Labor Relations / Unions

Bryan-Based MIWU sued for mismanagement of health fund

08/04/2008

The U.S. Department of Labor has sued an employer association, a health fund trustee and the fund’s consultant over allegedly imprudent management of the Manufacturing and Industrial Workers Union (MIWU) Benefit Fund of Bryan, Texas …

The Healthy Families Act: What it will mean for Ohio employers

08/01/2008

As many of our readers are aware, November’s ballot will probably contain a referendum asking Ohio voters to approve the Ohio Healthy Families Act. The proposed legislation would require Ohio employers to provide seven days of paid sick leave annually for most employees. Employers had better be forewarned and forearmed in the event the proposal becomes law …

Bargaining or bribery?

07/25/2008

After several months of wrangling with the State Employee Association of North Carolina (SEANC) over a records request, State Treasurer Richard Moore upped the ante in June by accusing the association of attempted bribery …

Albertsons settles final-Paycheck lawsuit, will pay $15 million

07/18/2008

California employees of several supermarkets and drug stores will receive their share of a $15 million settlement in a class-action wage suit. Approximately 200,000 employees of Albertsons, Lucky Stores and Sav-On Drugs will each receive up to $350 if their employment ended between Sept. 29, 1996, and Dec. 31, 2004 …

Must you pay hourly staff for BlackBerry time?

07/17/2008

The answer isn’t clear, as ABC News recently learned. The media company said nonexempt writers wouldn’t be paid for those minutes spent checking their office-issued BlackBerry devices after regular work hours. But their union objected …

Consult attorney on union contract—Because every word counts

07/11/2008

If your organization just became a union shop, chances are you will soon be knee-deep in contract negotiations. Before you sit down and begin drafting language you think is reasonable, consider this: From now on, interpretation of workplace rules will probably be out of your hands and will rest with an arbitrator …

Using subcontractors during a strike

07/11/2008

Q. We are putting together a strike contingency plan. One option we have considered is subcontracting out certain jobs for the duration of a strike. Are we obligated to bargain with the union over subcontracting during a strike? Do we have to raise this issue with the union before the union goes out on strike? …

Union claims Big Sky broke contract when it flew the coop

07/08/2008

A group of former employees has filed suit against Big Sky Airlines and its parent company, Minneapolis-based MAIR Holdings, alleging wrongful termination and breach of contract …

During union drive, don’t unfairly target pro-Union employees

07/07/2008

Nothing will escalate an already tense workplace during a union-organizing drive and subsequent election than punishing pro-union employees. While you can certainly continue with any evaluations or disciplinary actions that are warranted, beware of targeting anyone involved in the union push …

Be careful with doctor certifications: Union contract may trump FMLA rules