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Layoffs

Mayors’ forecast: Miami job losses among nation’s worst

02/12/2009

According to a forecast by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the Miami area will suffer some of the largest job losses in the nation in 2009. Miami is expected to lose about 85,000 jobs this year. The city’s unemployment rate may exceed 10%.

Extended benefits to help 3,000 jobless Minnesotans

02/12/2009

One of the first laws passed this year by the Minnesota Legislature will help about 3,000 Minnesotans who were about to exhaust their unemployment benefits …

Target workers hit with layoffs

02/12/2009

Minneapolis-based Target, the nation’s second largest discount retailer, has announced it will cut 1,000 jobs in Minneapolis alone. Those cuts include 400 open but unfilled positions, in addition to 600 layoffs.

Best Buy also cuts jobs

02/12/2009

Best Buy, the nation’s largest electronics retailer, will cut an undisclosed number of jobs at its Richfield headquarters. The news comes after 500 employees already left under a voluntary buyout program.

How should we handle layoffs without risking discrimination claims?

02/12/2009

Q. We need to cut two employees from our marketing department. One of the employees we would prefer to keep was hired only six months ago. If we don’t base our decision on seniority, are we more susceptible to discrimination claims?

Factory sit-in workers file unfair labor practices charges

02/12/2009

The employees who took over Republic Windows and Doors, an Illinois window manufacturing plant, last year after the owner announced he would shut it down have filed an unfair labor practices charge against their former employer and the owner.

Stop lawsuits by checking bankruptcy filings

02/12/2009

Laid off or fired employees often have to resort to bankruptcy when their economic situations tank. What they often forget, however, is that they must list in that bankruptcy filing any pending litigation that could net them cash. If they don’t, and their debts are discharged, they can be barred from suing you.

Automakers offer early retirement packages

02/12/2009

General Motors and Chrysler have offered blue-collar workers at selected plants early retirement packages. The buyouts allow the struggling manufacturers to cut short-term costs, but also reduce future labor costs.

Be on guard for age discrimination suit if older worker offers to work for less

02/05/2009

Older employees who learn they might be laid off for economic reasons—especially those who have recently spoken with an employment lawyer—have begun trying an interesting tactic: They’re volunteering to work for less pay. Take those offers seriously.

Tanking finance sector puts NYC at top of job loss list

02/05/2009

According to a forecast by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, New York City will lead the nation in job losses in 2009. The Big Apple is expected to lose about 181,000 jobs this year—most of which can be attributed to the collapse of the city’s financial sector.