Benefits Manager

Senate Democrats are advancing President Barack Obama's plan to cut every worker's payroll taxes in half next year paid for by a 3.25 percent tax surcharge on the very wealthy.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland has approved an international settlement allowing the U.S. Department of Labor to recover $7,968,744 in back wages, fringe benefits and 401(k) plan assets on behalf of more than 2,000 security guards who were once employed by USProtect Corp.

Employment and income fraud are up 8.8 percent from third quarter 2010 and up 50 percent from third quarter 2009, according to a quarterly report by Interthinx.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Guam International Country Club for a total of $32,900 after discovering 17 alleged workplace safety violations while inspecting the organizations maintenance shop in Dededo, Guam. Proposed fines total $32,900.

As 2012 is creeping up, many employers are now in budgeting mode, with compensation being a major expense under review. A recent compensation survey by Buck Consultants shows that retaining top talent is the No. 1 employee engagement goal in 2012, which means employers must find ways to remain competitive....

While many state-run pension plans are running huge deficits, and many states are calling for a switch from defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans, a handful of pensions have managed to weather the market volatility since 2008, including New Yorks.

Approximately 700 United Steelworkers members joined nearly 2,000 other union activists and supporters at the Indiana Statehouse on Indiana AFL-CIO Lobby Day to protest against state Republicans' attempt to pass right-to-work legislation.

As the year winds down and the holidays are getting under way, many employers are preparing for their company holiday parties, which offer employees a chance to kick back and reflect on the year, says Sheryl Kovach, president and CEO of Kandor Group, a human resources consulting firm in Houston....