Big Changes In The Wind For Ontario Employers

Bill 146, (the Stronger Workplaces for a Stronger Economy Act, 2013), recently received its first reading. If enacted, Bill 146 will have significant implications for Ontario employers as a direct result of amendments it will make to the following employment legislation:

Employment Standards Act, 2000
Labour Relations Act, 1995
Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act (Live-in Caregivers and Others), 2009
Occupational Health and Safety Act
Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997

Among the potential changes, the amendments propose to increase the […]

By | January 24th, 2014 ||

Australia: Anti-bullying laws for workers: the FWC is getting ready

The new ‘bullying jurisdiction’ in a few words…
In short, the new provisions confer on the Commission power to deal with an application by a ‘worker’ (who may be any person performing work in any capacity for a person conducting a business or undertaking) for orders to stop bullying of the applicant in the workplace by an individual or a group of persons. ‘Bullying’ is repeated unreasonable behaviour towards a worker that causes a risk […]

By | January 23rd, 2014 ||

Employee Benefits Update – January 2014

UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS PLAN PROVISION SHORTENING LIMITATIONS PERIOD
On December 16, 2013, the Supreme Court settled a long-standing split among various Circuit Courts of Appeals, holding that an ERISA plan may impose a limitation on the time period during which a participant can sue for benefits that begins to run prior to the date on which the participant’s final appeal is denied. See Heimeshoff v. Hartford Life & Accident Insurance Co.

ERISA section 502(a)(1)(B) allows […]

By | January 19th, 2014 ||