The hiring of brand new employees is a big step for small businesses—it marks a significant growth milestone for your company, as well as some extra responsibilities for your company with regard to finances and management. The logistical process of onboarding a new employee can be complex, especially if it’s something you’ve never done before… Continue Reading
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Tips for Hiring Independent Contractors
Posted in Business, Labor & EmploymentThere are many types of industries in which hiring independent contractors is a big part of a company’s business model. There are some benefits to working with independent contractors, but as with any type of hiring practice, it’s important to make sure you abide by all the federal and territorial rules and plan out the… Continue Reading
What to Include in Your Employee Handbook
Posted in Labor & Employment, Sexual HarassmentEmployee handbooks or manuals are frequently used in corporate settings to provide an overview of employee responsibilities and rights, as well as certain company regulations. The purpose of these manuals is twofold: to ensure all employees are aware of their rights and obligations, and to protect the company in the event of labor lawsuits. There… Continue Reading
U.S. Department of Labor Investigating Wage Issues in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Posted in Labor & EmploymentThe United States Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) recently paid a visit to St. Croix and St. Thomas to investigate some reported wage issues, as well as to offer compliance assistance with regard to recovery efforts still ongoing after Hurricanes Maria and Irma. According to a press release issued by the Department… Continue Reading
Supreme Court Approves Use of Class-Action Waivers by Employers in Arbitration Agreements
Posted in Labor & EmploymentOn May 21, 2018, the United States Supreme Court ruled that employers may require employees to enter arbitration agreements that waive their rights to seek class-action claims against the employer. The split, 5-4 decision was authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch, rejecting the position held by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) that any of these… Continue Reading
Issues to Cover in Your Employee Handbook
Posted in Labor & Employment, UncategorizedHaving an employee handbook is a great way to introduce new employees to your company and the various policies you have in place. There are several issues you are required by law to cover in your handbook. For example, you must have family medical leave policies listed in the handbook under the Family Medical Leave… Continue Reading
Questions You Should Never Ask a Job Applicant
Posted in Labor & EmploymentEmployment law doesn’t just dictate the ways you can and cannot discriminate in your business hiring practices—it also gives some guidelines about the kinds of questions you can and cannot ask job applicants. Therefore, anyone responsible for hiring for your business should familiarize themselves with some of these basic tenets of employment law to ensure… Continue Reading
Common Examples of Wage and Hour Issues That Go to Court
Posted in Labor & EmploymentThe U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) collects about $250 million per year in back wages for American workers. These judgments come in a variety of different categories. If you own or operate a business, it’s important to be aware of these issues and how they can affect employers. Below are some of the most common… Continue Reading
Frequently Asked Questions on Leave and Time Off Laws
Posted in Labor & EmploymentBusiness owners in the U.S. Virgin Islands and throughout the United States must have a thorough understanding of wage and time laws and regulations. Below are some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive on this issue. Do I have to provide family and medical leave as a small business owner?… Continue Reading
Avoid These Key Mistakes When Responding to an EEOC Complaint
Posted in Labor & EmploymentThe Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal regulatory agency that exists to protect employees or job candidates from discrimination based on certain protected characteristics, including age, gender and race. There are many laws the EEOC considers when analyzing cases. Of paramount importance is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which… Continue Reading
Mapp Administration Focuses on Improving Cruise Ship Experience to Boost Tourism Industry
Posted in Labor & EmploymentAs tourism competition increases throughout the Caribbean, officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands are focused on improving the cruise ship experience for passengers visiting the territory to help keep tourists coming back for more. The Ports of the Virgin Islands Charlotte Amalie Task Force recently met to discuss plans to improve this experience, according… Continue Reading
When Are Employees Required to Pay the Federal Minimum Wage?
Posted in Labor & EmploymentUnder federal law, employers must pay all employees a minimum hourly wage. The federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour, but individual states and territories can implement their own minimum wages that are higher than the federal threshold. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, the minimum wage is $9.50 per hour as of June 1,… Continue Reading
US Labor Department Rescinds ‘Joint Employment’ Rules
Posted in Labor & EmploymentThe U.S. Department of Labor recently announced that it would rescind the standard implemented by the Obama Administration that determined when companies are considered “joint employers” of contract and franchise workers. The decision marks the first major shift in labor policy during the Trump Administration. In its statement, the agency said it withdrew a 2016… Continue Reading
Checklist for Hiring a New H1-B Visa Program Employee
Posted in Labor & EmploymentAmerican businesses that require highly skilled workers have the option of looking at international candidates who are working in the United States on a visa or who are graduating from an U.S. college. This is made possible through the H-1B visa program. There are a few steps in the H-1B process for hiring foreign nationals… Continue Reading
Developing a Retirement Plan When You’re Self-Employed
Posted in Labor & EmploymentAs someone who is self-employed, you have the unique ability to control your own retirement plan. This might be an overwhelming prospect if you are unfamiliar with retirement planning, but once you have familiarized yourself with the process, you will find this total control to be quite beneficial. The following are a few issues to… Continue Reading
Will Trump’s Executive Order Impact the Hiring of International Workers?
Posted in International, Labor & EmploymentAn executive order signed by President Donald Trump in April will make it more difficult for companies to recruit low-wage international workers that the President says unfairly harm U.S. citizens looking for work. The order, which Trump announced during a visit to Wisconsin, also directs federal agencies to carefully analyze existing rules and trade agreements… Continue Reading
Are You Paying Your Tipped Employees Correctly?
Posted in Labor & EmploymentMany employees of the service industry receive tips from customers on top of their regular wages. In many cases, these employees actually earn more in tips than they do in wages. Tips are treated differently than regular wages under U.S. and Territorial labor laws, even though they are considered a form of compensation. It’s important… Continue Reading
The Economic Impact of Zika on the US Virgin Islands
Posted in Community Affairs, Labor & EmploymentThroughout 2016, there were widespread concerns among travelers about heading to the Caribbean region, as the Zika virus outbreak caused concern particularly among pregnant women. The mosquito-borne disease is linked to brain damage in fetuses. Fears were particularly heightened when the media reported there were more than 100 positive cases in the U.S. Virgin Islands.… Continue Reading
With Puzder Out, Trump Turns to Acosta for Labor Secretary
Posted in Government Relations, Labor & EmploymentAndrew F. Puzder, who rose to prominence as a fast food executive, recently withdrew from consideration to be President Donald Trump’s Secretary of Labor. Puzder had been the subject of a great deal of debate and scorn since his announcement in December, particularly among progressive groups and labor unions. After records of spousal abuse from… Continue Reading
Issues to Consider Before Sharing Office Space with Another Business
Posted in Labor & EmploymentMany small businesses rent out office space in commercial buildings, likely sharing that space with various other businesses and organizations. Before you decide you are going to rent shared office space, however, it’s important to conduct the proper due diligence to ensure it’s the right move for your company. In most cases, it’s in your… Continue Reading
21st Century Cures Act Offers More Health Insurance Options to Employers
Posted in Labor & EmploymentSmall businesses dealing with health insurance-related challenges received some welcome news in December with the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, a new federal law that allows employers to expand their use of qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangements (QSEHRAs). While the law contains numerous provisions, the ones most relevant to small businesses allow… Continue Reading
New Administration Could Bring Changes to US Employment Law
Posted in Labor & EmploymentWith President-Elect Donald J. Trump set to take office this Friday, January 20, there may be numerous changes to U.S. labor policy on the horizon. Trump, who during his campaign pledged to roll back regulations on businesses, will have the benefit of Republican majorities in both houses of Congress, potentially enabling him to take quick… Continue Reading
What to Do if Your Business is a Victim of Cybersquatting
Posted in Labor & EmploymentImagine you have a great idea for a business and have picked out the perfect name. You rush to GoDaddy to register it, only to find that some other party has already purchased it and is apparently doing nothing with it. Unfortunately, it’s an issue many entrepreneurs face across the globe. Known as cybersquatting, this… Continue Reading
How to Best Protect Your Customers’ Data and Other Sensitive Information
Posted in Labor & EmploymentIn an age when so much happens online, businesses must be willing to commit to digital security to best protect the sensitive data and information of themselves and their customers. In fact, some estimates indicate that the global market for cybersecurity will surpass $80 billion next year, indicating just how important this issue has become.… Continue Reading