Issue Tracker Archives
Issue Tracker Archive
Issue Tracker topics
are archived as developments subside and/or the focus of total rewards
professionals shifts. You will find the items below as they once appeared
on the active Issue Tracker page. A search
our database will locate any additional items that have become available
since the issue was archived.
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) (archived June 2009) Nonqualified Deferred Compensation (archived March 2006, last updated Sept. 27, 2007)
FMLA Reform (archived June 2009) DOL Proposed USERRA Regulations (archived March 2006)
Obama Presidency: Election, Transition and Administation (archived January 2009) Pension Reform (archived February 2006)
Rising Gas Prices (archived November 2008) Hurricane Recovery / Response 2005 (archived November 2005)
Hurricane Recovery / Response 2008 (archived November 2008) Gas Prices (archived October 2005)
New U.S. Minimum Wage (archived November 2007) Retiree Benefits (archived October 2005)
Proposed Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Medicare Reform (archived July 2005)
SEC Executive Compensation Disclosure (archived August 2007, last updated Sept. 27, 2007) OFCCP Proposal (archived July 2005)
Pension Protection Act of 2006 (archived March 21, 2008) Stock Option Expensing (archived July 2005)
2007 Health-Care Cost Increases (archived February 2007) Health-Care Cost Management (archived April 2005)
SEC Proposed Rule for
Other Highly-Compensated Employees (archived February 2007) Gay Marriage (archived December 2004)
Pandemic Preparation - Avian Flu (archived January 2007, last updated Mar. 21, 2007) Overtime Regulations (archived December 2004)
2006 Health Care Cost Increases (archived June 2006) Corporate Governance & Compensation Committees (archived July 2004)
The Shift from Options to Restricted Shares (archived January 2004)
Responding to a global financial crisis, the U.S. government pledged to help financial institutions in trouble. The assistance package includes limits and restrictions on executive compensation for those companies who seek government funding.
The U.S. Treasury announced the interim final rules/guidance on executive compensation and corporate governance standards under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA). The new Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA), was part of a bigger package of bills that include the tax extender legislation and the Mental Health parity Act. This law contains numerous provisions that will impact employers.
News & Resources President Obama Unveils New Restrictions on Executive Pay for Companies Seeking Government Assistance
Chairman Waxman Requests Compensation Information from Financial Institutions
Executive Compensation in a Troubled Economy: Different Thinking for Different Times
Client Alert: The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, Part II: The Evolving Rules on Executive Compensation
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act
Executive Compensation Guidance under EESA
Financial Rescue Bill Includes Mental Health Parity, Tax Provisions
Treasury Department Issues Executive Compensation Rules Under the Capital Purchase Program for U.S. Financial Institutions
Commentary: Executive Compensation and the Financial Crisis/Bailout
Executive Compensation Limitation Regulations Released
House Committee Holds Hearings on Financial Crisis
Client Alert: The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 - Impact on Executive Compensation
Congress Curbs Compensation of Executives Under Financial Rescue Plan
Communication is Essential to Lead Workers Through Current Economic Crisis
Alert: Mental Health Parity, Exec Pay Curbs, Retirement Provisions Now Law
House Passes Financial Markets Rescue Bill; President Signs Into Law; Mental Health Parity Act and Exec. Comp Restrictions Included
Senate Passes Financial Markets Rescue Bill
Financial Rescue Plan Would Provide Relief from Fannie and Freddie Losses
House Defeats Wall Street Bailout Legislation; Would Have Included Exec Pay Limits
Economic Rescue Package Rejected by House - contains Executive Compensation Restrictions.pdf
Senate Holds Hearing on Bailout Proposal
Financial Bailout Legislation May Include Executive Compensation Restrictions
WorldatWork Executive Rewards Questionary
Discussion Treasury Seeks Input on Exec Comp as Part of EESA
It's the Economy ...
Financial Rescue/Bail-0ut Bill Passes House with Exec Comp Restrictions
Senate Passes Financial Rescue/Bail-Out Bill with Exec Comp Provisions
Summary of Executive Compensation Provisions in Bail-Out Bill
As We Wait for the Next Vote in Washington ...
Confusion and Chaos Reigns in the Last Few Days of Congressional Session
House Defeats Wall Street Bailout Legislation
Financial Bail Out Includes Limits on Executive Compensation
Should Wall St. Exec Comp Be Capped?
Part III: Executive Compensation and "The Deal"
Part II: Executive Compensation and "The Deal"
Legislative Update
Executive Compensation in the News Again
The Bank Bailout and Executive Compensation
On Nov. 17, 2008, final changes to the regulations that implement the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 were published by the Department of Labor (DOL) in the Federal Register and go into effect on Jan. 16, 2009. The revisions include clarification of existing FMLA administration concerns as well as new sections addressing military family leave provisions enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2008 which provide additional job-protected leave rights to eligible employees providing care for covered service members with a serious injury or illness and because of qualifying exigencies arising out of the active-duty notification, order or status of a covered military member.
For additional, general information about the FMLA visit One-stop Topics .
News Additional Provisions in the New Final FMLA Regulations workspan, Mar 1, 2009
Expert Explains Important Changes in Final FMLA Regs BLR, Dec. 8, 2008
New FMLA Regulations Released Newsline, Nov. 14, 2008
Support for FMLA Regulations from Total Rewards Profession workspan, June 2, 2008
What's New with FMLA workspan, May 1, 2008
Background on FMLA workspan, May 1, 2008
Workforce Protection Subcommittee Hears FMLA Testimony Newsline, April 14, 2008
Total Rewards Practitioners Support FMLA Regulations Newsline, April 10, 2008
Poll Shows Strong Support for FMLA Modifications Newsline, Mar. 7, 2008
DOL Requires New FMLA Poster, Seeks Employer Input on Rule Newsline, Feb. 28, 2008
Major Expansion of FMLA Allows Six Month Leave to Care for Injured Servicemembers Watson Wyatt, Feb. 2008
FMLA Hearing Celebrates Its 15th Anniversary Newsline, Feb. 14, 2008
Newsline, Feb. 11, 2008
Department of Labor, Feb. 8, 2008
New Law Expanding FMLA for Soldiers' Families
New FMLA Regulations to Be Released Soon Newsline, Jan. 25 , 2008
Congress Set to Resume Aggressive HR Policy Agenda (Newsline, Aug. 30, 2007
DOL Issues Report on FMLA Request for
Information
Report on FMLA Request for Information Issued by DOL Newsline, June 27, 2007
Survey Shows Most Employers Have Problems Administering FMLA
64 Percent of Companies Require Use of Paid Leave, WorldatWork Tells U.S. Department of Labor In Response to FMLA Information Request Newsline, Feb. 19, 2006
Labor Department Seeks Information on Family and Medical Leave Act
Courts Split on FMLA Waivers
Senate Committee Reviews FMLA
New WorldatWork Survey Results: Compliance Time, Intermittent Leave Lead Employer FMLA Concerns
FMLA Reform Looks Doubtful in Near Term Newsline, April 25, 2005
FMLA Cost Employers $21 Billion in 2004 Newsline, April 20, 2005
Employers Push for FMLA Reforms Newsline, April 20, 2005
Resources & Discussion New FMLA Regulations Summary Chart WorldatWork, Dec. 16, 2008
Selected FMLA Regulations Comparison Table National Coalition to Protect Family Leave, Dec. 01, 2008
Fact Sheet: DOL's Final Rule on FMLA Department of Labor, Nov. 17, 2008
New FMLA Regulations Released Public Policy Perceptions, Nov. 17, 2008
Federal Register Final Rule: Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 Deparment of Labor, Nov. 14, 2008
What Happens to Regulations in Transition? Public Policy Perceptions, Nov. 12, 2008
FMLA Practices and Perspectives WorldatWork Survey Brief, April 11, 2008
Comment to DOL on FMLA WorldatWork, April 11, 2008
The Family and Medical Leave Act: Proposed Rule Federal Register, Feb. 11, 2008
FMLA in the Spotlight Public Policy Perceptions, April 11, 2008
WorldatWork Wants Your Feedback on FMLA Proposed Regs Public Policy Perceptions, Mar. 6, 2008
FMLA Proposed Regulations, and Happy Valentine's Day Public Policy Perceptions, Feb. 14, 2008
15th Anniversary of FMLA Public Policy Perceptions, Feb. 7, 2008
Released June 27, 2007
Comment to DOL on FMLA WorldatWork, Feb. 16, 2007
FMLA Perspectives and Practices WorldatWork Survey Brief, April 2005
Administration Resources & Discussion (Archived May 2009)
Presidential Appointments of Key Interest to the Total Rewards Profession
Dear President Obama: It’s Time for Action on the Government’s Outdated Pay System workspan, March 2009
President Obama Signs Childrens Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - CHIPRA - Into Law
Obama's Stimulus Plan Aims To Create 3-4 Million Jobs in Two Years
President Obama Unveils New Restrictions on Executive Pay for Companies Seeking Government Assistance
Rules & Regulations:
Total Rewards and the New Congress, Part I workspan, January 2009
President Obama Signs Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
President-Elect Obamas Health Care Proposals
President Barack Obama Freezes Pay for Senior White House Staff
Employers Doubt Obama Administration Will Help Lower Health Care Costs
Obama Transition Team Announces White House Task Force on Working Families
President Obama's Plan for Retirement Savings Reform - Change
President Obama signs Fair Pay Act into legislation
Obama's Plan for Health Care Reform - What Does It Mean for Employers Buck Consultants , Dec. 12, 2008
Election Resources & Discussion (Archived January 2009)
Presidential Appointments of Key Interest to the Total Rewards Profession
President-Elect Barack Obama on Total Rewards
The Politics of Total Rewards: What Can You Expect from the New Administration?
Its' Obama...What Will an Obama Presidency Look Like for HR?
Tax Policy Decisions Ahead - President-Elect Obama's Call for Change
Change Has Come to America
Obama Wins U.S. Presidential Election; Total Rewards Issues Likely on Agenda
Total Rewards and the 2008 U.S. Presidential Campaign
Transition Resources & Discussion Transition Process: How It Operates
Transition Process: From Bush to Obama
Obama Announces Transition Team—and Web Site
Post-Election Leadership Shake-Ups
Pres. Bush Appoints Presidential Transition Team
Since 2002, average fuel prices in the U.S. have risen nearly three-fold. With no end in sight, employers are looking for ways to ease the burden on employees in an effort to attract and retain a qualified and productive workforce.
News & ResourcesCompanies Concerned They Will Need to Raise Salaries in Response to Gas Prices
Compressed Workweek Aimed at Saving Energy, Increasing Morale and Service
Majority of Employers Not Helping Employees Deal With Higher Gas Prices
Ways to Attract & Retain Employees While Gas Prices are High Employers Take Variety of Initiatives to Alleviate Impact Gas Prices
Americans Driving to Work in Droves Despite Gas Prices With Little Help from Employers
HR Information Firms Says High Gas Prices May Cause Employers to Rethink Telecommuting and Compressed Workweeks
Employees Cutting Back Due to Gas Prices
California Businesses Rally to Minimize Effect of High Fuel Prices on Employees
Commuter Benefits Provide Relief from Financial and Environmental Costs
Professionals Looking For a Job Closer to Home Due to High Gas Prices Newsline, Aug. 6, 2008
Gas Prices Fuel Employer Interest in Telecommuting
High Gas Prices, Bad Traffic Take Toll on Employee Loyalty
High Cost of Fuel and Air Travel Aren't the Only Factors Affecting Vacations This Summer
IRS Raises Mileage Rates
With Fuel Prices Rising, U.S. Companies Work Quickly to Reduce Employee Travel
AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report
Employees Expect Help with Soaring Gas Costs Newsline, June 19, 2008
How Much is Too Much, Study Highlights America's Gas Addiction Newsline, June 11, 2008
Survey: Workers Altering Their Commutes Due to Rising Gas Prices
Gas Prices to Go Higher, Suggested Solutions for Total Rewards Pros Newsline, May 2, 2008
Higher Gas Prices Causing Many Americans to Alter Vacations Newsline, Aug. 15, 2006
Many Employers Taking Steps to Alleviate Impact of High Gas Prices on Staff Newsline, July 17, 2006
Employees with long commutes are feeling the pain of soaring gas prices. Which of the following best represents the level of worry about this issue in your organization?
Due to higher gas prices, has your organization adjusted the mileage reimbursement amount available to employees?
Discussion Congress Still Fighting Over Gas Prices
Rising Gas Prices -- Any Government Action?
Gas Prices and Total Rewards
The Down Economy, Rising Gas Prices and Their Impact on Public PolicyThe Down Economy Public Policy Perceptions Blog, June 11, 2008
State of the Current Economy and Impact on Compensation
Gas Price Benefit
I'll Tell You What Happens When Gas Hits $7
What Happens When Gas Hits $7?
Gasoline, Adjustable Mortgages and Commute Times … and No Impact on Total Rewards?
Shortened Workweek Due to Gas Prices
Reacting to Higher Gas Prices
Ne ws & Articles Thriving Texas Is Slowed by Ike Wall Street Journal , Sept. 15, 2008
Gustav Evacuees Urged to Stay Away cnn.com, Sept. 2, 2008
Gustav Hits U.S. Economy cnnMoney.com, Sept. 1, 2008
Tough Talk about Crisis Management Gallup Management Journal, Aug. 14, 2008
Majority of Small Businesses are Complacent When It Comes to Disaster Preparedness Newsline, May 23, 2007
Ready for Disaster - Business Continuity Depends on a Total Rewards Plan workspan, April 2007
Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses Can Prevent Operational Headaches During Hurricane Season with Basic IT Back-Ups Newsline, June 16, 2006
Survey: More Than 20% of Large Businesses Unprepared for Natural Disasters Newsline, May 23, 2006
Telework Must Be a Priority, Congressman Says Newsline, Sept. 26, 2005
Resources Preparing for a Storm: Your Guide to Readiness eni, Sept. 3, 2008
National Hurricane Center National Weather Service
Hurricane Awareness Resources & Information National Hurricane Center
Storm Preparedness & Cleanup eni, July 2008
Effect of Disasters on Pay and Benefits Policies A Hewitt Associates Survey 2005
Immediate employer issues in responding to Hurricane Katrina Mercer GRIST Report, Sept. 29, 2005
How is your organization affected by the 2005 hurricane season aand how are you responding? WorldatWork Quick Question, September/October 2005
Employers' Responsibilities In the Wake of a Natural Disaster Littler Mendelson, September 2005
Do your employees receive disaster pay in the event of a hurricane or similar disaster? WorldatWork Quick Question, September 2004
Supportive Solutions, Inc. Crisis Response Services: More Than Just an Intervention Guiding the On-site Manager through the Crisis Response Process Practical Assistance and Crisis Support Planning Providing an Immediate Response to a Crisis is NOT Always the Best Support for the Caregivers
ITAC Exploring Telework as a Business Continuity Strategy
U.S. Department of Labor Hurricane Recovery Assistance
FEMA Emergency Management Guide For Business & Industry Standard Checklist Criteria For Business Recovery
American Red Cross Business & Industry Preparedness Guide
IRS Tax Relief in Disaster Situations
New U.S. Minimum Wage
On May 25, 2007, President Bush signed legislation to increase the U.S. federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour over the next two years. The first step of the increase was effective on July 24, 2007, taking the federal minimum wage to $5.85 an hour. It will then increase to $6.55 an hour in July 2008 and $7.25 in July 2009.
This phased-in federal minimum wage increase will impact many state minimum wage regulations. Twenty-one (21) states are affected by the first increase, as they have minimum wage laws that are directly linked to the federal wage rate, or have state-specific minimum wage requirements that fall below the new federal wage rate of $5.85 an hour.
News Increase in Federal Minimum Wage Will Not Reduce 45B Credit Newsline, Sept. 6, 2007
Federal Minimum Wage Set for Increase Today Newsline, July 24, 2007
Hike in Federal Minimum Wage Has Minimal Impact in Most States, CCH Says Newsline, July 20, 2007
Minimum Wage Increases Government Scene
Iraq Funding Bill Increased Minimum Wage; included PPA Technical Corrections Newsline, May 31, 2007
House Ways and Means Committee Discusses Revenue Raising Provisions in Minimum
Wage Bill American Benefits Council, Mar.14, 2007
Survey Reveals Many HR Professionals Against Raising Minimum Wage, Will Reduce Labor Hours and Raise Prices Newsline, Mar. 7, 2007
Senate Passes its Minimum Wage Bill Newsline, Feb. 5, 2007
Executive Compensation
Under Discussion in
Minimum Wage Debate Watson Wyatt, February 2007
Resources State Minimum Wage Laws - as of April 30, 2007 U.S. Department of Labor
History of Federal Minimum Wage Rates U.S. Department of Labor
Proposed Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation
News and Resources Policy Brief - House Passes Legislation Requiring Annual Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation HR Policy Association, June 14, 2007
White House Opposes Exec Comp Bill Newsline, Apr. 20, 2007
House of Representatives Passes Bill Allowing Shareholders to Vote on Executive Pay Newsline, Apr. 20, 2007
House Committee Passes Bill Giving Shareholders Nonbinding Say on Officer Pay Government Scene, Apr. 18, 2007
House of Representatives to Consider Allowing Shareholders to Vote on Executive Pay Newsline, Apr. 18, 2007
Bill to Mandate Shareholder Advisory Vote
On Executive Compensation Gathers Momentum Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., Mar. 30, 2007
Policy Brief - Rep. Frank Introduces Legislation Requiring Annual Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation HR Policy Association, Mar. 1, 2007
House Committee Passes Shareholder Vote on Compensation Bill WorldatWork, Mar. 30, 2007
Statement Regarding
Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation WorldatWork, Mar. 8, 2007
Activist Institutional Investors Seek Legislation Requiring Shareholder
Vote on Executive Compensation HR Policy Association, Mar. 1, 2007
SEC Executive Compensation Disclosure
News SEC Letter Spells Out Key Themes Newsline, Aug. 30, 2007
SEC Letters on Executive Compensation Disclosure Likely to Lengthen CD&As in 2008 Newsline, Aug. 30, 2007
SEC Staff Comment Letters on Proxy Disclosure of Executive Compensation Frederic W. Cook & Co. Inc, Aug. 30, 2007
Executive Pay Disclosure in 2007, Part 2: How Well the Tabular Disclosure Met Investor Needs Mercer, Aug. 27, 2007
Impact of the New SEC Disclosure Rules; Executive Pay Under the Microscope Newsline, Apr. 11, 2007
2007 Proxy Season Expected to Reveal Many Changes Mercer Human Resources Consulting, Apr. 4, 2007
SEC Permits Distribution of Proxy Materials via Internet Posting workspan, April 2007
SEC Permits Distribution of Proxy Materials via Internet Posting Newsline, Apr. 2, 2007
Specific Executive Pay Goals Often Omitted From Proxy Statements Newsline, Mar. 28, 2007
New SEC Executive Compensation Disclosure is Significantly Less Clear and More Lengthy Than Anticipated Newsline, Mar. 19, 2007
SEC Issues More Guidance on Exec Comp Disclosure Newsline, Jan. 26, 2007
SEC Amends Executive Compensation Disclosure to More Closely Align with FAS 123R Newsline, Dec. 29, 2006
New SEC Proxy Disclosure Rules Fast Approaching Newsline, Dec. 7, 2006
SEC's New Executive Compensation Disclosure The Segal Company, Oct. 2, 2006
Companies Are Not Waiting to Alter Executive Compensation Practices Towers Perrin, Aug. 2006
SEC Approves New Executive Compensation Disclosure Rules Towers Perrin, Aug. 2006
SEC Adopts New Executive Pay Disclosure Rules: Time for a Fresh Start Mercer, Aug. 7, 2006
New SEC Disclosure Rules Put Spotlight on Option Practices Mercer, Aug. 1, 2006
The SEC's Proposed Disclosure Rules workspan, Aug., 2006
SEC Votes to Adopt Changes to Disclosure Requirements Concerning Executive Compensation and Related Matters Newsline, July 26, 2006
SEC to Vote on Exec Comp Disclosure Rules Newsline, July 20, 2006
Opening the Dialogue on SEC Disclosure: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly workspan, July, 2006
SEC Proposal: New Compliance Headaches or 'It's About Time?' workspan Perspectives, May 2006
HR Policy Association Offers SEC Recommendations for Further Clarifying Executive Compensation Disclosure Newsline, Apr. 24, 2006
Few U.S. Companies Planning Changes to Pay Programs in Wake of New SEC Disclosure Rules Newsline, Mar. 14, 2006
SEC Releases Its Disclosure Rules Newsline, Jan., 30, 2006
SEC Votes to Propose Changes to Disclosure Requirements Concerning Executive Compensation and Related Matters Press Release, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Jan. 17, 2006
SEC Issues Draft Executive Pay Regulations Newsline, Jan. 17, 2006
SEC Chairman Looks to Revise Disclosure Rules Capital View, workspan, Jan. 2006
SEC Considering New Executive Compensation Disclosure Rules Newsline, Jan. 10, 2006
SEC Chair Speaks on Executive Compensation Disclosure Newsline, Dec. 20, 2005
Institutional Investors at Odds with How U.S. Companies Determine Executive Pay Packages Newsline, Dec. 14, 2005Resources Executive Rewards Questionary WorldatWork
SEC Provides Interpretive Guidance on Executive Compensation Proxy Disclosure Rules Buck Consultants, Feb. 6, 2007
SEC Releases Interpretive Guidance on New Executive Compensation Disclosure Rules Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., Jan. 29, 2007
Guidance on Executive Compensation Disclosure Securities and Exchange Commission, Jan. 24, 2007
SEC Issues Revised Rules for
Disclosing Equity Compensation Mercer Human Resources Consulting, Jan. 10, 2007
SEC Adopts Changes to Executive Compensation Proxy Disclosure Rules Buck Consultants, Jan. 9, 2007
SEC Amends Rules on Proxy Disclosure
of Equity Awards Effective for 2007 Proxy Season Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., Dec. 28, 2006
SEC Executive
Compensation Disclosure - Top 10 Actions to Take Now Mercer Human Resources Consulting, Sept. 29, 2006
Overview of SEC Proxy Disclosure Rules Presidio Pay Advisors, Sept. 2006
The SEC’s Proxy Disclosure Rules Tell Investors a Whole New
Story about Executive Defined Benefit Retirement Plans Buck Consultants, Sept. 2006
Planning For The New Proxy Disclosure Rules — Practical Guidance Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., Sept. 14, 2006
SEC Exec Comp Disclosure - Top 10 Actions to Take Now Mercer Human Resources Consulting , Sept. 9, 2006
Final Rules Federal Register, Sept. 8, 2006
Final Rules Securities and Exchange Commission, Aug. 11, 2006
The Final SEC Regulations: Proxy & Executive Pay Reporting WorldatWork Webinar - Playback Available!
New SEC Rules Revise Form 8-K Disclosure Frederic W. Cook & Co. Inc., Aug. 22, 2006
Implications of Proposed SEC Disclosure Rules and Suggested Actions to Take Now
Will More Disclosure Mean Lower Pay?
SEC Proposes New Rules on Executive and Director Compensation Disclosure — Client Alert
Proposed Rules: Executive Compensation and Related Party Disclosure
Far-Reaching SEC Proposal on Executive Compensation Disclosure Would Require Companies to Provide Substantial New Information
SEC Proposes Changes to Executive Compensation Disclosures Requirements
SEC Proposals on Executive Compensation Disclosure
SEC Proposed Rule on Executive Compensation and Related Party Disclosure
Policy Brief: SEC's Proposes Comprehensive Executive Compensation Disclosure in "Plain English"
SEC to Overhaul Executive Pay Disclosure — When and Where to Begin
Commission Open Meeting Webcast — Proposed Revisions to the Executive Compensation and Related Party Disclosure Rules
Executive Compensation: A Guide for Investors
Executive Compensation U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, updated Oct. 3, 2005
Comments on Proposed Rule: Streamlining and Consolidation of Executive and Director Compensation Disclosure
Pension Protection Act of 2006
News US House Passes Pension Protection Act of 2006 Technical Corrections Bill.html Newsline, March 21, 2008
Treasury, IRS Issue Proposed Regulations Outlining New Rules Restricting Benefits in Underfunded Pension Plans
Newsline, Aug. 29, 2007
One Year After Pension Protection Act Many Companies Still Unprepared Newsline, Aug. 16, 2007
Shareholder Equity Impact of New Pension Fund Accounting Rules on as Dire as Predicted Newsline, Aug. 9, 2007
Final Rules on Automatic Enrollment and Default Investments Expected In April Government Scene, April 2007
Labor Says PPA Does Not Nullify Prior Guidance on Investment Advice Government Scene, Mar. 9, 2007
Few Private Company CEOs are Knowledgeable about the 2006 Pension Reform Newsline, Mar. 9, 2007
Pension Protection Act Contains "Incredible Typo", Practitioner Notes Government Scene, February 2007
Pension Act Regulations Could Mean Significant Changes for 401(k) Sponsors Newsline, Jan. 30, 2007
Pension Law Shifts Retirement Plan Participation Equation Newsline, Jan. 17, 2007
Treasury and IRS Issue Guidance on New Distribution Provisions of the Pension Protection Act Newsline, Jan. 12, 2007
EBSA Releases Field Assistance Bulletin on Individual Benefit Statements and Diversification Notices Newsline, Dec. 27, 2006
DOL Relaxes PPA Diversification Notice Requirement for Certain Plans Buck Consultants, Dec. 21, 2006
U.S. Labor Department Proposes Pension Protection Act Revisions to the Form 5500 Annual Report for 2008 Newsline, Dec. 12, 2006
Treasury, IRS Issue Notice Regarding Participants’ Diversification Rights for Employer Securities Held in Retirement Plans Newsline, Dec. 1, 2006
Democrats Not Expected to Allow PPA Technical Corrections Bill Newsline, Nov. 10, 2006
PPA Technical Corrections Unlikely This Year Buck Consultants , Nov. 2, 2006
Pension Plan Sponsors Changing Investment Focus Newsline, Nov. 2, 2006
Court Decision, Pension Reform Could Revive Cach Balance Plans Veritude, October 2006
The Pension Protection Act of 2006 – Funding Rules for Single-Employer Defined Benefit Plans Buck Consultants, Oct. 24, 2006
A Whole New World for Multiemployer Funds Buck Consultants, Oct. 24, 2006
IRS Pension Protection Act Ushers in New Defined Contribution Plan Era Buck Consultants, Oct. 13, 2006
Pension Protection Act's Impact on Total Rewards Professionals workspan, October 2006
Most Plan Sponsors Expect New Pension Protection Act’s Impact on Contributions to Be Modest Newsline, Oct. 11, 2006
U.S. Labor Department Announces Proposed Rule on Default Investment Alternatives for Participant-Directed Plans Newsline, Sept. 27, 2006
Publication Helps Employers Address Funding Provisions of Pension Protection Act of 2006 Newsline, Aug. 29, 2006
President Signs Pension Bill Newsline, Aug. 17, 2006
Pension Protection Act of 2006 Signed Into
Law Hewitt Associates, Aug. 17, 2006
Pension Reform Bill Targets a Few Health and Welfare Benefits Mercer, Aug. 10, 2006
Statement by Labor Secretary on Passage of Comprehensive Pension Reform Newsline, Aug. 7, 2006
American Benefits Council: Pension Bill a 'Mixed Bag' for Employers, Employees Newsline, Aug. 7, 2006
Senate Passes "Flawed" Pension Bill, According to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Newsline, Aug. 7, 2006
Pension Bill Poised to Become Law; Implications for Total Rewards Packages Newsline, Aug. 4, 2006
Resources Pension Protection Act of 2006 (Full Text)
DOL Resources Relating to Pension Protection Act Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration
IRS Resources Relating to Pension Protection Act Internal Revenue Service
Global Retirement Perspective - Pension Protection Act of 2006: The Dust Is
Settling Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Feb. 12, 2007
IRS Issues Grab-Bag Guidance on PPA Changes to Plan Distribution Rules Including Lump Sums Deloitte, Jan. 16, 2007
IRS Issues Guidance on Cash Balance Plans Buck Consultants, Jan. 15, 2007
Temporary Guidance for PPA Benefit Statements Published Government Scene, January 2007
DOL Provides Guidance on New Pension Benefit Statement Requirements Buck Consultants, Jan. 5, 2007
The Pension Protection Act of 2006 – Non-Funding Defined Benefit Plan Provisions Buck Consultants, Dec. 20, 2006
DOL Issues Model Notice of Pending Election of Multiemployer Plan Status Buck Consultants , Dec. 14, 2006
The Pension Protection Act’s Health and Welfare Provisions Buck Consultants , Nov. 21, 2006
The Pension Protection Act -
A Checklist for Action Buck Consultants , October 2006
Summary of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 CRS Report for Congress, Oct. 23, 2006
Private Pension Plan Bulletin - Abstract of 2003 Form 5500 Annual Reports Department of Labor, October 2006
The Pension Protection Act of 2006: Expected Impact on Retirement Plan Financing and How Employers are Likely to Respond Towers Perrin White Paper, September 2006
Tackling the New Pension Law: Its Impact on DC Plans WorldatWork Webinar, Playback Available
New Pension Law Clarifies Funding, Other Critical Issues for Plan Sponsors Towers Perrin, Sepember 2006
Pension Protection Act – Impact on Governmental Plans Buck Consultants , Sept. 8, 2006
Provisions Applicable to Defined Contribution Plans Buck Consultants, Aug. 22, 2006
Pension Protection Act and Cooper v. IBM: Cash Balance and Pension Equity Plans Buck Consultants, Aug. 18, 2006
Effect on Single-Employer Defined Benefit Plans Buck Consultants, Aug. 15, 2006
Pension Protection Act of 2006: Impact on Your Retirement Programs Aon Consulting, Aug. 7, 2006
Pension Briefing
Side-by-Side Comparison of Provisions Davis & Harmon LLP, July 31, 2006
Securing Retirement: An Overview of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 Deloitte Consulting, Aug. 3, 2006
Technical Explanation of Pension Protection Act of 2006 Joint Committee on Taxation, Aug. 3, 2006
GRIST Report: House passes broad pension bill; Senate outlook uncertain Mercer, July 31, 2006
2007 Health Care Cost Increases
News & Resources Health Benefit Cost Increases Level Off at 6.1%
Health-Care Costs Increase at the Lowest Rate in Five Years
Lowest Health Insurance Premium Increase since 1997
Most Plan Sponsors Expect New Pension Protection Act’s Impact on Contributions to Be Modest
Data Reveals Lowest U.S. Health Care Cost Increases in Eight Years
Workers Facing New Benefit Options in Open Enrollment Season
Cost of Prescription Co-Pays Continues to Increase
Buck Consultants Survey Indicates Slower Trend in Health-Care Costs for Employers
Health Insurance: Good News, Bad News
Employer-Sponsored Health Benefit Costs Continue to Outpace the CPI in the U.S.
Declines in Trends Predicted in 2007
Survey Foresees Lowest Health Insurance Rate Increase in 7 Years
Despite Ongoing Double-Digit Rates, Health-Care Costs Begin to Moderate
Pandemic Preparation - Avian Flu
Total Rewards Issues AvianFluSearch by ORC Macro
Avian Flu: Impact on Employee Benefits
and Employment Conditions
Survey of HR Preparedness for Flu
Pandemic
Preparing for a Pandemic: The Total Rewards Angle Supplemental Information
Disaster Planning& Corporate Child
Care:
What CEOs Need to
Do
Threat of Flu Pandemic Means Employers Must Geographically Distribute Workers
Flu Pandemic - Are you Ready?
Effect of Disasters on Pay and Benefits Policies
Exploring Telework as a Business Continuity Strategy
WASC Telework Policy
International Trade Administration Telework Guide
Security Issues for Telecommuting
Business Planning & Preparedness APFluWatch.com
Interim Pre-pandemic Planning Guidance:Community Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Mitigation in the United States
Avian Flu: Background and Analysis
More U.S. Businesses Aware of Pandemic Flu Threat; Many Don’t Have Adequate Plans
Businesses Still Unprepared for Pandemic Threat
U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA Unveils New Guidance for Protecting Employees Against Avian Flu
Avian Flu Concerns Outpace Preparedness
New Study Reveals Lack of Confidence in Disaster and Information Availability Preparedness Among U.S. Executives Surveyed
Employers Not Prepared for Avian Flu, Survey Finds
High Anxiety But Little Action to Date on Pandemic Preparedness
Avian Flu: Background and Potential
Impact on Employers
Report: Companies Need a More Global, Holistic Approach to Prepare for Potential Avian Flu Epidemic
Avian Flu Pandemic Preparedness Survey Report
The White House - National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza (NSPI)
Mercer Global Avian Flu Survey: Striking Gap Between Employer Concern, Current Pandemic Preparedness
Companies Preparing for Avian Flu Across the Globe
Avian Flu Preparedness
Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
Bird Flu — Are Employers Ready?
Survey of Emergency Evacuation Plans and Company Responses to the Threat of an Avian Influenza Outbreak
Pandemic Influenza — Managing the Risks of an Invisible Threat
Avian Flu Pandemic Preparation for Employers
Kroll Consulting
A Comprehensive Approach for Assessing and Preparing for an Avian Flu Pandemic
Risk Alert - Avian Flu: Preparing for a Pandemic
New Reality of Risk Panel Discussion - Preparing for a Pandemic
At Risk: Business Health Could Suffer from Avian Flu
Avian Flu and Pandemic Preparedness
Forum on Business and Influenza Pandemic Preparedness
Guidance for Protecting Workers Against Avian Flu
Avian Flu: What to Expect and How Companies Can Prepare for It
Emergency Management Guide For Business & Industry
Standard Checklist Criteria For Business Recovery
Business & Industry Preparedness Guide
2006 Health Care Cost Increases
News and Resources Hewitt: HMO Rate Increases Continue to Decline for Fourth Consecutive Year Newsline, June 14, 2006
Survey: Large Employers Unaware of Rising Radiology Costs, Opportunity for Savings Newsline, June 8, 2006
Despite Ongoing Double-Digit Rates, Health-Care Costs Begin to Moderate Newsline, June 1, 2006
Drug Cost Increases are Slowing Newsline, Feb. 24, 2006
Health-Care Cost Increases Slowing Down Newsline, Feb.16, 2006
Survey: Consumer-Driven Health-Plan Cost Growth Significantly Slower Than Other Plans Newsline, Jan. 25, 2006
HMOs Propose Lowest Rate Increases in Five Years Newsline, Jan. 3, 2006
U.S. Companies Face Lowest Health-Care Cost Increases Since 1999 Newsline, Jan. 3, 2006
Fast-Growing Health-care Costs Could Soon Become Largest Portion of U.S. Employers' Spending on Benefits Newsline, Dec. 1, 2005
U.S. Health Benefit Cost Growth Will Slow Newsline, Nov. 30, 2005
Health Benefit Cost Slows for a Third Year, Rising Just 6.1% in 2005 Mercer Human Resources Consulting, Nov. 20, 2005
Study Finds Continued Increases in U.S. Prescription Drug Prices Newsline, Nov. 4, 2005
University of Iowa Offers Generic Drugs at No Cost to Staff Newsline, Nov. 4, 2005
Employers Look for New Ways to Manage Rx Benefit Cost Newsline, Oct. 31, 2005
Survey Sees Slowing of Premium Increases Newsline, Oct. 25, 2005
Health Plans Expect 8.4% Increase in Premiums for 2006 Newsline, Oct. 11, 2005
Health Insurance Premiums Rising, Outpacing Workers' Wages Newsline, Oct. 5, 2005
Increase Projected for 2006 Health Care Costs Newsline, Sept. 28, 2005
Health Care is Biggest Business Cost Concern, New Survey Finds Newsline, Sept. 28, 2005
Health Care Cost Increases Are Slowing, New Survey Finds Newsline, Sept. 26, 2005
OPM Announces Smallest Average FEHB Premium Increase in Nine Years Newsline, Sept. 16, 2005
National Health Care Costs Ease, but Cost-Sharing Continues Newsline, Sept. 15, 2005
Health Benefit Cost Growth to Slow in 2006 as Employers Continue Trimming Newsline, Sept. 14, 2005
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
2007
News & Resources Limited 409A Relief Doesn’t Delay Final Rules or Deadline to Set Payment Terms Newsline, Sept. 12, 2007
Congress Set to Resume Aggressive HR Policy Agenda Newsline, Aug. 30, 2007
WorldatWork Comment to IRS Requesting Delay in Effective Date of Section 409A Final Regulations Aug. 30. 2007
Joint Comment to IRS and Treasury Requesting Delay in Effective Date of Section 409A Final Regulations Aug. 29, 2007
Full Extension of Documentation Deadline for Section 409A “Unlikely Government Scene, Aug. 1, 2007
Treasury, IRS Issue Final Regulations on Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Newsline, Apr. 10, 2007
2005-06
News Deferred Compensation: Employers Scrambling to Comply But IRS May Change 409A Guidance Newsline, Dec. 28, 2006
Treasury Issues Notice to Extend Existing Transition Relief for Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Newsline, Oct. 12, 2006
IRS Code Unavailable Until Fall Newsline, Mar. 28, 2006
New U.S. Treasury Guidance Released for Deferred Compensation Newsline, Mar. 22, 2006
Nonqualified Voluntary Deferred Compensation: Through the Eyes of Your Executives Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Feb. 3, 2006
IRS Suspends Section 409A Reporting and Withholding Requirements for 2005 Clark Consulting, Dec. 9, 2005
IRS Grants W-2 Reporting Relief for NQDC Plans Newsline, Dec. 9, 2005
New Deferred Compensation Guidance Requires a Fresh Look at Executive Compensation Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Nov. 22, 2005
Among Fortune 1000, NQDC Plans Remain Popular, COLI Informal Funding Continues Steady Growth Newsline, Nov. 15, 2005
Treasury and IRS Propose Regulations on Deferred Compensation Newsline, Sept. 29, 2005
Notice 2005-1 U.S. Treasury, January 5, 2005
Resources IRS Issues Section 409A Withholding and Reporting Rules for 2005 and 2006 Buck Consultants, Dec. 14, 2006
Heads Up on Deferred Compensation Guidance Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., Oct. 11, 2006
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation What Now for Deferred Compensation Plans? Perspectives, workspan, February 2006
The New Deferred Compensation Rules: What Employers Most Need to Know Hay Group, December 2005
Year-End Action on Deferred Compensation Frederic W. Cook & Co. Inc., Alert Letter, Nov. 4, 2005
Summary of Proposed Treasury Regulations for 409A Clark Consulting, Oct. 10, 2005
Heads Up on Deferred Compensation Guidance Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., Oct. 7, 2005
Action Items in Response to IRS Guidance on Deferred Compensation Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., February 28, 2005
2004
Treasury and IRS Issue Guidance on Deferred Compensation Newsline, December 20, 2004
WorldatWork Comment Letter to Treasury November 9, 2004
House, Senate Leaders Draft NQDC Corrections Bill Newsline, November 24, 2004
President Approves Deferred Compensation Legislation - Now Awaits Treasury Regulations Newsline, October 25, 2004
American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 Approved by Congress Newsline, October 18, 2004
Congress Moves on International Tax Bill Newsline, October 7, 2004
Tax Bill Will Impact Deferred Compensation Plans Newsline, June 17, 2004
Heads-Up on Deferred Compensation Legislation Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., December 22, 2004
Jumping through Hoops - A New Era for Nonqualified Deferred Compensation workspan, December, 2004
Provisions Affecting Deferred Compensation in the AJCA of 2004 Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., December 2, 2004
Overview of Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Provisions The Benefits Group of Davis and Harman LLPC, October 11, 2004
Conference Committee Report Title X, Section D. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans
Deferred Compensation Legislation Summary and Action Plan Groom Law Group, October 8, 2004
Summary Restrictions on Nonqualified Deferred Compensation HR Policy Association, October 7, 2004
DOL Proposed USERRA Regulations
News Two New Federal Notices Need Prompt Action in 2006 Mercer Human Resources Consulting, Jan. 19, 2006
Labor Department Issues USERRA Regulations Newsline, Dec. 19, 2005
WorldatWork Comment Letter Nov. 29, 2004
Military Duty: Navigating the Benefits Maze workspan Magazine, Oct. 2004
WorldatWork Comment Letter In Progress Member Comment Questionnaire and Summary of Issues
Resources Vets Publish First Proposed USERRA Regulations Newsline, Nov. 17, 2004
Proposed Regulations U.S. Department of Labor, Sept. 20, 2004
USERRA Update: Employment-Related Rights for Called Up Military Reservists and Returning Vets Deloitte (repurposed by BenefitsLink), Aug. 23, 2004
Pension Reform
News Rep. Hopeful of Finishing Pension Bill Before Easter Newsline, Mar 30, 2006
PBGC Premium Hike Implement Newsline, Mar. 2, 2006
PBGC Waives Some 4010 Reporting Newsline, Jan. 24, 2006
U. S. House Passes Pension Protection Act with Minor Changes, Conference Likely in Early 2006 Newsline, Dec.16, 2005
Senate Approves Pension Funding Legislation; Look to Conference with House Bill Newsline, Nov. 16, 2005
U. S. House Committee to Considers Pension Reform Newsline, Nov. 9, 2005
FASB Acts on Pension Reporting Newsline, Nov. 10, 2005
U.S. Ways and Means Committee Approves Pension Funding Legislation with Few Amendments Newsline, Nov. 10, 2005
House Education and the Workforce Committee to Vote on Budget Bill; Will Contain PBGC Premium Increases Newsline, Oct. 25, 2005
Senate Finance, HELP Committees Reach Compromise on Pension Funding Reform Bill Newsline, Sept. 30, 2005
Finance, HELP Committee Leaders Agree on Pension Bill U.S. Senate Press Release, September 27, 2005
Senate HELP Committee Approves Pension Reform Bill Newsline, September 13, 2005
Senate Committee Introduces Pension Reform Measure Newsline, July 25, 2005
House Committee Passes Pension Reform Bill Newsline, June 30, 2005
House Committee Contemplates Pension Reform Bill Newsline, June 30, 2005
Continued Trouble for Pensions and PBGC, Says Report Newsline, June 3, 2005
Pension Proposal Would Hit Financially Healthy Employers Hard Newsline, May 17, 2005
Cardin Bill Would Promote Automatic Enrollment in Defined Contribution Plans and Increase Retirement Plan Portability HR Policy Association Brief, May 10, 2005
WorldatWork Comment Letter April 26, 2005
Strong 2004 Year-End Equities Performance Fails to Lift Pensions Newsline, March 11, 2005
Senator Suggests Capping Executive Compensation at Companies With Troubled Pension Plans Newsline, March 4, 2005
Our Outdated Pension Laws Must be Reformed workspan, March, 2005
DOL Proposes Rules on Notices Relating to Funding Status of Multiemployer Pension Plans Newsline, Feb. 8, 2005
Grassley, Baucus Reintroduce NESTEG Newsline, Feb. 2, 2005
Chao Comments on Urgency of Pension Reform Proposal Newsline, Jan. 28, 2005
Global Pension Fund Asset Growth Outpaced by Liabilities Newsline, Jan. 27, 2005
DOL Unveils Pension Proposal Newsline, Jan. 11, 2005
Pension Funding Levels Improved Slightly In 2004, But Deferred Pension Costs Continue To Rise Newsline, Jan. 11, 2005
PBGC Proposes New Penalty Structure WorldatWork Staff , May 10, 2004
President Signs Pension Funding Bill from Newsline, April 12, 2004
PBGC Executive Director Announces Resignation from Newsline, January 8, 2004
Seventh Circuit Rules on Pension Plans By Jeffrey J. Kros, WorldatWorkworkspan
Pension Underfunding Remains Widespread, but Represents Just 4% of Corporate Assets from Newsline, Oct. 1, 2003
Weathering the Perfect Storm of Pension Funding By Nell Hennessy, Aon Fiduciary Counselors Inc., and Charles Clark, Aon Consultingworkspan
Pension Underfunding: Is the Sky Really Falling? By Barbara Parus workspan
Resources PBGC to Phase In Electronic Filings in 2006 Mercer GRIST Report, Jan. 12, 2006
FASB decides on transition to new pension and retiree medical accounting and disclosures Mercer GRIST Report, Jan. 20, 2006
FASB's Latest Pension Accounting Proposal: What It Means for Your Organization Mercer Human Resource Consulting, December 2005
Comparison of Senate Compromise to Other Pension Reform Proposals Mercer GRIST Report, Oct. 12, 2005
Comparison of Significant Pension Reform Proposals ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) and Deloitte Consulting LLP, Sept. 19, 2005
Basics of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) Employee Benefit Research Institute, June 2005
Selecting and Monitoring Pension Consultants - Tips for Plan Fiduciaries U.S. Department of Labor, May 2005
Hurricane Recovery/Response
News Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses Can Prevent Operational Headaches During Hurricane Season with Basic IT Back-Ups Newsline, June 16, 2006
Survey: More Than 20% of Large Businesses Unprepared for Natural Disasters Newsline, May 23, 2006
IRS to Help Hurricane-Affected Taxpayers Newsline, Mar. 24, 2006
U.S. DOL Recovers More Than $141,000 in Back Wages in Hurricane Clean-up Newsline, Feb. 2, 2006
IRS Announces Additional Agreements to Assist Disaster Victims Newsline, Jan. 6, 2006
IRS Providing Announcements on Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 Newsline, Jan. 3, 2006
U.S. Treasury and IRS Issue Guidance to Clarify New Legislation Providing Katrina Victims Access to Their Retirement Savings Newsline, Nov. 30, 2005
IRS and DOL Provide Relief for Hurricane Wilma Victims Newsline, Nov. 2, 2005
U.S. Labor Department Web Site Assists Hurricane Victims Locate Employee Benefit Plan Sponsors Newsline, Oct. 26, 2005
Hurricane Survivors Urged to be Aware of Fraud Attempts Newsline, Oct. 21, 2005
Report Indicates Katrina and Rita Hurt U.S. Economy Newsline, Oct. 17, 2005
Many Employees Displaced by Katrina to Stay on Payrolls Indefinitely Newsline, Oct. 12, 2005
Deadlines for Taxpayers Affected by Hurricane Katrina Extended Until Feb. 28 Newsline, Sept. 29, 2005
New Hurricane Katrina Legislation Would Facilitate Loans and Distributions Newsline, Sept. 27, 2005
DOL Extends Reporting Relief for Katrina-affected Areas Newsline, Sept. 27, 2005
Hurricane Katrina Relief Bill Passes; Treasury, DOL Issue More Guidance Newsline, Sept. 27, 2005
Tax Relief Granted for Hurricane Rita IRS Press Release, Sept. 26, 2005
Telework Must Be a Priority, Congressman Says Newsline, Sept. 26, 2005
$12 Million Job Training Program for Katrina-affected Areas Newsline, Sept. 26, 2005
IRS Updates Hurricane Katrina Tax Relief Guidelines for Taxpayers in Four States, Relief Workers and Others Impacted IRS Press Release, Sept. 21, 2005
Exemption from SEC Filing and Proxy Delivery Requirements SEC Exemptive Order, Sept. 15, 2005
Retirement Plans Can Make Loans, Hardship Distributions to Katrina Victims IRS Press Release, Sept. 15, 2005
Katrina Relief Workers Have Until Jan. 3 to File and Pay Taxes IRS Press Release, Sept. 14, 2005
Labor Announces Job Bank for Workers and Employers Affected by Katrina Newsline, Sept. 13, 2005
Treasury, IRS Announce Relief Programs, Encourage Employees to Donate Vacation-Time Dollars to Hurricane Victims Newsline, Sept. 9, 2005
Katrina Victims Have Until Jan. 3 to File and Pay Taxes, IRS Says Newsline, Sept. 9, 2005
DOL Announces $30.8 Million to Help Four States Distribute Unemployment Insurance Newsline, Sept. 9, 2005
SEC Provides Alternate Contact Information for Registered Investment Advisers Displaced by Hurricane Katrina Newsline, Sept. 9, 2005
Treasury, IRS Announce Special Relief to Encourage Leave-Donation Programs for Victims of Hurricane Katrina IRS Press Release, Sept. 8, 2005
Proclamation by the President: To Suspend Subchapter IV of Chapter 31 of Title 40, United States Code, Within a Limited Geographic Area in Response to the National Emergency Caused by Hurricane Katrina White House Press Release, Sept. 8, 2005
Feds Suspend Employment Verification Documentation for Katrina Victims Newsline, Sept. 8, 2005
Minimum Funding Contribution Deadline Extended for Katrina-affected Areas Newsline, Sept. 8, 2005
Notice Regarding I-9 Documentation Requirements for Hiring Hurricane Victims DHS Press Release, Sept. 7, 2005
HIPAA Privacy and Disclosures in Emergency Situations DHHS Bulletin, Sept. 2, 2005
IRS Grants Relief Regarding Certain Employee Plan Contributions IRS Press Release, Sept. 2, 2005
IRS Expands Relief Area for Katrina Victims IRS Press Release, Sept. 2, 2005
IRS Waives Diesel Fuel Penalty Due to Hurricane Katrina IRS Press Release, Sept. 2, 2005
Helping Employees and Their Families in Katrina's Aftermath Newsline, Sept. 1, 2005
IRS Creates Disaster Relief Toll-Free Number IRS Press Release, Sept. 1, 2005
Employers Move to Help Workers in Stricken Areas USA Today, Aug. 31, 2005
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces $4 Million to Aid Alabama’s Hurricane Katrina Recovery Efforts DOL Press Release, Aug. 31, 2005
OSHA Offers Assistance for Hurricane Katrina Cleanup and Recovery Workers DOL Press Release, Aug. 31, 2005
U.S. Labor Department Extends Annual Reports Deadline After Hurricane Katrina Hits DOL Press Release, Aug. 29, 2005 Mississippi Louisiana Alabama
Resources Aftermath of Hurricanes — Update Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Jan. 25, 2006
HIPAA, COBRA and Claims Deadlines Extended for Katrina Victims GRIST Alert, Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Sept. 19, 2005
Hurricane Bill with Retirement, Pay, Technical Changes Signed by President GRIST Report, Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Dec. 22, 2005
Effect of Disasters on Pay and Benefits Policies
Immediate employer issues in responding to Hurricane Katrina Mercer GRIST Report, Sept. 29, 2005
Round-Up of Legislative and Regulatory Relief For Plan Sponsors, Administrators, and Participants and Beneficiaries Affected by Hurricane Katrina Groom Law Group, Sept. 23, 2005
Special Quick Question: Hurricane Season 2005 How is your organization affected and how are you responding? September - October, 2005
WorldatWork Quick Question Results Where does your organization stand with regard to paying employees after a disaster such as Katrina? September 2005 Do your employees receive disaster pay in the event of a hurricane or similar disaster? September 2004
Supportive Solutions, Inc. Crisis Response Services: More Than Just an Intervention Guiding the On-site Manager through the Crisis Response Process Practical Assistance and Crisis Support Planning Providing an Immediate Response to a Crisis is NOT Always the Best Support for the Caregivers
President signs Katrina tax relief bill Mercer GRIST Report, Sept. 23, 2005
HIPAA, COBRA, and claims deadlines extended for Katrina victims Mercer GRIST Report, Sept. 19, 2005
Hurricane Katrina: Organizational Responses by Industry Families and Work Institute
Employers' Responsibilities In the Wake of a Natural Disaster Littler Mendelson, September 2005
Grassley-Baucus Tax Relief Package for Individuals Affected by Hurricane Katrina United States Senate Committee on Finance, Sept. 12, 2005
HR E-Alerts I-9 Documentation Health Coverage Form 5500 Deadline Extension
ITAC Exploring Telework as a Business Continuity Strategy
U.S. Department of Labor Hurricane Recovery Assistance
Wage Determinations On-Line President Suspends Davis-Bacon in Areas Impacted by Hurricane Katrina
FEMA Emergency Management Guide For Business & Industry Standard Checklist Criteria For Business Recovery
American Red Cross Business & Industry Preparedness Guide
IRS Tax Relief in Disaster Situations Hurricane Katrina: Information on Charitable Giving, Tax-Relief Issues
Securities and Exchange Commission Hurricane Katrina Regulatory Relief and Assistance
Gas Prices
News Companies Help Employees Bear Commuting Costs
IRS Announces 2006 Standard Mileage Rates Newsline, Jan. 9, 2006
Gas Prices Cause Employees to Consider Alternate Commuting Options
Interest in Commuter Benefit Programs on the Rise
Gas Prices Fuel Company’s New Employee Perks
U.S. Multinationals Feeling the Pinch of Escalating Oil Prices Newsline, Aug. 15, 2005
IRS Extends Diesel Fuel Penalty Relief Due to Hurricane Katrina IRS, Sept. 15, 2005
IRS Increases Mileage Rate Until Dec. 31, 2005 IRS, Sept. 9, 2005
Resources Employees with long commutes are feeling the pain of soaring gas prices. Which of the following best represents the level of worry about this issue in your organization? WorldatWork Quick Question Results, Sept. 26, 2005 Due to higher gas prices, has your organization adjusted the mileage reimbursement amount available to employees? WorldatWork Quick Question Results, Aug. 22, 2005
AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report
WASC Telework Policy Sample policy from the Western Administrative Support Center (WASC), a department within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
International Trade Administration Telework Guide Sample policy from the International Trade Administration
Security Issues for Telecommuting IT considerations from the Information Technology Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Retiree Benefits
News Gap Between Male, Female Retirement Plan Participation Closing Newsline, Nov. 17, 2005
Automatic Enrollment Could Help Raise 401(k) Balances at Retirement Newsline, July 28, 2004
U.S. Workers Are Cashing Out 401(k) Plans When Leaving Jobs Newsline, July 28, 2004
Funding Post-Retirement Medical Benefits workspan, June 2005
Rule Change on Retiree Health Benefits Delayed Newsline, February 8, 2005
Employers Plan to Keep Retiree Drug Coverage After Medicare Drug Benefits Become Available Newsline, January 12, 2005
Businesses and Retirees Hit with Double-Digit Increases in Retiree Health Costs in 2004; Higher Premiums Likely in Future Newsline, December 15, 2004
Retiree Drug Coverage: New Law Impacts Employers WorldatWork Member Chat Transcript, August 31, 2004
Most U.S. Employees May Need to Work Longer and Save More for Retirement Newsline, June 29, 2004
Benefits and the Aging Global Population: A Look at the Practical Implications workspan, June 2004
Medicare Reform
News Medicare Reform Poses Strategic Challenges workspan, February 2004
OFCCP Proposal
News & Resources Wage Bias: The DOL Tackles Compensation Discrimination workspan, March 2005
Systemic Pay Guidance to Avoid Wage Discrimination: Get the Facts workspan, March 2005
WorldatWork Comment Letter January 18, 2005
OFCCP Proposal November 16, 2004
Stock Option Expensing
News Seeking Comment on Equity Options Expensing Newsline, Feb. 7, 2006
Options' Cash Settlement Possibility May Require FAS123(R) Variable Accounting GRIST Report, Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Dec. 29, 2005
SEC Accountant Warns of Inadequate Volatility Estimates Newsline, Dec. 20, 2005
FASB Reconsiders Grant-Date Position Newsline, September 14, 2005
ESPPs Losing Steam, Says Survey Newsline, July 14, 2005
SEC Amends Compliance Dates for FAS 123, Stock Option Expensing Newsline, April 15, 2005
SEC Amends Compliance Dates for FASB Statement No. 123R on Employee Stock Options SEC Press Release 2005-57, April 14, 2005
SEC Releases Stock Option Expensing Guidance Newsline, April 5, 2005
FASB Issues Position on Certain Stock Compensation Newsline, April 5, 2005
SEC Releases Accounting Bulletin 107 SEC Press Release 2005-4-3, March 29, 2005
International Employee Stock Options Coalition (IESOC) Statement on SEC Accounting Bulletin IESOC Press Release, March 29, 2005
What Does It Mean for Your Organization? FAS 123(R) workspan , March 2005
Stock Options Bill Reintroduced in House Newsline, February 28, 2005
U.S. Multinationals Dramatically Revising Stock Option Awards For Non-U.S. Executives Newsline, February 28, 2005
New Paradigm In CEO Pay: Stock Option Values Plummet As Incentives Rise Newsline, February 21, 2005
In-the-Money Value of CEO Stock Options Soared in 2004 Newsline, February 16, 2005
FASB Announces Expensing Standard Newsline, December 17, 2004
Even Before New Accounting Rules Are Issued, Companies Plan to Modify ESPPs Newsline, November 12, 2004
FASB Decides on Effective Date for Option Expensing Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., October 20, 2004
FASB Delays Effective Date for Stock Option Expensing Proposal Newsline, October 14, 2004
Update on FASB’s Progress - Delay May Not Be Necessary Newsline, September 7, 2004
10 Key Themes Surface from Equity Trend Survey Newsline, August 23, 2004
FASB Vows to Press Forward on Expensing Issue Newsline, August 5, 2004
Rank-and-File Employees Hit Hardest by Stock Grant Reductions Newsline, July 26, 2004
Semiconductor Companies Reduced Annual Stock Option Grants by 35% Newsline, July 26, 2004
House Overwhelmingly Passes Measure to Block FASB Newsline, July 20, 2004
House Committee Hears Sides in Option Expensing Issue Newsline, July 9, 2004
FASB: Option Expensing Delay Possible Newsline, July 1, 2004
Looking Through a Crystal Ball to Develop SFAS 123 Assumptions By Anil Agarwal, Hewitt Associates LLC
The FASB Has (Finally) Spoken workspan, July 2004
WorldatWork Participates in FASB Roundtable Discussion WorldatWork Summary, June 24, 2004
Stock Option Expensing Bill Passes House Committee Newsline, June 17, 2004
WorldatWork Selected to Participate at FASB Roundtable Newsline, June 10, 2004
Senate Subcommittee Takes Aim at FASB Newsline, May 20, 2004
Get Out of Gluttony: Offering Shareholders a More Balanced Equity Diet By Doug Sayed, CCP, SPHR, Applied HR Strategies Inc.workspan, April 2004
Stock Option Expensing Proposal Draws Different Comments in Congress Government Scene, Congress, April 2004
FASB Publishes Proposal on Equity-Based Compensation to Improve Accounting and Provide Greater Transparency for Investors FASB News Release, March 31, 2004
Resources FASB Will Consider a Probability Approach to Options Cashout Rule Mercer GRIST Report , Jan. 11, 2006
FASB Staff Proposes Relief from Grant Date Communication Requirement for Stock Compensation GRIST Alert, Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Sept.14, 2005
Comment Letter on Definition of “Grant Date” Under FAS 123R HR Policy Association, Sept. 13, 2005
Summary of FASB Statement 123R Share-Based Payment Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., April 29, 2005
SEC Delays Effective Date for Statement 123R Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., April 15, 2005
SEC Staff Releases Guidance on Option Valuation Under Statement 123(R) Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., April 4, 2005
FAS 123(R) Requires Acceleration of Equity Compensation Cost for Retirement-Eligible Employees Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., March 9, 2005
FASB Issues Final Statement on Accounting for Share-Based Payment Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc., December 20, 2004
The Standard FAQs Project Updates
Stock Option Accounting Reform Act H.R. 3574 Click above and search for "hr3574"
WorldatWork Member Survey and Comment to FASB July, 2004
Regulatory Update, Frederic W. Cook & Co .August 12, 2004
WorldatWork Comment on Exposure Draft June 29, 2004
Prior to March 31, 2004 News Who Moved My Options? By Stephane Lebeau and Robert Todd, Akamai Technologies, Inc.WorldatWork Journal , 1st Quarter 2004
Restricted Stock: The Options to Options? By Donna Stettler, DeloitteWorldatWork Journal , 1st Quarter 2004
The Future of Stock Options By Seymour Burchman and Blair Jones, Sibson ConsultingWorldatWork Journal , 1st Quarter 2004
Stock Option Expensing: A Special Q&A on the FASB Project Edited by Barbara Parusworkspan , December 2003
IASB Agrees to Two Key Features of U.S. Approach on Stock Options Newsline, November 7, 2003
Stock Option Accounting in Perspective WorldatWork member perspectiveworkspan, October 2003
Don't Expense Stock Options, Survey Says WorldatWork Press Release, August 2003
Stock Option Expensing Is Coming, But Will It Matter? By Corey Rosen, NCEOworkspan, July 2003
Capital View - IASB, FASB Release Draft Option Expensing Rules workspan , January 2003
Resources State of Employee Stock Options WorldatWork Survey Brief, August 2003
Stock Option Expensing WorldatWork Survey Brief, July 2003
Stock Option Expensing chat - Paulin/Whittlesey WorldatWork Member Chat Transcript, August 2002
Health-Care Cost Management
News
Premium Increases
Low Health Literacy: A Silent Epidemic Newsline, Oct. 17, 2005
Companies Turning to Innovative Approaches to Contain Ever-Rising Medical Costs Newsline, March 4, 2005
Employers Challenged by Gap Between Consumer Perceptions and Reality on Health Issues Newsline, March 2, 2005
Majority of U.S. Workers Greatly Underestimate How Much Their Employer Contributes to Their Medical Insurance Newsline, March 1, 2005
Health-Care Spending in the U.S. Slows for the First Time in Seven Years Newsline, Feb. 2, 2005
Employers Generous with Benefits Despite Rising Costs Newsline, Jan. 27, 2005
Employers Seeking to Attack Root Causes of Health-Care Cost Inflation Newsline, Jan. 10, 2005
Health-Care Spending Growth Slowdown Stalls in First Half of 2004 Newsline, Dec. 2, 2004
Health Benefit Cost Rises 7.5% in 2004, Lowest Increase in Five Years Newsline, Nov. 22, 2004
Employer Health-Care Costs Expected to Rise 8% in 2005 Newsline, Nov. 19, 2004
Double-Digit Increase in Employer Health-Care Costs Expected Soon Newsline, Oct. 27, 2004
Higher Health-Care Costs Mean Decrease in Salaries and Hiring Newsline, Oct. 11, 2004
8% Increase in Employer-Sponsored Health Care Costs Projected for 2005 Newsline, Oct. 7, 2004
Health-Care Cost Increases Are Slowing Newsline, Sept. 29, 2004
Health-Care Premium Costs Lower, But Still Significant Newsline, Sept. 24, 2004
Lower Health Plan Trend Rates Expected in 2005 Newsline, Sept. 14, 2004
Medical Premiums Continue Double-Digit Rise for Fifth Consecutive Year Newsline , Aug. 16, 2004
Controlling Health-Care Costs through Administrative Efficiencies: Little Pain, Much Gain workspan, May 2004
Group Medical Premiums Continue to Rise, Employers Search for Cost-Control Options Newsline, Nov. 13, 2003
Health Plans Expect 12.8% Increase in Premiums for 2004, 10.7% After Buy-Downs Newsline, October 24, 2003
Employers Face Health-Care Cost Increases Newsline, October 9, 2003
Gay Marriage
News Resources & Tools
50-State Rundown on Gay Marriage Laws November 4, 2004
Gay Marriage in the Workplace August 30, 2004
One-Quarter of Companies Prepared to Handle Employee Inquiries on Gay Marriage Benefits Newsline, August 20, 2004
Summary of Recent Congressional Action on Gay Marriage July 30, 2004
Same Sex Marriage: Benefits Design, Policy and Administration workspan , July 2004
More Companies Adopt Gay-Friendly Policies Newsline, August 26, 2003
State-by-State Listing of Marriage Laws August 30, 2004
IRS FAQ’s on Cafeteria Plans
Facts from EBRI - Domestic Partner Benefits February, 2000
White Paper 2000
Overtime Regulations
News Resources & Tools
Labor Department Releases Opinion Letters on Administrative Exemption Newsline, Nov. 16, 2005
Committee Rejects Impediments to Overtime Rules Newsline, October 7, 2004
White House Warns Congress on Overtime Rules Newsline, October 7, 2004
More Workers to Receive Overtime Under New DOL Rules, Survey Finds Newsline, September 27, 2004
News Analysis: Congress Contemplates New OT Rules Newsline, September 27, 2004
DOL Issues Statement on Overtime Security Rules Being in Effect Newsline, September 14, 2004
House Votes to Block New Overtime Rules Newsline, September 9, 2004
White House Criticizes Amendment to Block Enforcement of Overtime Regulations Newsline, September 9, 2004
White Collar OT Rules Effective Aug. 23rd Newsline, August 18, 2004
30% of Companies Say Their Workforces Will Be Unaffected by FairPay Rules Newsline, August 9, 2004
Many Companies Not Ready for New FLSA Regulations Newsline, June 29, 2004
DOL Officials Travel to Provide Compliance Assistance on New Overtime Rules Newsline, June 17, 2004
Overtime Overhauled (PDF)workspan Magazine, June, 2004
House Turns Down Measure to Block OT Rules Newsline, May 20, 2004
Senate Panel Explores Changes in Overtime Rules Newsline, May 5, 2004
DOL Finalizes White-Collar Overtime Regulations WorldatWork News Analysis, April 29, 2004
Overtime Regulations Published in Federal Register Newsline, April 23, 2004
“Workers Win” with Labor Department’s New Overtime Rules DOL Press Release, April 20, 2004
Illinois Opts Out of Proposed Federal Overtime Changes from BNA, April 1, 2004
items prior to April 20,2004
FLSA Compliance Library Helms & Greene LLC
Survey on Overtime and Exemption Changes WorldatWork Survey Brief, August, 2004
FLSA Implementation Toolkit July 19, 2004
Exemption Tests in Practice Seminar, beginning September 23, 2004
Overview, Background, and Summary of Major Comments (Federal Register, pages 22122-22197)
Estimated Impact (Federal Register, pages 22198-22259)
Regulations (Federal Register, pages 22260-22274)
Summary of 541 Regulations (PDF)April 27, 2004
Side-by-side Comparison of Exemption Tests (PDF)Updated August 23, 2004
White Paper (PDF)Updated April 23, 2004
Frequently Asked Questions April 30, 2004
Historical Timeline (PDF)Updated August 23, 2004
Corporate Governance & Compensation Committees
News
Corporate Governance Perceived as Top Factor Impacting Investment Performance in U.S. Newsline, Jan. 23, 2006
SEC Chair Speaks on Executive Compensation Disclosure Newsline, Dec. 20, 2005
Compensation Committees Must Examine Company Relations Newsline, Dec. 20, 2005
Most
Large Companies See Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance as Part of Broader
Corporate Governance Initiative Newsline, July 13, 2004
67%
of Companies Taking Short-Term Approach to Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Newsline, July 13, 2004
Shifts
in Exec Comp: Firms Improve Pay, Performance Alignment Newsline, April 12, 2004
Outside
Director Pay and Practices WorldatWork and Towers Perrin
Sarbanes-Oxley:
Bane or Boon? By Rodney K. Platt, WorldatWorkworkspan , March
2003
New
Study Reveals Significant Increases in U.S. Director Pay Newsline, March 10, 2004
Fewer
Corporate Boards in Europe than U.S. Increased Corporate Governance
Efforts Newsline, February 9, 2004
2004 Corporate Governance Policy Updates Newsline, January 12, 2004
NACD Releases Blue Ribbon Report from Frederick W. Cook & Co Newsline, January 7, 2004
SEC
update - NYSE Issues FAQs on Shareholder Approval of Equity Compensation
Plans January 5, 2004
What's
Next for the Compensation Committee? By Blair Jones, David Leach and Jesse Purewal, Sibson
Consulting WorldatWork
Journal , 4th Quarter 2003
The
Role of Director Compensation By Judy Canavan, Sibson Consultingworkspan , December
2003
Economists
Roundtable Urges Executive Pay Reform Newsline, November 25, 2003
Resources
The Shift from Options to Restricted Shares
News
The
Microsoft Equity Shift From September 2003 workspan The
Microsoft Ripple Effect: Is It Your Time for an Equity Overhaul? By Richard N. Ericson, Towers Perrin, from the September
2003 workspan
Restricted
Stock: Is It the New Long-term Incentive? By Barbara Parus, WorldatWork, from the September 2003
workspan If
Not Stock Options, Then What? By Blair Jones, Sibson Consulting, Martin Staubus, Beyster
Institute for Entrepreneurial Employee Ownership, and Daniel N. Janich,
Janich Law Group, from the September 2003 workspan
Print this Page