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Pitfalls of Employer Measures Aimed at Avoiding Layoffs

April 1, 2009

by Windy Rosebush Catino (Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge)

Spring 2009 In these tough economic times, many companies have been faced with the necessity of cutting costs, while struggling to retain valued employees who will be needed when their economic situation improves. According to the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, in February 2009, 295,477 workers lost their jobs as a result of 2,769 mass layoff actions taken by employers. However, a recent survey by Watson Wyatt revealed that the number of companies planning future layo...

Tags: Collective Bargaining, Wage and Hour, Employee Benefits, WARN Compliance

Take Action Now to Amend Cafeteria Plans and COBRA Practices

February 19, 2009

by Jane O. Francis (Holland & Hart)

In the past two weeks, Congress and the President have enacted two new laws affecting employers’ health and welfare plans. Both laws require employers to respond with immediate action. 2009 CHIP – Cafeteria Plan Amendment Required The Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (“2009 CHIP”), was signed by the President February 4, 2009 and is effective April 1, 2009. It requires health plans to give special enrollment rights to employees and their dependents if...

Tags: Employee Benefits