Events...
| | |
Federal Judge Blocks FMLA's Expanded Definition of Spouse
On February 25, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule that revises the  definition of "spouse" under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act to cover all legally married, same-sex spouses regardless of where they live. The attorneys general of Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Nebraska filed suit to strike down the rule as contrary to their state laws. On March 26, a federal judge in Texas granted a preliminary injunction to stop DOL enforcement.
While the court barred the DOL from applying the rule in four states pending a final ruling on the case, the ruling is temporary - not final. The DOJ has urged the court to reconsider its ruling, and a hearing date has been set for April 10. Employers will want to closely monitor further developments.
|
|
|
Client Spotlight...
| |
 April is Child Abuse Awareness Month
Throughout the month of April, Manatee Children's Services (MCS), Manatee County's leader in child abuse prevention programs, is joining National Children's Alliance and its thousands of members and supporters across the country to bring much needed attention to the issues of child abuse intervention and prevention. Together, the Children's Advocacy Center community is encouraging the public to learn the signs of abuse and take action by reporting abuse when it is suspected.
Please join us on Friday, April 17th, from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm, when MCS will host an Open House and Dedication of our new location in downtown Bradenton, 1227 9th Avenue West. The event is family friendly and will include food, music, facility tours, arts and crafts, a bouncy house, puppet shows, and lots of blue pinwheels, the symbol of Child Abuse Awareness Month.
 Manatee Children's Services, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. MCS receives funding from Federal, State and County Government Agencies, along with private donations. MCS augments contract dollars and donations by sponsoring several major fundraising events, the proceeds of which benefit the entire agency. MCS is dedicated to programs and services that stop the cycle of child abuse.
For more information call 941-345-1200 or visit our website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
