The STEM OPT program allows foreign students who have graduated from a U.S. STEM-degree program to gain paid, on-the-job “Optional Practical Training (“OPT”) that supplements and directly relates to the knowledge and skills gained in their academic studies. In order to engage in post-graduation practical training, foreign students must select an appropriate STEM employer who
In recent years male students who were removed from school following a Title IX investigation have sued, claiming that the school’s investigation was unfair and biased against them as males. As we discussed in a recent post, these claims have seen some success in the courts. Similar arguments are now being made by employees
Join us for our annual fall seminar on October 11, 2019 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown. This promises to be an interesting and informative program regarding recent developments in labor and employment law. Our half-day seminar will include discussions of the timely topics listed below as well as updates on recent legislation and court decisions
On August 29, 2019, the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) held that misclassifying an employee as an independent contractor, on its own, does not violate the National Labor Relations Act (the “Act”).
In Velox Express, Inc. and Jeannie Edge, Velox misclassified its employees as independent contractors. When Ms. Edge coordinated group complainants about the
On August 27, 2019, USCIS announced that, until further notice, employers should continue using the current version of the Form I-9 for Employment Eligibility Verification, even after the form’s expiration date of August 31, 2019 has passed.
USCIS has further clarified that it will provide updated information about the new version of the Form I-9
Most of the promises contained in a union contract expire on the same date the contract expires, subject of course to the obligation to negotiate before making any unilateral changes to the status quo. But in some cases, the benefits in a contract can become “vested” so they cannot be taken away even after the
On August 14, 2018, the National Labor Relations Board issued its first decision regarding mandatory arbitration agreements following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Epic Systems Corp. In doing so, the Board gave further guidance about when employers can promulgate mandatory arbitration agreements and whether employers can inform employees of the possible consequences for their
Can an employer provide health care coverage for its employees by simply setting aside cash for them on a tax-favored basis (in an HRA – a health reimbursement arrangement), and otherwise get out of the complexities of sponsoring an ERISA health care coverage program? Until now, the answer to that question was “NO” because that
As of 2019, employers are receiving letters from the Social Security Administration entitled “Employer Correction Requests.” These letters, also known as “mismatch” letters, are sent when the names or social security numbers listed on an employer’s W-2 forms do not match the names and social security numbers that the Administration has on file. While these
On June 25, 2019, Governor Lamont signed into law “An Act Concerning Paid Family and Medical Leave,” (“PFMLA”) enacting what is reported to be the most generous family leave law in the country. The law provides employees with up to 12 weeks of paid leave (14 weeks for those incapacitated by pregnancy) in a 12-month