10 Steps to Avoid Ransomware

Did you know that $209 million was paid to ransomware criminals in 2016? Unfortunately, ransomware is on the rise. Cybercriminals are turning to increasingly tougher-to-prevent monetizing cyber attacks. For businesses who become victim to ransomware attacks, the consequences can be devastating — ransomware that lands in some shared locations within networks can literally paralyze an … Continue reading 10 Steps to Avoid Ransomware

Will Your “At-Will” Disclaimer Protect You from Wrongful Termination?

Christine Oakes worked as a manager for Barnes & Noble in Saratoga for eight years, from 2002-2010, and was fired. Ms. Oakes filed a wrongful discharge lawsuit against the company, alleging wrongful termination, gender discrimination, and other causes of action. Barnes & Noble argued that Oakes was an at-will employee who was terminated for legitimate business reasons. The … Continue reading Will Your “At-Will” Disclaimer Protect You from Wrongful Termination?

Alert! Employers Should Review I-9 Forms for Social Security Number Glitch

Impacted Forms I-9 Downloaded Between November 14 and 17, 2016 Employers who used a version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, that was downloaded between November 14 and November 17, 2016 should review those forms to ensure their employees’ Social Security numbers appear correctly in Section 1 of the form. Social Security Number Glitch U.S. … Continue reading Alert! Employers Should Review I-9 Forms for Social Security Number Glitch

Alert: Mich Releases Discrimination Poster Update

Michigan Releases Updated Discrimination Poster Poster Now Available for Download Below The Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) has released an updated version of its required workplace poster. Background State law generally prohibits employers from discriminating in employment based on religion, race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, and marital status, among other things. Under … Continue reading Alert: Mich Releases Discrimination Poster Update

OSHA’s ‘Volks Rule’ Repealed

Rule Previously Became Effective on January 18, 2017 President Trump has signed into law House Joint Resolution 83, which repeals the “Volks Rule,” an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule which imposed on employers continuing obligations to make and maintain accurate records of recordable injuries and illnesses. The rule previously became effective on January … Continue reading OSHA’s ‘Volks Rule’ Repealed

USCIS Updates Form I-9 Handbook for Employers

Provides Guidance on Completing and Retaining Form I-9 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released an updated M-274, Handbook for Employers, which provides guidance for complying with the requirements of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. Updated Handbook Among other things, the updated handbook provides information and answers on the following topics: Completing Form I-9; … Continue reading USCIS Updates Form I-9 Handbook for Employers

Reminder! Use New I-9 Forms

As a reminder, employers should note that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released a new version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. As of January 22, 2017, employers must use the updated form. New Form is Dated 11/14/2016 on the Lower Left-Hand Corner Background Federal law requires employers to hire only individuals who … Continue reading Reminder! Use New I-9 Forms

OSHA Issues Practices to Promote Anti-Retaliation

On January 17, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued Recommended Practices for Anti-Retaliation Programs to help employers create workplaces in which workers feel comfortable voicing their concerns without fear of retaliation. The recommendations are intended to apply to all public and private sector employers covered by the 22 whistleblower protection laws that OSHA … Continue reading OSHA Issues Practices to Promote Anti-Retaliation