Surface Transportation Assistance Act: Whistleblower Protection Final Rule issued by OSHA
OSHA issued its Final Rule implementing the whistleblower provisions of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act [STAA]. As a result of the 9/11 Commission Act Amendments, the whistleblower protections of the STAA were expanded to reach beyo
Fictional New Injury vs. Change In Condition: A New Standard or Still a Blurry Line?
Two concepts that are often misunderstood and frequently the subject of litigation in Georgia are “fictional new injury” and “change in condition.” A recent case that made its way through the Georgia appellate system, Scott v. Shaw Ind
Health Care Reform Upheld: Employers Must Plan to Comply
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the massive health care reform law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). While the law’s individual mandate has survived constitutional scrutiny, many challenges and questions for employers re
Georgia Court of Appeals Decision on “Diligent Job Search” Strengthens Maloney Defense for Employers and Insurers
dil·i·gent [dil-i-juhnt] adjective 1. constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything: a diligent student. 2. done or pursued with persevering attention; painstaking: a diligent search of the file
RICO and Workers’ Compensation: Staying on the Right Side of the Law
When most people think of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), theyimmediately think of the mafia and organized crime. However, a recent decision by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals may open the door for future RICO
Supreme Court Holds Pharmaceutical Sales Reps Are Exempt Outside Sales Employees
On June 18, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its long awaited opinion in Christopher v. Smith Kline Beecham Corp. finding that Pharmaceutical Sales Reps (“PSRs”) were exempt from the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act
Social Media Policies and the NLRB’s May 30, 2012 Report
The NLRB’s Office of General Counsel issued on May 30, 2012, Memorandum OM 12-59; yet another memo on Social Media Policies adopted by employers. This report criticizes seven new policies and follows up on the August 2011 and January 2012 rep
Tennessee Tipped Employees Can Now Waive Meal Breaks
Tennessee’s wage and hour statute requires that any employee scheduled to work six consecutive hours must be provided with a thirty (30) minute unpaid meal break (unless the nature of the business provides “ample opportunity [for employees]
Manager Lacks Title VII Claim Based on Marriage to Illegal Immigrant
A bank sales manager who alleged she was fired because of her marriage to an undocumented immigrant from Mexico lacks a national origin discrimination claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, according to the U.S. Court of Appeal