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Labor Relations / Unions

Courts taking critical look at prevailing-wage standards

12/11/2008

Are you in an industry affected by Illinois’ prevailing-wage laws? If so, note that the courts are beginning to recognize cracks in the way the Illinois Department of Labor sets those wages.

Judge to pilots: sickouts won’t fly

12/11/2008

United Airlines won the first round of a legal battle against its pilots over sickouts and other disruptions that cost the airline millions of dollars in lost profits and revenues last year.

Judge halts prison closure after union files suit

12/11/2008

The union representing employees at the Pontiac Correctional Center has stalled closure of the maximum-security prison, at least temporarily. Livingston County Judge R. Michael Travers issued an injunction in November barring layoffs at the prison pending arbitration of grievances filed …

Half-staff calls for time-and-a-half?

12/11/2008

Forced to cut some 180 employees to make budget, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) sent an e-mail requesting remaining employees to work overtime to manage its caseload. The union that represents DCFS staff called the idea “nonsensical” and refused the request.

Communicating during tough times: 7 common employee gripes (and how to respond)

12/09/2008

The global financial meltdown has workers fearful and downright angry. If you plan on surviving the recession, your managers must acknowledge the fear and anger employees may feel. Don’t let these seven gripes pollute your workplace.

Union members who lose seniority must sue fast

12/05/2008

Employees who work in a union setting often cannot take temporary assignments into management without losing the benefits of their union membership. One such benefit is often seniority. Employees must sue right away if they lose seniority.

U.S. Supreme Court: 4 key employment cases could reshape HR

12/05/2008

During this term, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider employment cases concerning arbitration, pregnancy discrimination, protected activity and union fee use.

Lufkin Industries workers ratify 3-year labor contract

12/04/2008

Members of three unions recently ratified a new three-year contract with Lufkin Industries. The agreement will give 1,200 workers at five Texas plants wage increases totaling 11% over the term of the contract.

Times are changing: HR heads to Vegas to LEAP ahead

12/04/2008

It’s predicted that 2009 will bring more changes in federal employment and labor laws than in the entire eight years of the previous administration. To help HR professionals prepare, The HR Specialist is hosting the 5th annual Labor and Employment Law Advanced Practices (LEAP) Symposium March 18-20 in Las Vegas.

Union sues Fresno, transit agency for blocking ad

11/25/2008

A health care workers’ union has filed a lawsuit against the city of Fresno, claiming it violated the union’s constitutional rights by failing to allow a union advertisement on city buses.