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Labor Relations / Unions

No home specimen collection for Newark P.D. drug tests

02/24/2009

When Newark police department representatives went to an unidentified officer’s home while he was on sick leave to collect a urine sample for drug testing, it upset the police union.

Prepare for the EFCA—even if unions never worried you before

02/24/2009

By now, most employers have heard of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), the proposed legislation that would make it dramatically easier for unions to organize workers and obtain favorable terms in the initial collective-bargaining agreement. Is it time to panic? Of course not, but it is time to take action.

Obama signs 3 union-supported executive orders

02/19/2009

Following through on his promises to labor unions—strong financial supporters of his presidential campaign—President Obama recently signed a trio of pro-employee executive orders that undo Bush administration policies.

The HR I.Q. Test: March ’09

02/19/2009

Test your knowledge of recent trends in employment law, comp & benefits and other HR issues with our monthly mini-quiz …

Heading to bargaining table? Review contract language before changing benefits

02/12/2009

If your organization has a collective-bargaining agreement with a union, make sure you check with counsel before you make any changes to benefits. In some cases, promises made in past contracts—such as a promise to provide retiree health benefits—may be a binding, vested promise that cannot be undone, at least for those who have already qualified.

Spirit Airlines flight attendants don’t like new logo aprons

02/12/2009

Miramar-based low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has run into opposition from flight attendants over a change to their uniforms. The aprons the flight attendants wear while serving customers include logos promoting alcoholic beverage brands.

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.

Are you a target for union organizing? 6 questions to ask

02/06/2009

The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act that President Obama signed into law last week is just the beginning of what’s shaping up to be a wave of new pro-employee legislation from the current Congress and administration. Next up on the Congressional front-burner: the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), which would make it far easier for unions to gain certification. In this Congressional climate, organized labor is poised for rapid expansion.

Court upholds ruling limiting mandatory paid leave for FMLA

02/05/2009

Sometimes, a union contract clashes with employment laws. It’s then up to an arbitrator to reconcile the two—and an arbitrator’s decision is rarely overturned on appeal.

Charter schools unionized

02/05/2009

Here’s yet more evidence that organized labor is making a comeback: Teachers at two charter schools in New York City recently voted to bring in a union.