First Reference Talks

Discussions on Human Resources, Employment Law, Payroll and Internal Controls

Archives for August 2010

By | 4 Minutes Read

When does your Canadian employee need a U.S. work permit?

On occasion, Canadian HR professionals will be asked if one of their employees requires a work permit to enter the United States. The answer to this question depends on whether the proposed activity falls within the scope of the B-1 business visitor category. The problem lies in the lack of clear guidelines for B-1 business visitors and the considerable amount of discretion given to USCBP officers, who inspect foreign travelers seeking admission to the United States.

By | 3 Minutes Read

Workplace communication and the real world: email features for the quick-tempered and impulsive

You've written an email that says some things you might be better off saying in person—or not at all—right? Like when you wanted to tell off a co-worker—or supervisor—about taking credit for your work, or putting you down in front of the boss, or just for generally being a jerk. Maybe you were caught up in the anger of the moment—you let your temper get the best of you—or maybe you were just a bit—or a lot—drunk. And maybe you hit that "Send" button, and maybe you reconsidered before it was too late. I don't like to imagine the result of sending such a message.

By | 2 Minutes Read

Fifth worker involved in scaffolding incident sues for damages

Last week, I wrote about the incident in which five migrant workers fell 13 storeys when a platform collapsed on Christmas Eve, 2009. Four died instantly, but one survived. This fifth worker, who suffered grave injuries, has now launched a civil suit for damages.

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Established in 1995, First Reference Inc. (known as La Référence in Quebec) provides Canadian organizations of any size with practical and authoritative resources to help ensure compliance.

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