Regulation

Broker-dealers are up in arms over a little-known provision of the Department of Labor's 401(k) plan fee disclosure rules.

An official at the Department of Labor acknowledged that it may not be feasible for securities industry groups to immediately provide all of the data it requested for use in a cost-benefit analysis it is conducting.

Although it is probably not high on the list of priorities for plan administrators, the end of a calendar year usually means means the start of the process of preparing 5500s. They may not be due right away, but it is always good to know what information you will have to provide when you eventually file them. The Employee Benefits Security Administration has made an informational copy of the 2011 5500 available, with instructions, on…

In the midst of the holiday season, many of us spend time reflecting on the past year and identifying opportunities to improve ourselves in the one ahead. As you make your personal New Year’s resolutions, why not make some professional resolutions as well? A 2012 review and update of these 10 personnel policies will help manage employee expectations, limit company liability and ensure regulatory compliance. …

While it is well known that the National Labor Relations Board governs issues involving unions and unionized employers, it also protects employees' rights to engage in "protected concerted activities," defined as two or more employees conferring or taking action for their mutual aid or protection regarding terms and conditions of employment. It does not matter if the employees are unionized. If an employer disciplines or discharges an employee for engaging in such activities, it may…

On December 5, 2011, the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri granted preliminary approval to a proposed settlement of the Wal‐Mart 401(k) fee lawsuit (Braden v. Wal‐Mart Stores, Inc.). Under the proposed settlement, the defendants will pay a total of $13,500,000. The settlement also describes several potential changes to the plan's investment options, investment education programs and participant disclosures. …

The United States on Wednesday faced the prospect of an imminent government shutdown for the third time this year as a year-end fight between Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Congress over taxes and spending turned nastier.

Companies are shaking up their 401(k) retirement plans, trimming lists of mutual fund offerings and shaving the fees workers pay as they prepare for new federal rules that will put more plan information in front of employees.

Employers who pay out severance to their employees run certain risks that need to be considered beforehand. Some employers have learned the hard way that severance agreements aren't always the best course of action. Last year, the University of Oregon received bad press when it was discovered that former head coach Mike Bellotti received a substantial payout upon his departure. …

Walmart, the world’s largest private employer, and Merrill Lynch, without admitting to wrongdoing, have agreed to pay $13.5 million in a class-action lawsuit accusing them of breaching their fiduciary duty to two million past and present Walmart workers. The suit was settled in Kansas City federal court.