HR in Politics...
The first week of June was the highlight of the month as I participated with hundreds of other Chamber members nationwide to attend Workforce Freedom Airlift in Washington, D.C. to lobby against the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). Although I’ve NEVER had any interest in politics before, I am passionate about opposing this bill that would seriously harm businesses both big and small.
If you want more information on our visit, let me know. Otherwise, read on for some HR tips that will help you in managing your HR function this month.
~ Terri Olson
If you require your non-exempt employees to wear apparel and accessories of a distinctive design or color, that is considered a “uniform” under California wage orders. If you have chosen not to maintain those uniforms, the DLSE requires you to pay the employee a weekly maintenance allowance of one hour’s pay at the State minimum wage (currently $8.00), assuming that an hour is a realistic estimate of the time it takes to maintain the uniforms. Need more information? Give us a call.
A recent survey found that 30% of employers have placed their company-matched 401(k) contributions on hold during these struggling times. If you find the need to do the same, there are a few things you need to do to maintain your plan’s tax qualified status:
- Modify your plan document and the Summary Plan Description (SPD).
- Make the changes for the future, not retroactively.
- Announce the changes to the employees and provide an amendment to the SPD or a written summary of the amendment. This should be sent before the effective date of the amendment, but no later than 210 days after the end of the plan year in which the amendment is adopted.
- Notify your plan’s record keeper and administrator of the changes.
If you’re tired of running out of hot water at home or work, read this month’s feature on our client, Noritz.
Noritz America manufactures (gas) tankless water heaters and is the world’s most advanced tankless technology leader. Noritz tankless water heaters heat water efficiently, while providing an endless supply of hot water. A tankless water heater works on-demand, meaning they turn on and heat water only when needed. When there is no demand for hot water a tankless water heater is in an off/idle state using no energy, which results in significant savings in water heating costs.
Coupled with the compact size and broad selection, Noritz tankless water heaters can be installed virtually anywhere for all types of applications (residential, commercial, even hydronic heating.) Through the Stimulus Package homeowners can receive up to $1,500 in Federal Tax credits for installing an ENERGY STAR rated Noritz tankless water heater.
If you’re near our showroom in Fountain Valley, visit Noritz to experience tankless firsthand and see the benefits of a tankless water heater. Just tell them Terri Olson sent you!
For more information about Noritz America please visit http://www.noritz.com.
