• Posting Notice Requirements Employers who are required to


post wage notice requirements will need to update their information if their states have increased minimum wages. Some states also require written notice, which will need to be updated and disseminated.


• Improving Processes and Worker Skills


While employers can’t do anything about minimum wage increases that have been enacted, they can minimize costs and make a greater effort to become more efficient. There are several ways to approach this, including developing better work flow processes, hiring high- quality workers, and providing better training.


• Consider Arbitration Agreements


Although arbitration agreements


are not a cure-all, when implemented properly they can help insulate an employer from expensive class action wage and hour lawsuits. In light of the increased scrutiny on wage and hour issues, at the state level, federal level, and from aggressive plaintiffs’ attorneys, now may be a good time to consider arbitration agreements


with class


action waivers. It is important to work closely with experienced labor counsel when implementing these agreements, because there are many state-mandated technical requirements that must be met.


When used properly, however, these agreements can be used to limit a company’s exposure to wage and hour liability. As minimum wages continue to rise, the stakes will only get higher. In order to minimize the expenses and risks, employers need to prepare now.


About the Author


Richard D. Alaniz is senior partner at Alaniz Schraeder Linker Farris Mayes, L.L.P., a national labor and employment firm based in Houston. He has been at the forefront of la- bor and employment law for over thirty years, including stints with the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board. Rick is a prolific writer on labor and employment law and conducts fre- quent seminars to client companies and trade associations across the country. Questions about this article, or requests to subscribe to receive Rick’s monthly articles, can be ad- dressed to Rick at (281) 833-2200 or ralaniz@alaniz-schraeder.com.


Order all three for $95 members, $189 nonmembers Order online: www.investmentcasting.org


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28