JSEC Newsletter - December 2008

JSEC Q4 2008 Newsletter

Hudson Valley JSEC has successfully held 3 seminars this year with 1 more on the way. Joel Greenwald will be speaking on November 18th on “Current Issues in Employment Law.” Joel has presented for us before and always draws a crowd. Don’t miss it.

Currently HVJSEC has over 400 members and we continue to grow. We look for the newest issues and trends which will benefit our membership. The steering committee is now in the planning stages for the 2009 calendar and it is sure to be a success!  (more  letter from the chair 10.08)

Tips for Keeping the Clutter Away

Judi Clements Training & Development

Here are some of the best tips I can offer for time and clutter management.
(more De Clutter Tips)

VESID and the Mid Hudson Employment Alliance celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Poughkeepsie, NY:   October marks Disability Employment Awareness Month, a Federally recognized designation that calls attention to the issues people with disabilities face, particularly in employment.  This year’s national theme was “America’s People …American’s Talent…America’s Strength”. 

According to the latest labor market employment statistics, the pool of workers is shrinking, and employers will continue to turn to individuals with disabilities as a source of qualified candidates who are ready, willing and able to work.   Roughly 70% of people with disabilities are unemployed. (more Press Release NDEAM 2008)

Employer Education Act (S7638A-A10288A)

The Employer Education Act was signed into law by Governor Paterson. This law will insure that employers are aware of Corrections Law Article 23A which states that an employer or licensing agency in New York State cannot have an across the board policy to discriminate against someone with a criminal background.  (more Employer Act Memo for Assoc ES Reps)

What does HIPPA mean?

HIPPA is the acronym for the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. HIPPA has various provisions which impact health care in a variety of ways. One of these provisions concerns standards for privacy of health information (the HIPPA Privacy Rule). The Department of Health and Human Services published the final Privacy Rule on 12/28/2000.  This rule gives patients greater access to their own medical records and more control over how their personal health information is used. The rule also addresses the obligations of health care providers and health plans to protect health information.  By law, covered entities had until 4/13/2003 to fully comply with all aspects of the ruling.  (more – HIPPA article by Dr. Smith)

Employment Law Issues in a Time of Economic Turmoil

by Joel J. Greenwald, Esq.

In the tumultuous current economy, businesses are very cost conscious, particularly regarding the expense of personnel.  Employers must be careful, however, that they do not violate employment laws in the process of trimming excess.  Unfortunately, while commerce has slowed during the present downturn, claims against employers by disgruntled employees are increasing.  It is therefore essential that employers remember all the rules that govern employment relationships. (more )

New York’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act’s Provisions Among the Most Stringent in the Nation

State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith, joined at an event in Poughkeepsie by Congressman John Hall and other local officials, today announced the signing by Governor David A. Paterson of the State Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act.  The state law will provide more advance notice to workers facing layoffs than under the federal WARN law.  It requires private employers with 50 or more workers to notify employees and the Department of Labor at least 90 days prior to a plant closing or mass layoff.  Businesses that fail to file a WARN notice in the allotted time period will be subject to penalties of up to $500 per day for each violation. The new law also gives the Commissioner the authority to order relief, including back wages and unpaid medical benefits for employees who don’t receive the required notice.  (more New York State Labor Department Announces Legislation…)