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Starbucks, Costco, and Whole Foods Propose Alternative to EFCA

After forming an ad hoc committee called the “Committee for a Level Playing Field for Union Elections,” three U.S. retailer giants announced an alternative to the controversial Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). Starbucks Corp., Costco Wholesale Corp., and Whole Foods Market, Inc., outlined six principles they believe represent a compromise between business and labor interests. […]

You’re the Investigator? Juries Have High Expectations

Although most organizations are not particularly sophisticated in their investigation policies and procedures, says attorney Michael Soltis, unfortunately, juries have high expectations, especially for bigger organizations. How good must misconduct investigations be? There is, of course, no exact answer, say Michael Soltis and Allison Bogosian, attorneys at the Stamford, Conn. offices of nationwide employment law […]

West Virginia Legislature passes right-to-work bill; governor promises veto

by Rodney L. Bean Both houses of West Virginia’s legislature have passed a bill that would make West Virginia the nation’s 26th right-to-work state. The bill arrived at Governor Earl Ray Tomblin’s desk on Monday, February 8, and now awaits his signature or veto.  After a February 4 debate that lasted almost five hours, the […]

Guess Who Got Super Fed Up with His Job(s)!

It takes super nerve to quit a job in these challenging times. But, hey, when you have two jobs, it might seem easier to stand by your principles and resign.  That’s what Clark Kent seems to think in the latest issue of DC Comics’ Superman. The Man of Steel is appalled by “how journalism has […]

News Notes: Communications With EAP Counselors Are Privileged

Oksana Oleszko sued her employer, State Compensation Insurance Fund, for sexual harassment, racial and national-origin discrimination and retaliation. To help prove her claims, Oleszko asked the court to force State Fund to reveal communications between co-workers and unlicensed counselors in its employee assistance program. State Fund balked, saying disclosure would discourage employees from seeking needed […]

‘Trainee’ Informed She’s Not Entitled to Minimum Wage, Overtime

A salon in Queens will pay more than $5,000 to a manicurist after allegedly telling a worker she was a “trainee” and not entitled to minimum wage or overtime. The employer also informed the woman she would have to pay a deposit to work at the salon. According to a press statement by New York […]

Survey Says: More Training Needed for Higher Technical Requirements

Almost half (49%) of Human Resources professionals expect that a higher education level will be required for most jobs within that time frame, according to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Achieve. And 46% said that most jobs today already require a higher education level than a decade ago. Manufacturing […]

How Can You Communicate if You Don’t Talk?

In yesterday’s Advisor, consultant Andrew Botwin offered tips on “getting a seat at the table.” Today, his tips for communicating with the C-Suite, plus an introduction to Wage & Hour Compliance: Practical Solutions for HR. “How the hell can you communicate if you refuse to talk to people?” Consultant Andrew Botwin quoted auto industry icon […]

Family Leave: Absences Due To Colds And Flu May Be Covered; 3-Point Leave Compliance Checklist

When employees call in sick and say they’ll be out for a few days with a cold, you may not give it much thought. But you probably need to pay more attention-especially if absenteeism is a problem in your organization-because a recent U.S. Department of Labor opinion suggests that workers’ time off could qualify as […]