New FMLA Regulations

Posted on November 18, 2008 by Liz Overton

New FMLA Regulations have been published and will become effective January 16, 2009.  Daniel Schwartz of the Connecticut Employment Law Blog identifies things employers need to be aware of.  I encourage you to read his article which is the first of a series outlining what changes employers need to make or be aware of by January 16 2009.

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Iowa Wage Payment Collection Act

Posted on November 11, 2008 by Liz Overton

 

The Iowa Wage Payment Collection Act protects employees from employers who fail to pay wages owed to an employee. Wages, as defined in the act, can encompass more than just compensation owed for labor or services. It can also include vacation, holiday, sick leave, and severance payments which are due an employee under an agreement or policy of the employer, benefit payments under an agreement or policy of the employer, and expenses incurred and recoverable under a health benefit plan. The key is whether an agreement or policy providing for payment of these items exists. In most instances the agreement or policy will be contained in an employee handbook. It can, however, take the form of an unwritten policy.

 

An employer is required to pay all wages earned no later than the next payday for the pay period in which the wages were earned. Employees paid on a commission basis, however, may have to wait up to thirty days from the date of termination to get their final paycheck.

 

An employee who has a claim against an employer for wages may bring an action in an Iowa district court or, if the claim is less than $5,000.00, through the Iowa Department of Labor. A claim form for the Iowa Department of Labor can be found here and the steps the Department follows can be found here.  Claims for wages must be brought within two years after the wages were earned.

 

Photo on flickr by jenn_jenn.

 

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Election Day in Iowa: Know Your Rights

Posted on November 4, 2008 by Benjamin Clark

On this much anticipated first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, millions of people are flocking to the polls to cast their ballots.  For Iowa voters, there are some nuances to election law that are important to keep in mind:

  • Unregistered voters can register and vote on election day.  You must be at the precinct where you live, complete a voter registration application, sign a written oath, and present appropriate identification.  Iowa Code § 48A (2008).
  • A student who attends an Iowa college or university may vote in their hometown or at their college residence.  Obviously, you have to choose one or the other.  Iowa Code § 48A (2008). 
  • People convicted of felonies who have completed their sentence (including probation, parole, & supervised release) before July 4, 2005 are eligible to vote.  On that date, Governor Vilsack signed Executive Order No. 42, which granted a blanket restoration of the right to vote and hold public office to persons who were disqualified from registering to vote because of conviction for a felony or aggravated misdemeanor.

If you have any questions, contact your county auditor.  Remember, the polls in Iowa close at 9 p.m., so make sure to cast your ballot before then! 

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