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by Tammy Binford Continuing his use of Executive Orders in what’s being called a “year of action,” President Barack Obama plans to sign an order to prohibit federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, according to news reports. On June 16, news reports quoted a White House official as […]
by Bradley T. Cave A Wyoming law going into effect on July 1 creates a new criminal offense—computer trespassing—that may give employers a new tool to prevent employee sabotage. Computer trespassing occurs when a person knowingly and without authorization sends malware, data, or a program that (1) alters or damages a computer, system, or network […]
The program supports the creation of in-person, hands-on training and educational programs and the development of materials for workers and employers in small businesses; industries with high injury, illness and fatality rates; and workers who are underserved, have limited English proficiency, or are temporary workers. The grants will fund training and education for workers and […]
by Sophie Zdatny On June 9, Governor Peter Shumlin signed House Bill 522 into law, making Vermont the first state to approve a minimum wage above the $10.10 goal set by President Barack Obama. As of January 1, 2015, Vermont’s minimum wage will rise to $9.15, from its current level at $7.25. The minimum wage […]
U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez announced a proposed rule on June 12 that will raise the minimum wage for workers on federal service and construction contracts to $10.10 per hour. The proposed rule implements the executive order President Barack Obama announced on February 12. The proposed rule provides guidance and sets standards for […]
by Rachael E. Luzietti A new Virginia law taking effect on July 1 will make more military spouses eligible for unemployment benefits. Senate Bill 18, which was proposed by Senator Mamie E. Locke (D-Hampton), provides that “good cause” exists if an employee leaves his job to accompany a spouse on active military duty who is […]
by Tammy Binford Puerto Rico employers may soon be required to take steps to prevent workplace bullying. The territory’s legislature passed Senate Bill 501, an antibullying measure, on June 3. If the bill is signed by Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla, Puerto Rico will become the first U.S. jurisdiction to pass a comprehensive law against workplace […]
Owens Corning is the 2014 recipient of the National Safety Council’s (NSC) Green Cross for Safety medal. The prestigious Green Cross award is presented annually to an organization with outstanding safety performance and a commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities where employees work and live. Over the past 12 years, Owens […]
Wal-Mart workers were set to protest in more than 20 cities on June 4 as efforts by low-wage workers to increase their pay continue. Fast-food and retail workers have been staging occasional strikes in cities across the country for over a year in an effort to boost wages and improve working conditions. The Wal-Mart strikes […]
by New York Employment Law Letter A new law that aims to protect unpaid interns in New York City from discrimination and harassment on the job will take effect June 15. The legislation, which was unanimously passed by the city council in March and signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio in April, is in response […]