For invitations to our events and updates on key legal issues and business concerns:
Please Click HerePosted on July 7, 2015 by Sara J. Ackermann
By now you probably have heard that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a “proposed rule and request for comments” regarding overtime eligibility. For those of you who want to chat intelligently about this topic at cocktail parties—but would prefer not to read the entire 295-page proposal—we offer the following FAQ: What is […]
Posted on July 6, 2015 by Ruder Ware Alumni
This scenario in worker’s compensation is familiar. A worker has a pre-existing, degenerating, and progressively deteriorating condition, in this case an old injury to his knee. Later, there’s an accident at work, shortly after which, knee surgery is required. The treating physician believes the work-injury necessitated the surgery and permanent partial disability. The independent medical […]
Posted on June 26, 2015 by Ruder Ware Alumni
Recently, a federal appeals court determined that a cucumber farm violated the Fair Labor Standards Act when it classified its migrant laborers as independent contractors instead of employees, and failed to pay them the applicable minimum wage. The case is Perez v. D. Howes, LLC, No. 14-2026, — F.3d —-, 2015 WL 3833529 (6th Cir. […]
Posted on June 25, 2015 by Mary Ellen Schill
The United States Supreme Court just held in the King v. Burwell case that taxpayers in states which have not established their own exchange are still entitled to the premium assistance subsidies. The challengers in the Burwell case had argued that the language in the Affordable Care Act which authorized subsidies was limited to states […]
Posted on June 9, 2015 by Ruder Ware Alumni
A recent decision by an appellate court in California held that the inability of an employee to work with a particular supervisor because of anxiety and stress caused by oversight from the supervisor was not a disability under California Disability Discrimination Law. As a result, the company did not discriminate against an employee who was […]
Posted on June 5, 2015 by Ruder Ware Alumni
The NLRB “quickie election” rules have been in effect for the past six weeks. As predicted, the implementation of these new rules has resulted in a significant increase in union election petitions. Under these new rules, the procedure to move from the filing of a petition to an actual election amongst employees takes approximately three […]
Posted on June 3, 2015 by Ruder Ware Alumni
The United States Supreme Court, in the recent Abercrombie & Fitch decision, has said employers must use their best guess to determine whether or not an employee (or applicant) wants or needs an accommodation for a legitimate religious belief. In this decision, the Supreme Court held that the clothing company violated the religious discrimination law […]
Posted on May 27, 2015 by Ruder Ware Alumni
The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently addressed the authority of circuit courts to assess and adjudge arbitration matters. In First Weber Group, Inc. v. Synergy Real Estate Group, LLC, 2015 WI 34 (March 24, 2015) determinations and rulings regarding multiple issues were made. In pertinent part, the parties ultimately disputed over an arbitration clause of their […]
Posted on May 12, 2015 by Ruder Ware Alumni
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a decision that is interesting for its discussion and analysis of what a “willful” OSHA violation means. A worker for a precast concrete manufacturer fell into a sand bin in which he became engulfed up to his neck. Fortunately, he survived, but the complicated five hour rescue […]
Posted on May 11, 2015 by Ruder Ware Alumni
The important protection that employers have under Wisconsin’s Worker’s Compensation Act is the exclusive remedy against employees for work-related accidents, conditions, or illnesses. While the employer enjoys near immunity from a civil suit, that protection can be waived. The Wisconsin Court of Appeals recently held that an employer had waived its exclusive remedy protection through […]