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Layoffs

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.

‘Wage adjustments’ may be trend to watch

02/02/2009

These difficult economic times could get worse. As you think about your labor budget, consider that many Pennsylvania employers are already taking steps to reduce staff. Some are cutting the wages of those who are lucky enough to keep their jobs. This last tactic even has a new name—“wage adjustment.”

North Carolina workers: scared; biz leaders: fingers crossed

01/27/2009

The economic meltdown has North Carolinians caught in the grip of fear and insecurity, but state business leaders are cautiously optimistic things could turn around sooner rather than later.

Jobless claims crash unemployment comp system

01/27/2009

States—such as North Carolina—that have moved to electronic filing for unemployed workers have learned what can happen when too many people try to use the e-filing systems at the same time.

How some North Carolina businesses are handling downturn

01/27/2009

Caterpillar, the heavy equipment company, used temporary layoffs to cut costs. Cisco Systems, the global information technology company, did a holiday shutdown in late 2008 to save money.

Unemployment filings overwhelm state systems

01/16/2009

Amid the crush of newly jobless Americans seeking benefits, electronic unemployment-filing systems crashed in three states in January—New York, North Carolina and Ohio.

Chicago protest becomes symbol of the nation’s woes

01/16/2009

Workers who occupied Republic Windows and Doors in Chicago after getting three days’ notice that the plant was closing became a symbol of the nation’s economic trials, drawing support from then-President-elect Barack Obama.

Fired after bankruptcy, Mervyn’s workers file WARN suit

01/15/2009

Three former Mervyn’s employees recently filed a lawsuit against the bankrupt department store company for violating the federal WARN Act when it suddenly fired hundreds of workers last year.

Prepare to comply with two new employment laws

01/09/2009

Beginning Feb. 1, New York employers must comply with two important new state employment laws affecting notification of impending layoffs and the conduct of criminal background checks.