The 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
Ravi S. Nagi
Mapp Administration Focuses on Improving Cruise Ship Experience to Boost Tourism Industry
As 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…
When Are Employees Required to Pay the Federal Minimum Wage?
Under 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,…
US Labor Department Rescinds ‘Joint Employment’ Rules
The 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…
Protecting Your Business and Personal Devices in the Wake of WannaCry
A major cyberattack recently hit about 200,000 computers across more than 150 countries, with an especially considerable effect on individuals with older computers and operating systems, as well as large organizations and universities.
The attack was performed via malware that has since become known as “WannaCry,” which was created and published by a…
Checklist for Hiring a New H1-B Visa Program Employee
American 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…
Developing a Retirement Plan When You’re Self-Employed
As 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…
Are You Paying Your Tipped Employees Correctly?
Many 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…
21st Century Cures Act Offers More Health Insurance Options to Employers
Small 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…
New Administration Could Bring Changes to US Employment Law
With 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…