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Dennis Dean (414) 274-3003
Milwaukee Attorney Conducts Seminar on Changes to Employee Benefits
MADISON (June 21, 2005) Whether employers can force workers to stop
smoking during their off-hours is among the legal topics being discussed by
Michael Taibleson, attorney for Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek, S.C., at a July 7
legal seminar in Madison. “Keeping Benefits from Going Up in Smoke” is a
continuing legal education (CLE) seminar for attorneys that will explain recent
changes surrounding employee benefits laws, including whether employers
can dictate off-duty behaviors as means to lower health care premiums. A
Michigan company recently made news when it stopped hiring smokers and
began doing random tests for smoking in an effort to qualify for lower
premiums.
“Wisconsin law is much more protective of employees in this regard,” said
Taibleson. “You cannot force employees to quit smoking in their off-hours.”
Taiblson said there are also federal laws to consider. “Employers can provide
limited incentives, such as wellness programs or preferred rates for group
health care plans, but these are tightly controlled under federal statutes.”
The seminar will also discuss reduced health benefits for retirees qualifying for
Medicare.
Taibleson says employee benefits laws are constantly changing and often
confusing. The laws may overlap, causing contradictions that require
experienced legal counsel to sort out.
The half-day seminar will also cover popular executive compensation and
retirement plans. It will be held at State Bar Center, 5302 Eastpark Blvd.,
Madison.
The program has been submitted to the Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners for
up to 4 CLE credits.
For more than 60 years, Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek, S.C. has played a leading
role in shaping the political, economic and legal landscapes in Wisconsin
guiding their clients to successful outcomes. The firm, with offices in
Milwaukee, Madison and Manitowoc, has over 140 attorneys and paralegals
practicing over 30 areas of law.
