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What I've Been Reading This Week


Employers Should Reevaluate Their Intern Programs

This is a helpful reminder for employers to reevaluate their intern programs to ensure that there are not any potential legal issues that could arise over the interns claiming they are actually employees and are therefore entitled to compensation.  The article provides a few points that employers should review in order to ensure they are in compliance with unpaid internship laws.  

Should Employers Monitor the Social Media Posts of Its Employees?

This Wall Street Journal article has a mini debate over whether employers should monitor the social media posts of its employees.  Given the increasing number of employees who use FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, etc., concerns can arise over what these employees are actually posting.  Employer likely have a reason to be concerned about what the employees are posting, especially if it could impact the company's reputation, finances, etc.  However, it is important that employers do not go on a fishing expedition, combing through its employees' social media posts in the hopes of finding something offensive or that would warrant the employee being fired.


Are Employer Mandated "Anger Management" Sessions Compensable Time?

Bryan Symes has a good note on whether employers are required to compensate employees for time spent at mandatory anger management sessions.  In short, based upon a 2005 case that impacts employers in Wisconsin, Symes states that these mandatory counseling sessions are indeed compensable time for which employees are entitled to be paid.  This is a relatively short, but important note that employers and employees alike should take a few minutes to review.

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NLRB: Discussion Among Employees About Tip Pooling is Protected Concerted Activity

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