Oklahoma attorney says up-to-date policies are No. 1 resolution among HR professionals

A: The No. 1 resolution is making sure your policies are current. The start of a new year is always a good time to do a thorough review of all HR policies, whether contained in an employee handbook, a policies and procedures guide or in stand-alone policies.



http://ift.tt/1tqFGUX

Fired woman files discrimination lawsuit

Dec. 31, 2014: The EEOC has filed a civil lawsuit against the independently owned Shipley Do-nuts on Mason Road after a cashier says the owner fired her a day after she refused to tell the owner if she was pregnant and refused to get a doctor's note saying she was cleared to work. Jace Larson reports.



http://ift.tt/1xich4q

Halfway house for recovering addicts can reopen

A company suing Scranton officials for shutting down a halfway house for recovering substance abusers will be permitted to reopen the structure while the suit is pending. Oxford House Inc. and Chris and Rob Properties LLC filed suit in August, accusing city officials of illegally shutting down the home at 1701 Linden St. without providing the owners the opportunity to challenge the action.



http://ift.tt/1y9MXPJ

Conquer the difficulties of web writing to draw prospects

Advisers can begin to build trust with potential clients through solid written descriptions of their expertise and services on their website You're an adviser, not a writer, right? Then why is it we seem to do so much writing these days? Whether it's writing a blog or an article, or preparing a presentation, we find ourselves having to communicate through the written word. Some advisers love it and others loathe it, but most advisers share one thing in common: They find it hard to write about themselves.



http://ift.tt/1tqbqtx

Baker Wellness Center Illegaly Fired Employee Because of Disability, EEOC Claims in Lawsuit

Baker Wellness Center, Inc., a Baton Rouge, La., area adult day care and wellness center, illegally fired a Direct Service Worker because she had a disability--diabetes, and in retaliation for her not giving prohibited medical information on its application, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleged in a lawsuit filed today. According to the EEOC's complaint, in October, 2011, Brenda Lanus filled out an application to be a DSW.



http://ift.tt/13VjmfM

The Year 2014 for Organized Labor

It's something of a disgrace to have to admit that things have been so bad for organized labor for such a long time, that unless something truly horrendous or headline-grabbing happens during a particular year , we tend not even to pay attention. So tepid and uninspiring is the labor landscape, even the occasional strike or boycott is met with a collective "ho-hum."



http://ift.tt/1Adhdr9

EEOC files suit against Shipley Do-nuts in Katy

The EEOC has filed a civil lawsuit against the independently owned Shipley Do-nuts on Mason Road after a cashier says the owner fired her a day after she refused to tell the owner if she was pregnant and refused to get a doctor's note saying she was cleared to work. The lawsuit, filed in federal district court for the Southern District of Texas, alleges Sharon Sicinski Davis discriminated against Brooke S. Foley, which is against the law.



http://ift.tt/1y96m3i

Suit: Former policeman was sexually harassed by chief

A former Round Lake Heights police officer claims he was fired from his job after he denied his superior's sexual advances. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in federal court, lists the Village of Round Lake Heights and current Police Chief John Roehlk as defendants.



http://ift.tt/1B77Smh

Shareholder Alert: Brower Piven Encourages Investors Who Have Losses...

The securities litigation law firm of Brower Piven, A Professional Corporation, announces that a class action lawsuit has been commenced in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of purchasers of RCS Capital Corporation securities during the period between February 12, 2014 and October 31, 2014, inclusive . Investors who wish to become proactively involved in the litigation have until February 27, 2015 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff.



http://ift.tt/1B77Quv

Wage increase presents challenges locally

Businesses and employees across northern New York have made preparations for today, when the New York State Labor Department's mandate for a 75-cent increase to the minimum wage becomes effective. The wage hike equals the increase granted to employees a year ago.



http://ift.tt/1xhIJUC

Missouri laws taking effect Jan. 1 cover beer sales, drug costs, storage units and more

A handful of laws passed by Missouri's General Assembly during the 2014 session will take effect on Jan. 1 covering beer sales, mammogram reporting and the cost of cancer drugs. These new laws will also address how long rented storage units must be in default before contents can be sold, as well as the system of underground digging under the state's One Call program.



http://ift.tt/14dFp1R

Round Lake Hts. police chief faces sex harrassment suit

Former Round Lake Heights police officer Hossein "Sam" Isbitan, left, claims in a federal lawsuit he was fired for refusing sexual advances from Chief John Roehlk, right. This is a screen capture of a text message that Roehlk is accused of sending to Isbitan.



http://ift.tt/1zxPzSM

Hollywood Unions: What's Ahead In 2015

Hollywood is a union town, and the state of the unions is good, with room for improvement. Annual financial reports the unions file with the U.S. Department of Labor show that the big five unions SAG-AFTRA, the WGA , the DGA , IATSE and Teamsters Local 399 are all on solid financial footing.



http://ift.tt/14dpcK1

Attorney General Lockyer Announces Record-Shattering $274.4 Million...

Attorney General Bill Lockyer today announced the state Department of Justice's Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse in fiscal 2005-06 won a record-shattering $274.4 million in court-ordered recoveries of funds ripped off from the Medi-Cal program, continuing the BMFEA's unmatched enforcement record during Lockyer's tenure. "Every dollar stolen from Medi-Cal is a dollar not available to provide health care for California's neediest families and most vulnerable children," said Lockyer.



http://ift.tt/1wCiqn5

Alaska unemployment rate drops

According to new figures from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the state's unemployment rate was 6.6 percent in November, down slightly from October's 6.7 percent but still higher than the national rate of 5.8 percent. Because Alaska's employment is extremely seasonal - with fishing and tourism jobs in demand in the summer but not winter - the state produces a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate each month.



http://ift.tt/1y8ffKy

Lummi Nation receiving more money for displaced fishermen

The U.S. Department of Labor on Tuesday announced an $882,032 National Emergency Grant awarded to the Lummi Nation, giving approximately 630 tribal fishermen affected by fishing industry layoffs in Bellingham access to dislocated worker services. The grant provides services such as skills training, literacy education, career counseling and on-the-job training to people who have been lost work because of the declining numbers of Sockeye Salmon.



http://ift.tt/1tCfFHW

Lobbyist tied to Phoenix VA executive fired over gifts

A health-care industry consultant and lobbyist who provided gifts worth thousands of dollars to former Phoenix VA hospital Director Sharon Helman has been fired by his Washington, D.C., firm for ethical violations, according to the company's chief executive. Lobbyist tied to Phoenix VA executive fired over gifts PHOENIX - A health-care industry consultant and lobbyist who provided gifts worth thousands of dollars to former Phoenix VA hospital Director Sharon Helman has been fired by his Washington, D.C., firm for ethical violations, according to the company's chief executive.



http://ift.tt/1B5lEWz

Connecticut's Minimum Wage Increases To $9.15 Per Hour On Jan. 1

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. Some workers in Connecticut will be seeing a boost in their wages in the New Year: The minimum wage in the Nutmeg State is scheduled to increase effective Jan. 1 from the current rate of $8.70 an hour to $9.15 per hour.



http://ift.tt/1B5lFti

Washington Fines Fireworks Company for Safety Problems

The Washington state Department of Labor & Industries has fined a fireworks plant $1,200 for safety violations after investigating a fatal explosion this past June. Entertainment Fireworks produces professional fireworks shows around the region.



http://ift.tt/1wAZTYd

Further Buzz on the Fast Food Worker Wage Issue - By John Hendrie

In the world of hospitality and the restaurant sector, voices are loud and getting angrier as our employees consider their wages, their job security and organizing rights. Industry leaders can do better - they can lead rather than be dragged along through the court of public opinion.



http://ift.tt/1tm3RE2

California Court Revisits Employer's Duty to Reasonably Accommodate Disabled Employee Under FEHA

Swanson v. Morongo Unified School District , No. G050290 : In a recent unpublished decision, a California Court of Appeal held that a teacher, whose request to teach a particular grade as an accommodation after undergoing cancer treatment was denied and whose teaching contract was not renewed, may proceed to trial with her claims against her employer.



http://ift.tt/1wBlFv2

New York Times: Bounty Programs Incentivize Wrongdoers to Collect

We have seen a number of substantial whistleblower awards make headlines this year, but a recent article on nytimes.com discusses the potential downsides of government-sponsored bounty programs: rewarding whistleblowers by paying them millions of dollars for information may lead to perverse incentives by allowing wrongdoers to win significant sums of money with little government accountability for the awards. The Times article discusses how whistleblowing may reward wrongdoers by incentivizing bad behavior.



http://ift.tt/1tm81vL

What Others Say: Obesity shouldn't be treated as disability

This time of year, endless opportunities to overindulge can test the willpower of anyone who does not want to put on pounds. At the end of the holidays, some people will be congratulating themselves on their self-restraint, while some will feel guilty about giving in and resolve to do better in 2015.



http://ift.tt/1EJRImO

Bernstein Shur Business and Commercial Litigation Newsletter #47

We are pleased to present the 47th edition of the Bernstein Shur Business and Commercial Litigation Newsletter. This month, we highlight a case that addresses claims against Facebook based on the U.S. Wiretap Act, a case involving claims by unpaid interns, and other news that will have an impact on business and litigation.



http://ift.tt/1zwHEoU

Service dogs help handlers with many disabilities

Sue Ponder of CC Digital Dog in Norwich works on a 'Do not pet me - I'm working' patch for a service dog vest. Photo by Janice Steinhagen.



http://ift.tt/1EJx3z2

RFP-Roland Audio Video Equipment

Sealed proposals are being solicited by Cherokee Nation Businesses, L.L.C. for the procurement of Audio Video Equipment from an authorized distributor,or distributors for its Rolland property. Please refer to the attached*** Roland Audio Video Equipment RFP ***! Located under the documents tab of this posting for Scope of Work.



http://ift.tt/1vtr3Qu

Blind passengers accuse Seattle bus company of 'blatant discrimination'

I was tortured by sadistic prison guard in Angelina Jolie movie: Victim of 'The Bird' reveals how Japanese psychopath 'crucified' soldiers and got so excited saliva bubbled round his mouth Caught on camera: Dramatic moment an off-duty cop slams screaming woman against car in a parking lot 'after she crashed into him' Fury at hunter who 'accidentally' shot dead famous wolf who wandered hundreds of miles to become the first of her species to see the Grand Canyon for 70 YEARS Tiger SELFIES to be banned and computers must be recycled: The new laws coming into effect across the U.S. for 2015 Can YOU solve the mystery of UVB-76? Radio station has 'buzzed' every second since the 1970s - but no one knows why Cops forced to apologize to grieving mom mistakenly told her son had been shot dead during police shootout on Christmas morning Bodies of AirAsia flight victims 'may wash up on Borneo ... (more)



http://ift.tt/13SIEuN

Congress Should Rethink the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program

The bickering and stand-offs that the 113th Congress will be remembered for left lots of unfinished business and half-done measures. Rather than tackle the difficult but important task of comprehensive tax reform, for instance, the last Congress extended a long-list of "temporary" special tax breaks , retroactively applying them to 2014.



http://ift.tt/1zQPzm5

Threat of federal penalty spurs Brunswick, Harpswell to consider raising shellfish license fees

Brunswick and Harpswell are proposing higher fees for commercial shellfishing licenses in an effort to pre-empt possible legal action by the U.S. Department of Labor. Although the proposed town ordinances would increase fees significantly, the cost will be offset if harvesters complete annual conservation activities, including shoreline clean-ups, shellfish surveys and trapping of green crabs.



http://ift.tt/1vGhuim

Ninth Circuit Defends Employer's Discharge of Worker With a History of Intimidation and Threats

Curley v. City of North Las Vegas , No. 12-16228 : The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently affirmed a judgment against a worker who claimed that he was fired because of his hearing impairment in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act .



http://ift.tt/1xyz5fd

Changes Come to Wage and Hour Law of New York State

Two laws passed by the New York State Legislature have changed certain provisions in the State's wage and hour laws. First, carrying out the provisions of a law passed some time ago, New York's minimum wage is increased from $8.00 per hour to $8.75 per hour, effective December 31, 2014.



http://ift.tt/1y6AoVm

New contribution limits make 401(k) plans even more attractive

If you are interested in saving for retirement, here's some good news: For 2015, the IRS has raised the maximum contribution limits for 401 plans from $17,500 to $18,000.



http://ift.tt/1Bm8Icz

Burlington Police Holiday Handicap Parking Enforcement Program a Success

The Burlington Police Department is in the final stages of an enforcement program meant to ensure that the disabled are able to properly access designated parking spaces during the holiday shopping and travel times, Police Chief Michael R. Kent announced Tuesday. Chief Kent assigned two officers per day for 10 days immediately before and after Christmas to enforce Disabled Parking laws throughout Burlington, including at the town's busiest shopping centers and the Burlington Mall.



http://ift.tt/1EJ5JB4?

Two California Appellate Decisions Expand the Scope of Tameny Claims Based on Whistleblower Laws

Two significant decisions on whistleblower protections were recently issued by two districts of the California Court of Appeal. Both courts reversed trial court dismissals of claims for wrongful termination in violation of public policy.



http://ift.tt/1EJ5J4b

With new notice, HUD confirms that Davis-Bacon requirements will not...

With new notice, HUD confirms that Davis-Bacon requirements will not be enforced by HUD for most second component RAD projects approved prior to 2015 On December 23, 2014, HUD issued a new notice clarifying its Davis-Bacon enforcement strategy for developments participating in the second component of the Rental Assistance Demonstration involving Rent Supplement and Rental Assistance Payments projects.



http://ift.tt/1EJ5INH

Jobless claims rise to 298,000

First-time claims for unemployment benefits rose to 298,000 for the week ending Dec. 27, the Department of Labor reported Wednesday. Jobless claims are up from 14-year lows in recent weeks.



http://ift.tt/1y6kMkR

Blue Springs Sidewalk Repair and ADA Transition Plan

Prompted by resident and City leaders' desire to improve mobility and accessibility for all, the City contracted with TranSystems to complete an evaluation of the City's 168 miles of sidewalks, 3,190 curb ramps and 1,276 street crosswalks for general infrastructure condition and ADA conformity. The City of Warrensburg recently completed construction of its revitalization project along Pine and Holden Street.



http://ift.tt/1rzFxD9

Top commander accused of rigging promotions

Three lawsuits accuse N.J. State Police Lt. Col. Raymond Guidetti , a close ally of Superintendent Col.



http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/12/top_nj_state_police_commander_accused_in_multiple_lawsuits_of_manipulating_promotions.html

Morrison Cohen LLP Announces Three Partner and Two Senior Counsel Promotions

The firm welcomes to its partnership Jeffrey D. Brooks , Randi N. Mason and Josh D. Saviano . Brett D. Dockwell and Latisha Thompson have been promoted from associate to senior counsel status.



http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20141231005010/en/Morrison-Cohen-LLP-Announces-Partner-Senior-Counsel

UG#699 - A Country with A Military or A Military with A Country?

This show contrasts the perspectives of two whistleblowers on the inside the US War Machine. One, Scott Bennett, from whom we heard last time, blew the whistle in 2014 and offers fresh first hand testimony from the machine designed to serve up an unremitting diet of war and fear, and moving USA rapidly towards a full-on totalitarian police state.



http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2014/12/519061.html

The Wrong Question (Update): 'I'm Going to Court'

This Sept. 18, 2014 letter from Gov. C.,L. "Butch" Otter indicated that he had spoken to those in;attendance at Don Dew's job interview.



http://www.boiseweekly.com/boise/the-wrong-question-update-im-going-to-court/Content?oid=3373466

How to reattach the backs on Grandmaa s chrome chairs

Q: I have a 1950s-style chrome table and chairs from my grandmother. The chair backs are starting to fall off.



http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/how-to-replace-a-vintage-toilets-inner-workings/2014/12/29/3c4c260e-8249-11e4-8882-03cf08410beb_story.html

Lake Zurich High looks to double stadium seating

Lake Zurich Unit District 95 plans to construct new football stadium bleachers that would bring seating capacity from 1,200 to 2,500 fans. Lake Zurich village board members are expected to address the Mel Eide Field plan at a meeting Monday, Jan. 5. Lake Zurich Unit District 95 plans to expand bleacher seating and make other improvements at the high school football stadium complex in time for next season.



http://football.dailyherald.com/article/20141231/news/141239804/

2015 Board of Trustee Meeting Dates

The public is invited and welcome to attend. The 2015 Regular Meeting Dates are: January 15, 2015 April 16, 2015 July 16, 2015 October 15, 2015 February 19, 2015 May 21, 2015 August 20, 2015 November 19, 2015 March 19, 2015 June 18, 2015 September 17, 2015 December 17, 2015 Visit the township's web site: http://www.twp.northville.mi.us for Board ... (more)



http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2014141230007

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre unemployment down

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area's unemployment rate fell to 6 percent in November, bringing the region's jobless numbers to their lowest levels since June 2008. The three-tenths of a percentage point drop still leaves the area with the highest seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate among the state's 14 metropolitan areas for the 56th straight month, the state Department of Labor & Industry announced Tuesday.



http://citizensvoice.com/news/scranton-wilkes-barre-unemployment-down-1.1810735

Banks file complaints over parking compliance

Neighbors who have court challenges pending against the city of Minot over zoning variances granted to First Western Bank & Trust now have filed ordinance violation complaints against the bank with the city. The complaints say the bank failed to comply with the zoning variance, which reduced required parking to 110 spots and allows for a reduced parking stall width from 10 feet to nine feet.



http://www.minotdailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/616147/Banks-file-complaints-over-parking-compliance.html?nav=5010

Houston Whistleblower Attorney J. Mark Brewer Comments on News Report ...

Brewer, lead attorney at Brewer & Pritchard, P.C., says a recent news story about a whistleblower who collected more than $57 million for uncovering mortgage fraud serves as an example of the critical role whistleblowers play in holding corporations accountable for their actions. Commenting on a recent New York Times article about a whistleblower lawsuit against Bank of America resulting in a $57 payout for a former employee who exposed fraud, Houston whistleblower attorney J. Mark Brewer today stressed the role whistleblowers play in exposing government fraud and holding large corporations responsible for illegal behavior.



http://www.prweb.com/releases/business-law-fraud/attorney-tx/prweb12416839.htm

Core Documents Adds $99 ERISA Summary Plan Description (SPD) Wrap...

Core Documents Adds $99 ERISA Summary Plan Description Wrap Documents January 1, 2015 for Fully-Insured Group Health Insurance and Supplemental Benefit Plans ERISA requires that the sponsors of group health plans comply with certain disclosure requirements including the requirement to supply employees with an SPD. The Department of Labor has stepped up employer audits focused on the ERISA SPD Wrap document.



http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/12/prweb12417368.htm

Unemployment drops to 4.8 percent in York County

Bolstered by work at the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in York County and the York-Hanover metropolitan area fell to 4.8 percent in November, according to Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Year to year the unemployment rate for the local metropolitan area is down by 1.8 percentage points and is now a full percentage point lower than the national average of 5.8 percent, a report released Tuesday stated.



http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_27228076/unemployment-drops-4-8-percent-york-county.html

Council discusses Armory Square project

That's the question members of Marietta City Council's lands, buildings and parks committee hope to have answered in order to move forward with the next phase of the Armory Square renovation project. "Whatever we can do for $400,000 is what should be presented to the architect next week," Councilman Tom Vukovic, D-4th ward, told his fellow council members during a meeting of the committee Tuesday.



http://www.mariettatimes.com/page/content.detail/id/568388/Council-discusses-Armory-Square-project.html?nav=5002

Wage increase presents challenges locally

Businesses and employees across northern New York have made preparations for today, when the New York State Labor Department's mandate for a 75-cent increase to the minimum wage becomes effective. The wage hike equals the increase granted to employees a year ago.



http://www.mpcourier.com/article/20141231/DCO/141239774

Ihilani to be placed under interim management of Resort Management...

The JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina Resort, seen in this undated file photo, will postpone its redevelopment into a Four Seasons from January 2015 to after Easter 2015. The Resort Group announced that the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa will remain open through spring before closing and redeveloping into the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.



http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/blog/morning_call/2014/12/ihilani-to-be-placed-under-interim-management-of.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+vertical_45+%28Semiconductor+Industry+News%29

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre unemployment down

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area's unemployment rate fell to 6 percent in November, bringing the region's jobless numbers to their lowest levels since June 2008. The three-tenths of a percentage point drop still leaves the area with the highest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate among the state's 14 metropolitan areas for the 56th straight month, the state Department of Labor and Industry announced Tuesday.



http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/scranton-wilkes-barre-unemployment-down-1.1810252

The Electrical Training Alliance and NECA-IBEW Team Opens New...

We know that our labor is going to be our highest cost...if we're going to do our customers any justice, it's going to be to go to a job site...and provide them with the most knowledgeable guys. In its ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge training and continuing education for workers in the electrical design and construction industry, the Electrical Training Alliance has opened a new training center in Knoxville, TN.



http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/01/prweb12419238.htm

California Appellate Court Judge Vance Raye Implicated in Alleged Federal Racketeering Scheme

A Sacramento Superior Court watchdog group has posted online court records and other documents which they allege detail a racketeering enterprise operating in the local court system. Using court filings, court reporter transcripts, public records and other documentary evidence, members of the group say they have reverse engineered the structure and players of the scheme.



http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1202054?ref=feeds%2Flatest

The power of radical empathy

President Lyndon B. Johnson shakes hands with civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. after signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The LBJ Presidential Library is hosting a Civil Rights Summit this week to mark the 50th anniversary of the legislation.



http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/30/opinion/liu-radical-empathy-michael-schwerner/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_world+%28RSS%3A+World%29

San Bernardino County child support officer pleads not guilty to...

SAN BERNARDINO >> A child support officer for the San Bernardino County Department of Child Support Services pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of workers compensation fraud Tuesday . Esther Catherine Marinelarena, 45, of Fontana, pleaded not guilty to one count of worker's compensation fraud, one count of insurance fraud, and one count of concealment of, or failure to, disclose material fact regarding insurance benefits.



http://www.dailybulletin.com/general-news/20141230/san-bernardino-county-child-support-officer-pleads-not-guilty-to-charges-of-workers-compensation-fraud

Shareholder Alert: Brower Piven Encourages Investors Who Have Losses...

The securities litigation law firm of Brower Piven, A Professional Corporation, announces that a class action lawsuit has been commenced in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas on behalf of purchasers of Conn's, Inc. common stock during the period between September 2, 2014 and December 9, 2014, inclusive . Investors who wish to become proactively involved in the litigation have until February 10, 2015 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff.



http://technews.tmcnet.com/news/2014/12/30/8129697.htm

VA whistleblower suspended from job, wona t be terminated

A Department of Veterans Affairs credentialing official who said VA supervisors sought to fire him for reporting the arrest of a high-ranking VA executive has been suspended from his job but won't be fired. In a case that's attracted the attention of Congress, Puerto Rico-based VA employee Joseph Colon-Christensen was put on notice of his proposed firing earlier this year after alerting the VA about the arrest of his boss, DeWayne Hamlin , director of the VA's Caribbean network.



http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/30/va-whistleblower-suspended-from-job-wont-be-termin/

FontanaSAN BERNARDINO: County employee charged with worker's comp felonies

A San Bernardino County Department of Child Support Services officer pleaded not guilty Tuesday, Dec. 30, to three felonies related to a worker's compensation claim she filed in 2009 claiming stress-related impairment, according to a San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office news release.A Esther Marinelarena, 45, of Fontana, was charged with one count each of worker's compensation fraud, insurance fraud and concealment or failure to disclose material facts regarding insurance benefits.



http://www.pe.com/articles/san-757261-county-bernardino.html

Blue Springs seeks input for big sidewalks project

Blue Springs is planning a major makeover to the city's sidewalks and it wants to hear from the public before it finalizes its plans. CRASHED MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF.



http://www.kmbc.com/news/blue-springs-seeks-input-for-big-sidewalks-project/30464748

Whistleblower Act likely to be amended: Govt

The Act seeks to protect whistleblowers, persons making a public interest disclosure related to an act of corruption, misuse of power, or criminal offence by a public servant. NEW DELHI: After the land acquisition act, another flagship UPA legislation is likely to come under the scanner.



http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Whistleblower-Act-likely-to-be-amended-govt-says/articleshow/45697335.cms

'Revelation, The End of Days' mini-series: Four reasons why part one went wrong

"Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one--the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts,..." - C. S. Lewis , "The Screwtape Letters" [SPOILERS] " Revelation , The End of Days " premiered Monday, December 29th, at 9:00 p.m. EST on the History Channel . It is an apocalyptic fictional television mini-series based on the Bible .



http://www.examiner.com/article/revelation-the-end-of-days-mini-series-four-reasons-why-part-one-went-wrong?cid=rss

Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

A federal law designed to ensure equal pay for all workers, regardless of sex, race, national origin, age or religious affiliation. Signed into law by President Obama, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act reinstated the protection against pay discrimination that had been removed by the Supreme Court in Ledbetter v.



http://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/lilly-ledbetter-fair-pay-act.asp-0?partner=mediafed

RBA applauds reform to Wage Theft Prevention Act

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday signed into law reforms to the Wage Theft Prevention Act that eliminate the annual wage notification requirement for New York employers. The Department of Labor will not require annual statements in 2015, officials said.



http://www.rbj.net/article.asp?aID=212596

SDNY Judge Permits Use of Social Media to Notify Potential Opt-In...

In an unpublished ruling last month, Federal Judge Alison Nathan of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York granted the request of counsel for a putative class of unpaid interns to use social media to target potential opt-in plaintiffs. The action, Mark v.



http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/sdny-judge-permits-use-of-social-media-t-44633/

How to strengthen federal workers' job satisfaction

The newly released 2014 " Best Places to Work in the Federal Government " rankings show declining employee job satisfaction at a majority of agencies, but there is strong evidence that committed leaders can make a difference in creating more positive and productive work environments. According to the "Best Places to Work" data, 43 percent of federal agencies bucked the overall government-wide trend by engaging employees and improving morale.



http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-fox/how-to-strengthen-federal_b_6396326.html

exit-arrow-

Some workers get a raise Thursday when Connecticut's minimum wage goes to $9.15 per hour, up from $8.70 an hour. The increase, effective Jan. 1, 2015, is the result of a new law Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed earlier this year that requires a series of modest increases through 2017.



http://m.ctpost.com/local/article/State-s-minimum-wage-to-rise-to-9-15-5985470.php

Employees who expose wrongdoing pay a price

First, she told her supervisors that she believed the agency had bungled its spying operations in Baghdad. Then, she wrote a letter to the director of the agency.



http://www.star-telegram.com/news/nation-world/article5177442.html

Beyond the Classroom: What you can do about cyber bullying

If you ask most teens, they will tell you that their social lives are powered by texting and sharing photos on Snapchat and Instagram. But what they won't tell you is that these same digital tools are sometimes used to bully other children.



http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/community-voices/article4877022.html

Intelligence, defense whistleblowers remain mired in broken system

First, she told her supervisors that she believed the agency had bungled its spying operations in Baghdad. Then, she wrote a letter to the director of the agency.



http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/12/30/4307197/intelligence-defense-whistleblowers.html?sp=/99/217/

Wall Street's Best Lies, Tricks and Doublespeak in 2014

NEW YORK -- No, you weren't imagining that Wall Street and its regulators were messing with your head all year. There were the Wall Street veterans repackaged as representatives of the public; investor-literacy proponents who lobbied for rules that would hurt investors; and enforcement types who heralded tough settlements with banks only to take back some of the punishments before the ink was dry.



http://www.thestreet.com/story/12995084/1/wall-streets-best-lies-tricks-and-doublespeak-in-2014.html?cm_ven=RSSFeed&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tsc%2Ffeeds%2Frss%2Flatest-stories+%28TheStreet.com+Latest+Headlines%29

York-Hanover's unemployment rate dropped to 4.8 percent in November, a more than 6-year low

York-Hanover's unemployment rate dropped to 4.8 percent in November, the lowest level in more than six years, as area employers continued to add jobs amid an improving economy. The region's jobless rate shrank from 5 percent in October and improved from 6.6 percent in November 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry reported Tuesday.



http://www.ydr.com/business/ci_27228894/york-hanovers-unemployment-rate-dropped-4-8-percent

US Chamber to host job fair for vets, spouses

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, along with lead sponsor University of Phoenix, will host Hiring Our Heroes - Charleston, a hiring fair for veterans and military spouses.



http://www.moultrienews.com/article/20141230/MN01/141239963/1014/MN

Malloy reminds that minimum wage increase takes effect on January 1, 2015

Governor Dannel P. Malloy is reminding residents that Connecticut's minimum wage is scheduled to increase effective January 1, 2015 from the current rate of $8.70 an hour to $9.15 per hour. The increase is the result of a new law Governor Malloy signed earlier this year that requires a series of modest increases through 2017.



http://www.stamfordplus.com/stm/information/nws1/publish/News_1/Malloy-reminds-that-minimum-wage-increase-takes-effect-on-January-1-201522423.shtml

Wall Street's Best Lies, Tricks and Doublespeak in 2014

Your browser is not supported. Please upgrade to one of the following browsers: Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Apple Safari Microsoft Internet Explorer 8+ You may proceed to the site by clicking here , however some pages might not work correctly.



http://www.thestreet.com/story/12995084/1/wall-streets-best-lies-tricks-and-doublespeak-in-2014.html?cm_ven=RSSFeed&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tsc%2Ffeeds%2Frss%2Finsight-and-advice+%28TheStreet.com%3A+Insight+%26+Advice%29

Overview of Compliance Concerns Raised by Recent U.S. SEC Whistleblower Developments

The recent release of the Securities and Exchange Commission's annual report to Congress on the Dodd-Frank Whistleblower Program highlights the growing reliance of U.S. Government authorities on whistleblowers to identify and punish companies that engage in fraudulent behavior. Recent court decisions have provided further clarity on the scope of the whistleblower provisions, including with respect to eligibility for awards and anti-retaliatory measures protecting whistleblowers.



http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/overview-of-compliance-concerns-raised-b-33997/

SDNY Says Whistleblowers Must Report to the SEC

In Berman v. Neo@ogilvy LLC , the Unites States District Court for the Southern District of New York held an employee must report information to the SEC in order to qualify for the anti-retaliation protections afforded by the Dodd-Frank Act.



http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/sdny-says-whistleblowers-must-report-to-33729/

Commissioners hear pitch for jail health care contract

LaGrange, IN By: Tim Murray LAGRANGE - LaGrange County Commissioners heard a pitch for having one company provide all medical and mental health services at the LaGrange County Jail. Lisa Scroggins of Quality Correctional Care based in Muncie told commissioners that 31 Indiana counties now use their service.



http://www.wmshradio.com/news.php?sb_news_id=6481

Whatever happened to that lawsuit in Multnomah County Circuit Court?

People sued about all sorts of things in Multnomah County in 2014: Bad Internet reviews, doctors faulted for deadly mistakes, alleged workplace discrimination, and foreign objects in food that cracked teeth. The Oregonian wrote about dozens of those lawsuits when they were filed.



http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2014/12/whatever_happened_to_that_laws.html

Court Dismisses EEOC's Challenge To CVS' Severance Agreement; ...

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission made headlines earlier this year by filing a lawsuit attacking CVS Pharmacy, Inc.'s standard severance agreement, which the EEOC argued unlawfully restricts former employees' rights to file charges with the EEOC and to participate in EEOC investigations. What made the case interesting was that while CVS' severance agreement required an employee to release discrimination claims, it also expressly stated that the agreement "shall not interfere with [an] Employee's right to participate in a proceeding with any appropriate federal, state or local government agency enforcing discrimination laws .



http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/court-dismisses-eeocs-challenge-to-cvs-29622/

Unemployment drops to 4.8 percent in York County

Bolstered by work at the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in York County and the York-Hanover metropolitan area fell to 4.8 percent in November, according to Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Year to year the unemployment rate for the local metropolitan area is down by 1.8 percentage points and is now a full percentage point lower than the national average of 5.8 percent, a report released Tuesday stated.



http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_27228076/unemployment-drops-4-8-percent-york-county

Pittsburgh area unemployment dips below 5 percent

Unemployment in the seven-county Pittsburgh metropolitan statistical area fell to 4.8 percent in November, the first time the jobless rate has fallen below 5 percent in more than five and a half years but still higher than it was before the recent recession. The figures released this morning by the state Department of Labor and Industry showed there are still more unemployed people in the region than there were back in 2008, when unemployment was at the same level, because the region's labor force has grown over the last half-decade.



http://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2014/12/30/Pittsburgh-area-unemployment-4-8-percent-November/stories/201412300156

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre jobless rate falls to 6 percent

The unemployment rate in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area in November fell three-tenths of a percentage point to its lowest rate since June 2008,the state Department of Labor & Industry announced Tuesday. Yet at 6 percent unemployment, the region's jobless figures still lead all of the state's metropolitan areas and lag behind the state average of 5.1 percent and the national average of 5.8 percent.



http://citizensvoice.com/news/scranton-wilkes-barre-jobless-rate-falls-to-6-percent-1.1810253

Scranton/W-B jobless rate falls to 6 percent

The unemployment rate in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area in November fell three-tenths of a percentage point to its lowest rate since June 2008,the state Department of Labor & Industry announced Tuesday. Yet at 6 percent unemployment, the region's jobless figures still lead all of the state's metropolitan areas and lag behind the state average of 5.1 percent and the national average of 5.8 percent.



http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/scranton-w-b-jobless-rate-falls-to-6-percent-1.1810252

ARRAY(0x138615bc)

Obama may be aloof but he's also soft-spoken and temperate and if he's unpopular beyond his failures he's a genial man - a traditional liberal who believes government should help people out by providing healthcare and school lunches and so on. But now and then, standing at a podium, the President will speak and for a brief moment a window will open revealing a man who has a vision of America that goes well beyond traditional liberalism.



http://www.talkingaboutpolitics.com/Home/tabid/36/ctl/ArticleView/mid/364/articleId/4268/What-on-Earth-is-Next.aspx

Erie County unemployment rate improves to 5.2 percent

There's good news today from the state Department of Labor & Industry. Erie County's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell three-tenths of a percentage point in November to 5.2 percent.



http://www.goerie.com/erie-county-unemployment-rate-improves-to-52-percent

Intelligence, defense whistleblowers remain mired in broken system

First, she told her supervisors that she believed the agency had bungled its spy operations in Baghdad. Then, she wrote a letter to the director of the agency.



http://www.stripes.com/news/us/intelligence-defense-whistleblowers-remain-mired-in-broken-system-1.321640

Dear Politicians: Resolve To Make 2015 The Year Of Repealing Bad Laws

I am a law school graduate who went into teaching rather than legal practice and then began to see how badly government has mangled education at all levels. Since 1999, I have worked at the John W. Pope Center for Higher Education Policy, a think tank that takes a critical view of higher education.



http://www.forbes.com/sites/georgeleef/2014/12/30/dear-politicians-resolve-to-make-2015-the-year-of-repealing-bad-laws/

OSHA Travel Policy To Affect Everyone, Not Just Business Travelers

A report from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that it is the responsibility of employers and employees to ensure travel health before, during, and after any type of travel, regardless of whether the trip is business related. According to estimates provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 35% of all travel is business related, but travel related diseases have an equal spread across all demographics due to a lack of proper pre-travel medical care.



http://www.freshnews.com/news/1028826/osha-travel-policy-to-affect-everyone-not-just-business-travelers

Website set up for Yorkshire Ambulance Service whistleblowers

Congratulations, you're now registered! Let us know what news and updates you want to hear about and we'll send them straight to your inbox. The union Unite has launched a 'whistleblowers' website for workers across Yorkshire and members of the public to raise concerns about Yorkshire Ambulance Service.



http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/health/local-health/website-set-up-for-yorkshire-ambulance-service-whistleblowers-1-7025928

Local jobless rate falls to 6%

More people in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre region were working for the second consecutive month, driving the unemployment rate in November to a low of 6 percent not seen since June 2008, the state Department of Labor & Industry said Tuesday. The gain in employment from October was 900.



http://timesleader.com/news/local-news/50949493/Local-jobless-rate-falls-to-6-

Area unemployment rate falls to 5.3 percent in November

Number of people counted out of work in the Lehigh Valley and beyond dips to lowest rate since May 2008. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry says the region saw a drop of 0.3 percent in November, to 5.3 percent, compared with 5.6 percent in October.



http://www.mcall.com/business/mc-lehigh-valley-unemployment-november-20141230-story.html

Website set up for Yorkshire Ambulance Service whistleblowers

The union Unite has launched a 'whistleblowers' website for workers across Yorkshire and members of the public to raise concerns about Yorkshire Ambulance Service. This website and its associated newspaper adheres to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice.



http://www.southyorkshiretimes.co.uk/news/local/website-set-up-for-yorkshire-ambulance-service-whistleblowers-1-7025928

Website set up for Yorkshire Ambulance Service whistleblowers

Congratulations, you're now registered! Let us know what news and updates you want to hear about and we'll send them straight to your inbox. The union Unite has launched a 'whistleblowers' website for workers across Yorkshire and members of the public to raise concerns about Yorkshire Ambulance Service.



http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/health/website-set-up-for-yorkshire-ambulance-service-whistleblowers-1-7025928

San Bruno CA: January 6th 2015 Planning Commission Agenda

Planning Commission meetings are conducted in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised. You may address any agenda item by approaching the microphone until recognized by the Planning Commission Chair.



http://patch.com/california/sanbruno/san-bruno-ca-january-6th-2015-planning-commission-agenda?

Insurance provider Normandy Harbor moves to larger offices in Deerfield Beach

Worker's compensation insurance provider Normandy Harbor moved from Fort Lauderdale to a larger office in Deerfield Beach.



http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/blog/morning-edition/2014/12/insurance-provider-normandy-harbor-moves-to-larger.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bizj_southflorida+%28South+Florida+Business+Journal%29

Intelligence, defense whistleblowers remain mired in broken system

Thomas Drake, a former senior official at the NSA, cooperated with a Pentagon inspector general inquiry in 2002 into allegations of waste and mismanagement of an NSA surveillance program known as Trailblazer. When The New York Times revealed the NSA's warrantless wiretapping and electronic surveillance programs in 2005, Drake was caught up in the FBI's investigation in to leaked information, despite having no ties to the Times' reporting.



http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/12/30/4307197/intelligence-defense-whistleblowers.html?sp=/99/406/557/

Lessons learned from November storm

People lost pay because so much was closed and because there is a federal disaster designation, they will get some of that back. City crews and private contractors hauled away 11,000 dump truck loads of snow, 20-cubic yards each.



http://news.wbfo.org/post/lessons-learned-november-storm

Many council council members surprises by raises for Wausau city employees

Wausau Mayor Jim Tipple, City Attorney Anne Jacobson listen as Finance Committee discusses budget - PHOTO: Larry Lee A 2014 Midwest Communications WAUSAU, Wis Many city council members were unaware that city employees received 2-percent pay raises in 2014. The Wausau Daily Herald reports that city council members thought raises would be limited under a new merit-pay system that took effect this year.



http://rock947.com/news/articles/2014/dec/30/many-council-council-members-surprises-by-raises-for-wausau-city-employees/

Justin Caramagno is the right NH attorney to alleviate the stresses of being injured in an accident

PRLog - Dec. 30, 2014 - PORTSMOUTH, N.H. -- Portsmouth NH, October 3, 2014 - New Hampshire personal injury lawyer Justin Caramagno serves all of New Hampshire. This seacoast personal injury Atty matter practices premises liability case, auto or motorcycle accidents, wrongful death claims and worker's compensation matters.



http://www.prlog.org/12409726-justin-caramagno-is-the-right-nh-attorney-to-alleviate-the-stresses-of-being-injured-in-an-accident.html

Lake Stevens updates sidewalk project

City leaders have updated their priorities for sidewalk construction, including projects to circle the lake with walkways and connect growing neighborhoods to schools and shopping centers, including Frontier Village. The City Council approved its original Pedestrian Connection Plan in 2011.



http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20141230/NEWS01/141239976/Lake-Stevens-updates-sidewalk-project

Brake v. Hutchinson Technology

Before LOKEN, BEAM, and COLLOTON, Circuit Judges. Nosser Dean Nasser, Jr., argued, Sioux Falls, SD, for Plaintiff-Appellant.



http://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-8th-circuit/1688081.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FindLaw8th+%28FindLaw+Case+Law+Updates+-+8th+Circuit+COA%29

The Record: Paying caregivers

WORKING AS a live-in home health aide is not your average job. These individuals typically care for sick and elderly people 24 hours a day, seven days a week.



http://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-editorials/paying-caregivers-1.1183197

Whistle-blowers could be eligible for award in wedding singer Ponzi scheme

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has declared the case of a Bartlesville wedding singer and a businesswoman who raised an estimated $4.7 million through various illegal schemes eligible for a whistleblower award- a monetary reward for people who provided information in the case. In August 2013, the SEC filed a civil suit against Larry J. Dearman Sr., 41, of Tulsa, a former Oklahoma investment adviser and wedding singer, and his friend and business associate Marya Gray, 51, of Bartlesville, accusing the pair of blowing investors' money on gambling and personal expenses, as well as to pay early investors.



http://newsok.com/whistle-blowers-could-be-eligible-for-award-in-wedding-singer-ponzi-scheme/article/5380110?custom_click=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+newsok%2Fbusiness+%28NewsOK.com+RSS+-+business%29

Court to rule on how mentally ill are treated during arrests

Do police officers have an obligation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to accommodate people with mental illnesses when making arrests?The Supreme Court decided earlier this month to take up this question.



http://www.cortezjournal.com/article/20141229/NEWS01/141229840/-1/news&source=RSS

Hennepin County extends comment period for pedestrian accessibility plan

Hennepin County announced Monday that it has extended the public comment period on its pedestrian accessibility plan through Jan. 16. The plan document details the county's evaluation of its road network and shows how it will bring itself into full compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The county said it has made significant efforts to improve pedestrian accessibility along sidewalks and at intersections.



http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/287066361.html

Fwd: Respondent: University of California Santa Cruz Eeoc Inquiry No.: 556-2015-00190

The "newsiest" iReports are sorted in lists at the top of each section on the homepage and in other places around the site. Newsiest is a calculation that combines freshness, popularity, activity and ratings.



http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1201756?ref=feeds%2Flatest

County continues rebuilding Ascarate Park building

The million dollar reconstruction of a 60-year-old armory at Ascarate Park continues as the building is being transformed into a new County Tax Assessor-Collector's office. The tax assessor-collector is expected to move from its current office at 500 E. Overland Avenue in Downtown to the former U.S. Army Reserve Center building at Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive, by the end of March, said Monique Aguilar, the county's facilities manager.



http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_27224445/county-continues-rebuilding-ascarate-park-building

Chicago school purposely fired pregnant teachers, newspaper reports

The federal government has sued the Chicago Board of Education over what it says was a pattern of discrimination targeting pregnant women and new mothers at one elementary school, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune . The principal of Scammon Elementary, who was awarded a bonus for "high-quality" leaders last year, "subjected pregnant teachers 'to disparate treatment with regard to performance evaluation ratings' and other matters, and 'there existed a regular, purposeful, and less-favorable treatment of teachers because of their sex ,'" the Tribune writes, quoting the complaint.



http://www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2014/12/chicago_school_purposely_fired.html

$70,000 donated to family of window washer who fell 11 stories from ...

The family of Pedro Perez, 58, of San Leandro has raised $73, 482, nearly four times what they expected, in just a month on a Nearly 1,200 people have donated to the Perez family in the month since Perez took the horrible 11-story fall on Nov. 21 leaving him with a fractured pelvis, a broken arm, a ruptured artery in his arm, and severe brain trauma when he fell from a San Francisco building onto a moving Toyota Camry. Expectations: The family of Pedro Perez, 58, of San Leandro has raised $73, 482, nearly four times what they expected, in just a month on a fundraising page Though Perez is doing better, having moved from a hospital to a rehabilitation center, Perez' medical journey is not over.



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2890585/70-000-donated-family-window-washer-fell-11-stories-building-moving-car-survived.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

RFP- E-Games Slot Bases.

Sealed proposals are being solicited by Cherokee Nation Entertainment, LLC for the procurement and installation of E-Games slot bases for its Rolland Casino property located @ 205 west Cherokee Blvd Rolland, Ok 74954. This installation is required to be a turnkey.



http://www.cherokee.org/procurements/currentprocurements/procurementdetails.aspx?BidID=12430

Most Influential Job Announcements of 2014

This is a sign of a healthy economy, and mirrors a national hiring trend, as 321,000 US jobs were created in November alone, according to the US Labor Department. We've also seen a significant drop in unemployment, higher wages, and changes to sick leave policies.



http://www.boston.com/jobs/news/2014/12/29/most-influential-job-announcements/3gOa7ohF79WMGiGW8jQrPP/story.html

State fines fireworks company for explosion, violations

The Washington state Department of Labor & Industries has fined a fireworks plant $1,200 for safety violations after investigating a fatal explosion this past June. Entertainment Fireworks produces professional fireworks shows around the region.



http://www.komonews.com/news/local/State-fines-fireworks-company-for-explosion-violations-287050101.html

Winter Emergency Preparedness

It will cost passengers more to ride the state ferry starting in the summer. That's when fares for most Alaska Marine Highway will increase by 4.5%.



http://www.krbd.org/2014/12/29/winter-emergency-preparedness/

Make 2015 the year of choice for your employees

Do you own a small business, with, say, less than 50 employees? Maybe even less than 25 employees? As you look back on 2014, and ahead to 2015, what changes have you made in your benefits to those employees? Most likely, you've tweaked your health insurance policy to stay compliant with Obamacare rules. But what about those other plans that in past years were traditionally provided? Dental and vision used to be commonplace benefits, even in non-union workplaces.



http://www.examiner.com/article/make-2015-the-year-of-choice-for-your-employees?cid=rss

Sold out: 2014 Civil Rights Act of 1964 Uncirculated dollar coin no lo....

The status has been applied just before before the Mint halts all purchases of 2014 commemorative coins at noon Eastern Time Dec. 30. Only the Uncirculated version of the Civil Rights Act dollar is listed as sold out. Proof versions are still available for $54.95.



http://www.coinworld.com/news/us-mint-civil-rights-act-of-1964-silver-dollar-commemorative-sold-out-us-coins-coin-world-numismatics-collecting-hobby.html

City Presents Sidewalk Repair and ADA Transition Draft Plan - Requests Public Comments

There's a better way to personalize your website experience . With myConnection, the profile you create allows you to set up a unique starting point for the tasks and transactions that you want to complete in your time on this website.



http://www.bluespringsgov.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=532

Dorney Park cited by OSHA for heat hazards

Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom exposed its workforce - many who are teenagers - to heat hazards this summer, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA said it cited Cedar Fair LP after investigating an incident in which a teen worker collapsed near a fryer and sustained burns.



http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2014/12/29/dorney-park-cited-by-osha-for-heat-hazards.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+vertical_23+%28Human+Resources+Industry+News%29

Supreme Court Denies Workers Compensation for Security Screenings

On December 9, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously agreed that the Fair Labor Standards Act does not entitle employees to compensation for time spent going through mandatory security checks at the end of their work shifts. The ruling was issued in a case initiated by warehouse workers who sought compensation for their time - sometimes up to 30 minutes - spent undergoing security screenings before and after their shifts.



http://www.jdsupra.com/post/documentViewer.aspx?fid=18c94a13-0bd8-4417-b7b9-4ac8a644c151

Unemployment rates decline

Local unemployment rates for November 2014 were released by the The New York state Department of Labor recently. According to the statistics, Fulton county's unemployment rate in November hit 6.6 percent, a decrease from October's 6.7 percent and November 2013's 7.7 percent.



http://www.leaderherald.com/page/content.detail/id/576355/Unemployment--rates-decline.html?nav=5001

Employer Held Personally Liable For $1.1 Million For Back Wages And...

Dr. Mohan Kutty had hired foreign physicians with J-1 foreign medical graduate visas. Foreign physicians holding J-1 visas are eligible to receive medical training in the U.S. However, they are required by law to return and reside in their home countries for two years before they can return to the U.S. or change to another non-immigrant status.



http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/employer-held-personally-liable-for-11-46096/

FLSA companionship exemption changes struck down

Federal Department of Labor regulations that would have made employees of third-party home care agencies ineligible for the Fair Labor Standards Act's companionship exemption from minimum wage and overtime pay and live-in domestic service exemption from overtime pay effective January 1, 2015 have been struck down by the US District Court for the District of Columbia. The court held on December 22 that the regulations contravene the FLSA's language regarding these exemptions.



http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/flsa-companionship-exemption-changes-str-41944/

Supreme Court Denies Workers Compensation for Security Screenings

On December 9, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously agreed that the Fair Labor Standards Act does not entitle employees to compensation for time spent going through mandatory security checks at the end of their work shifts. The ruling was issued in a case initiated by warehouse workers who sought compensation for their time - sometimes up to 30 minutes - spent undergoing security screenings before and after their shifts.



http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/supreme-court-denies-workers-compensatio-41611/

Year' Top Federal Workplace Law Articles

Eagerly anticipated rules and guidance under the Fair Labor Standards Act and Americans with Disabilities Act topped the list for the most-read federal workplace law articles in 2014. Family and Medical Leave Act articles were of special interest as well.



http://www.shrm.org/legalissues/federalresources/pages/top-federal-legal-articles-2014.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+shrm%2Fnews%2Fhr+%28SHRM+Online%3A+HR+News%29

Tools 2 Succeed Announces Availability of 'Navigating...

The "Navigating Pregnancy-Related Issues in California Workplaces" e-Learning Course is pre-approved for 1.25 HRCI California Credits. A 1-year subscription to the course is available on the Tools 2 Succeed website or can be purchased as part of a package of HRCI pre-approved courses.



http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/12/prweb12416138.htm

Family leave act fills a need, despite potential for abuse

I recently invoked the federal Family and Medical Leave Act for unpaid time off to take care of a family emergency. The rehab center where my father was admitted provided basic info, which I forwarded to the human resources folks at the newspaper.



http://hamptonroads.com/2014/12/family-leave-act-fills-need-despite-potential-abuse

Study Shows Companies Face Larger Penalties When Whistleblowers Involved

A recently published study indicates that companies face much larger monetary penalties whenever a whistleblower is involved in enforcement actions against the company. In an average case, those companies paid penalties that were 63 percent higher with whistleblowers than in cases where there was no whistleblower.



http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/study-shows-companies-face-larger-penalt-35358/

Study Shows Companies Face Larger Penalties When Whistleblowers Involved

A recently published study indicates that companies face much larger monetary penalties whenever a whistleblower is involved in enforcement actions against the company. In an average case, those companies paid penalties that were 63 percent higher with whistleblowers than in cases where there was no whistleblower.



http://www.jdsupra.com/post/documentViewer.aspx?fid=898018ed-e3b0-4fe4-8587-19d4c1e1717a

"Cromnibus Act" Changes for Multiemployer and Single-Employer Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 , enacted into law last week, is not just a $1.1 trillion spending bill that keeps most of the federal government open through September 2015. The Cromnibus Act also addresses several critical issues impacting multiemployer and single-employer pension plans and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and makes other changes affecting defined benefit plans.



http://www.jdsupra.com/post/documentViewer.aspx?fid=2e7a417c-fbc6-4b32-83c5-26d88b38d100

SDNY Follows Asadi: Internal Tipsters Not Dodd-Frank "Whistleblowers"

On December 5, 2014, the Southern District of New York in Berman v. Neo@Ogilvy , No.



http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/sdny-follows-asadi-internal-tipsters-no-35139/

What Does the Decision in Home Care Association of America v. Weil...

In a welcome decision for home care providers, on December 22, 2014, a federal judge in Washington, D.C., vacated important changes to federal regulations that had been scheduled become effective January 1, 2015, and which would have excluded home care providers from claiming the federal companionship exemption for minimum wage and overtime. While the decision is no doubt good news for home care providers, there are important limitations about which providers need be aware.



http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/what-does-the-decision-in-home-care-asso-32956/

Should The Americans With Disabilities Act Be Extended To Obese Workers?

The Apothecary, a blog about health care and entitlement reform, is edited by Avik Roy, a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research and a former health-care policy adviser to Mitt Romney. Avik also writes a weekly column on politics and policy for National Review.



http://www.forbes.com/sites/theapothecary/2014/12/29/should-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-be-extended-to-obese-workers/

Report details facility deficiencies at New Canaan schools

Michelle Miller and Bill Silver, of the architecture and engineering firm Silver/Petrucelli and Associates, present a facilities capital needs assessment to the Board of Education during a meeting Monday night, Dec. 22, 2014, at New Canaan High School, New Canaan, Conn. The most urgent capital needs at New Canaan's public schools include replacing the gym floor at West Elementary School and the underground oil tanks of Saxe and the three elementary schools, a comprehensive facilities assessment shows.



http://m.newcanaannewsonline.com/news/article/Report-details-facility-deficiencies-at-New-5982991.php

Report details facility deficiencies at New Canaan schools

Michelle Miller and Bill Silver, of the architecture and engineering firm Silver/Petrucelli and Associates, present a facilities capital needs assessment to the Board of Education during a meeting Monday night, Dec. 22, 2014, at New Canaan High School, New Canaan, Conn. Photo: Nelson Oliveira The most urgent capital needs at New Canaan's public schools include replacing the gym floor at West Elementary School and the underground oil tanks of Saxe and the three elementary schools, a comprehensive facilities assessment shows.



http://www.newcanaannewsonline.com/news/article/Report-details-facility-deficiencies-at-New-5982991.php

The Attack on The Hidden Internet

Can a group of just-for-kicks hackers taken down the world's most important network for staying anonymous online? It's the network of choice for democracy activists, online drug dealers, and an estimated two million folks every day who would just rather get on the Internet without a government minder watching. And strangely, the hackers being blamed for the attack are a relatively new group who, until recently, liked their cyberattacks pretty simple and only messed with gaming networks.



http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/12/29/the-attack-on-the-hidden-internet.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thedailybeast%2Farticles+%28The+Daily+Beast+-+Latest+Articles%29

OSHA cites Ohio-based tree company following worker's death

A 21-year-old tree trimmer employed by The Davey Tree Expert Co. was fatally injured after a utility task vehicle ran over him at a Claysburg work site.



http://www.norwalkreflector.com/article/5972016?trending=

Easton's Hwang Named Ranking Leader Of Housing, Labor Committees

State Sen.-elect Tony Hwang has been appointed by the Senate Republican Caucus to serve as ranking leader of the Connecticut General Assembly's Housing Committee and Labor and Public Employees Committee for the 2015-16 legislative sessions. Hwang will also serve as a member of the Veterans Affairs and Commerce committees over the next two years.



http://weston.dailyvoice.com/politics/sen-elect-hwang-named-ranking-leader-housing-labor-committees

Heitkamp: Federal apprenticeship funding available

U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp is encouraging North Dakota businesses and organizations in growing and high-tech industries to apply for federal apprenticeship grants. The grants are available for apprenticeship programs in industries that the federal government has projected will grow or expand the workforce and are being transformed by technology and innovations.



http://rock102online.com/news/articles/2014/dec/29/heitkamp-federal-apprenticeship-funding-available/

What We Learned About NSA Spying in 2014-And What We're...

After a banner year for shedding light on the NSA's secret surveillance programs in 2013, the pace of disclosures in 2014-both from whistleblowers and through Freedom of Information Act lawsuits-slowed significantly. In fact, some of the most significant information about the NSA's surveillance programs still remain secret .



http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/what-we-learned-about-nsa-spying-2014-and-what-were-fighting-expose-2015-2014-review

RadioShack facing government probe over handling of retirement funds

U.S. Department of Labor officials are investigating RadioShack Corp. over the way the electronics retailer handled employees' retirement money, Bloomberg reported.



http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/blog/morning-edition/2014/12/radioshack-facing-government-probe-over-handling.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bizj_sanantonio+%28San+Antonio+Business+Journal%29

EEOC Beats $4.7 Million Fee Award in CRST Sex Bias Case

After taking some hard lumps in the courts this year, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission managed to save some face this week in battle over attorney fees. A federal appeals panel concluded a judge was too quick to award nearly $5 million in fees to a trucking giant represented by Jenner & Block, finding that such awards require a more careful analysis by the courts.



http://www.law.com/sites/articles/2014/12/23/eeoc-beats-4-7-million-fee-award-in-crst-sex-bias-case/

Two task forces will look to revive two Greenfield landmarks

The mayor has asked a town committee to form two task forces that would be charged with studying how Greenfield might revive two of its local landmarks.



http://www.recorder.com/home/14945743-95/two-task-forces-will-look-to-revive-two-greenfield-landmarks

Free career help offered in 4 major Connecticut cities

Danbury, Waterbury, Torrington and Hamden are the cities on the radar for the Connecticut Department of Labor's Employment and Training Workshops , which are taking place throughout the month of January. What's more, like all of the American Job Centers, the career services offered are completely free to jobseekers and are well worth taking advantage of because experts will be there to help, no matter what career stage attendees are in.



http://www.examiner.com/article/free-career-help-offered-4-major-connecticut-cities?cid=rss

Stroudsburg plans street improvements

Borough officials recently approved a project to replace 13 Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalk ramps on Second Street between McConnell and Third streets, as well as two ADA ramps on Clermont Avenue. A portion of the handicapped ramps are eligible to be funded through federal Community Development Block Grants, said Borough Manager Cathie Thomas.



http://www.poconorecord.com/article/20141228/NEWS/141229569

Supreme Court Rules on Waiting in Security Lines At Work

The US Supreme Court ruled this month, in a unanimous decision, that time employees spend waiting in line to pass through security screening checks after clocking out but before leaving the workplace is not "work time," and is therefore not compensated under the Fair Labor Standards Act . The ruling reversed the Ninth Circuit's position that the time should be compensated because the security checks were a necessary component to the principal work performed by the employees and were done for the employer's benefit.



http://www.examiner.com/article/supreme-court-rules-on-waiting-security-lines-at-work?cid=rss

What Not To Talk About At Work.

Managers have a special role for employers because they are your legal agents, what they say, do, and know can be attributed to you as their employer; Depending on the issue, you can even be strictly liable for the conduct of managers, meaning that your good intentions are not a defense. Several laws come into play here but there are certain things that managers should absolutely not talk about with employees or anyone else at work.



http://www.4hoteliers.com/features/article/8766?awsb_c=rss&awsb_k=xfeed

Senator-Elect Tony Hwang Named Ranking Leader of Housing and Labor Committees

State Senator-elect Tony Hwang has been appointed by the Senate Republican Caucus to serve as Ranking Leader of the Connecticut General Assembly's Housing Committee and Labor and Public Employees Committee for the 2015-2016 legislative sessions. Senator-elect Hwang will also serve as a member of the Veterans Affairs and Commerce committees over the next two years.



http://patch.com/connecticut/fairfield/senator-elect-tony-hwang-named-ranking-leader-housing-and-labor-committees-0?

South Carolina lawmakers propose bill to pay college athletes

The bill was proposed December 3 by Senator Marlon Kimpson [official profile], who argues that student athletes should be compensated when universities benefit financially from the use of the name, image and likeness of the students. The bill would mandate annual stipends be given to each basketball and football athlete that remains in good academic standing, regardless of any other scholarship or financial aid awarded.



http://jurist.org/paperchase/2014/12/south-carolina-lawmakers-proposes-bill-to-pay-college-athletes.php

Testimony reveals often-bizarre behavior at the Mascotte Police Department

As Mascotte fights five lawsuits in federal and state court, all claiming it mistreated employees, a picture of a miserable - and sometimes bizarre - place to work has begun to emerge. The sworn testimony of a half-dozen former police officers described a Police Department micromanaged by a chief who constantly screamed to get his point across, who was focused on officers mopping floors several times a day rather than investigating crime and who once hid in the bushes while responding to a call of a violent home invasion.



http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/lake/os-lk-lauren-ritchie-mascotte-police-statements-20141227-column.html?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+orlandosentinel%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Flake+%28OrlandoSentinel.com%3A+Lake+County+News%29

In Today's TDN:

It was a good day at the office for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, as he completed a rare double in the GI La Brea S. with Sam's Sister and in the GI Malibu S. with Shared Belief , strengthening to some degree his chances for a second consecutive Eclipse Award. T. D. Thornton has a follow-up story on the worker's compensation issue in New York and there is a challenge anew into the results of the NYTHA presidential election.



http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/intraday_single.cfm?type=news&alertID=4794

Court rules against Capital Region Medical Center

Last week, the Missouri Court of Appeals in Kansas City ordered Capital Region Medical Center to pay Dorothy Smith, Jefferson City, more than $12,746 in burial and temporary total disability benefits, as well as weekly death benefits of $675.90. The appeals court's ruling Tuesday upheld payment amounts previously ordered by Missouri's Labor and Industrial Relations Commission.



http://www.newstribune.com/news/2014/dec/28/court-rules-against-hospital/

What We Learned About NSA Spying in 2014-And What We're...

After a banner year for shedding light on the NSA's secret surveillance programs in 2013, the pace of disclosures in 2014-both from whistleblowers and through Freedom of Information Act lawsuits-slowed significantly. In fact, some of the most significant information about the NSA's surveillance programs still remain secret .



https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/12/what-we-learned-about-nsa-spying-2014-and-what-were-fighting-expose-2015

Can I improve on my retirement plan?: Bradley R. Newman

As you prepare for the inevitable barrage of articles associated with planning for the New Year, let's take a look at an underutilized strategy for enhancing the management of your retirement plan dollars. While most end of year and beginning of year recommendations focus on ways to increase retirement savings, which is certainly not a poor recommendation, let's take a minute to focus on the impact of managing the dollars that you have already accumulated in the most advantageous fashion via an in-service distribution.



http://www.pennlive.com/business-news/index.ssf/2014/12/can_i_improve_on_my_retirement.html

Two more former ministers accused of sexually abusing children 30...

Another two former ministers have been accused of sexually abusing children in the 1980s as part of an alleged ring of Westminster paedophiles. Their names were given to police investigating claims politicians routinely raped young boys and girls at a number of addresses in the capital 30 years ago.



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2889020/Two-former-ministers-accused-sexually-abusing-children-30-years-ago-alleged-Westminster-paedophile-ring.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

The entrepreneur's 'must do' list

Everyone has a "bottom left hand drawer" of sorts. You know what I mean, don't you? It's that special place where we put things that we need to do "one day."



http://www.richmond-news.com/community/the-entrepreneur-s-must-do-list-1.805983

County Unemployment Rate Continues Rise

The unemployment rate in Chautauqua County was higher in November than it was in October and 1 percent lower than where it was last year.



http://post-journal.com/page/content.detail/id/657957/County-Unemployment-Rate-Continues-Rise.html?nav=5003

2014 top 10 list of wage and hour

THE STAKES for noncompliance under state and federal wage and hour laws are higher than ever before.



http://www.unionleader.com/article/20141228/NEWS02/141229450

That solid pension benefit? Subject to change

Some troubled pension plans now have the authority to drastically reduce the benefits of current and future retirees - something that hasn't happened since Congress passed legislation protecting retirement benefits 40 years ago. The power was included in the last-minute, $1.1 trillion budget compromise signed by President Barack Obama on Dec. 16. It applies to multiemployer pension plans that are expected to run out of money in 15 or 20 years.



http://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2014/12/28/That-solid-pension-benefit-Subject-to-change/stories/201412290028

State, county unemployment rates released

November unemployment numbers for the five-county area showed slight increases in some sectors, while others remained stagnant, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Maury County's rate stood at 6.5 percent in both October's revised numbers and November's preliminary data.



http://columbiadailyherald.com/news/business/state-county-unemployment-rates-released

Calls to make beach accessible deemed 'all washed up'

One of the more intriguing tidbits in Charleston's new mobility report involves the small wedge of sand where High Battery meets 40 East Bay St. "Here is an amazing little beach right on the peninsula," consultant Gabe Klein wrote. "There is not access or a way for people to enjoy it.



http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20141227/PC16/141229761/1177/calls-to-make-beach-accessible-deemed-all-washed-up

This week in the war on workers: How many more Americans could get overtime pay?

President Obama has told the Department of Labor to look at raising the overtime eligibility level for salaried workers. Currently, salaried workers making more than $455 per week are excluded from overtime protection, a ridiculously low level that's eroded dramatically over time.



http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/12/27/1354187/-This-week-in-the-war-on-workers-How-many-more-Americans-could-get-overtime-pay

Zba Notice 1-6-2015

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Plymouth will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting/hearing, to individuals with disabilities.



http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2014141226013

Defunct company balks at ruling awarding Thai farm workers $8.7 million for exploitation

A federal judge has ruled that a California-based labour contractor must pay $8.7 million in damages to Thai workers who were exploited while working at Hawaii farms, but it's not clear whether any of them will get the money. Mordechai Orian, former president of Global Horizons, said Monday that the Los Angeles company is no longer in business and has no way to pay.



http://www.whistlerquestion.com/defunct-company-balks-at-ruling-awarding-thai-farm-workers-8-7-million-for-exploitation-1.1693763

Sen. Kennedy RememberedSAIL AWAY

The Democratic Party's most stalwart defender of civil rights, labor rights, health care, immigration, housing and education for nearly five decades in the U.S. Senate has left us. On Tuesday night, cancer claimed the life of Edward M. Kennedy, the 77-year-old senior senator from Massachusetts.



http://www.american-reporter.com/5,131W/833.html

BATES v. NEVA

For Appellant: Jim Bates, self-represented, Fishtail, Montana. For Appellee: Patricia D. Peterman; Michael F. McGuinness, Patten, Peterman, Bekkedahl & Green, PLLC, Billings, Montana.



http://caselaw.findlaw.com/mt-supreme-court/1687934.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FindLawMontSup+%28FindLaw+Case+Law+Updates+-+MT+Supreme+Court%29

Lopez v. New York City Department of Environmental Protection

THOMAS A. DICKERSON, J.P., JOHN M. LEVENTHAL, SANDRA L. SGROI, and HECTOR D. LASALLE, JJ. Fabiani Cohen & Hall, LLP , for appellants.



http://caselaw.findlaw.com/ny-supreme-court/1687956.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FindLawNYSupCt+%28FindLaw+Case+Law+Updates+-+NY+Supreme+Court%29

Obesity as disability

European Union's Court of Justice recently ruled that obesity may qualify as a disability that employers must accommodate. This time of year, endless opportunities to overindulge can test the willpower of anyone who does not want to put on pounds.



http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-obesity-ada-disability-eu-court-of-justice-edit-1229-jm-20141226-story.html

Matz v. Household International Tax Reduction Investment Plan

Robert J. MATZ, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. HOUSEHOLD INTERNATIONAL TAX REDUCTION INVESTMENT PLAN, Defendant-Appellee.



http://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-7th-circuit/1687928.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FindLaw7th+%28FindLaw+Case+Law+Updates+-+7th+Circuit+COA%29

2 sue Lord, claiming racial discrimination

Two black men at the Lord Corp. plant in Erie are suing over claims of racial discrimination and harassment, and the company is arguing their federal lawsuit is unfounded. The workers, Chris Giles and Brandon Jones, who sued in U.S. District Court in Erie, are alleging Lord created "a hostile work environment on the basis of race" and retaliated against the two when they complained.



http://www.goerie.com/2-sue-lord-claiming-racial-discrimination

Wage settlement with strippers to cost Dallas club $2.3 million

A federal judge this week approved a $2.3 million judgment in favor of about 180 current and former dancers who alleged unfair pay practices by the northwest Dallas strip club where they worked. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit alleged that Jaguars refused to pay the dancers, that the women had to pay a fee to the club for each shift worked, that their only compensation came in the form of tips from patrons, and that they were required to split those gratuities with club owners and employees who typically don't receive tips.



http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metro/20141226-wage-settlement-with-strippers-to-cost-dallas-club-2.3-million.ece

Pedestrian crossings are at a crossroads: more time to be given for street crossing

The crosswalks in question are all controlled by the State of Indiana along S.R. 933, S.R. 331, and S.R. 23. "Primarily what we're doing is changing the calculation of signal times at pedestrian crosswalks from four feet per second, to 3.5 feet per second and this reflects some of the latest information on the speed with which people of all types of abilities cross crosswalks in urban areas," said INDOT's Will Wingfield. "We're also making sure that we're incompliance with evolving requirements with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other issues of that nature."



http://ift.tt/13KW9Nc

Clark County diversity director settlement to cost $150,000-plus

Clark County will pay its diversity director $150,486 to settle a federal wage discrimination lawsuit that the U.S. Department of Justice filed against the county.



http://ift.tt/1zH6ck8

Ex-jockey sues over injuries

A former jockey has launched legal action against Racing and Wagering WA over an accident at Ascot Racecourse that left him with serious injuries. According to a writ filed in the District Court this week, the Group 1-winning jockey is seeking damages, interest and costs.



http://ift.tt/1xWpSQn

$2.13 an hour means widespread sexual harassment in the restaurant industry

Women make up 66 percent of all tipped restaurant workers, which means a federal minimum wage of $2.13 an hour, a rate that hasn't changed in two decades. That means they live in or near poverty at high rates and are vulnerable to harassment both from managers and coworkers and from the customers on whom they depend for the tips that account for most of their income.



http://ift.tt/1EshTyf

The hackers who say they took down gaming networks are now going after Tor

A hacking group that calls itself Lizard Squad claimed it was behind Christmas Day outages on Sony and Microsoft's gaming networks. And now, it says, it has turned its eyes toward anonymous browsing tool Tor.



http://ift.tt/1HNx5Cd

The 10 worst things Wal-Mart did in 2014

From mistreating pregnant workers to illegally disciplining workers fighting for change, Walmart has stooped to dismal lows in 2014. In its hunt for endless profit, the world's largest private employer continues to do everything in its power to squeeze workers and silence those who speak out.



http://ift.tt/1AT0LO6

Jaguars Agrees to Pay $2.3 Million to Strippers Who Say They Were Cheated on Pay

Are strippers employees, or just independent contractors working for tips? A lawsuit filed against Dallas' all-nude Jaguars settled on Wednesday, leaving us no answer, at least in this case. The plaintiffs in the suit, 182 women who worked for the club's outlets in Texas and Arizona, will divvy up $1.54 million, the chunk of the settlement that will remain after their lawyers get their 33 percent.



http://ift.tt/1t6JfQ5

Hackers who say they attacked Xbox and PlayStation have a new target: Tor

One day after a group of hackers took credit for compromising the networks of Playstation and Xbox , they now appear to be targeting Tor , a network that helps its users stay anonymous online. Tor is not a household name, so any attack on the service would not be felt as widely as the disruption of online play for millions of gamers.



http://ift.tt/1t6AsNV

Dancers who sued Dallas strip club over wages agree to $2.3 million settlement

On Christmas Eve, a U.S. district judge in Dallas left a little something extra under the tree for some 190 women who spent time dancing in an all-nude Dallas strip club: a signed settlement worth $2.3 million, minus a sizable chunk of attorneys' fees.



http://ift.tt/1vy4c7m

Sony to Pay $85,000 under Decree Resolving EEOC Disability Discrimination Suit

Sony Electronics, Inc. will pay $85,000 under a consent decree entered in federal court today ending a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission . The EEOC alleged that Sony violated the Americans with Disabilities Act when it brought about the termination of a woman with a prosthetic leg because of her disability.



http://ift.tt/1vy49Zc

Santa Gives EEOC a Gift - For Now

We previously reported on a case where the EEOC was hit with a $4.7 million judgment in attorneys' fees and costs for pursuing a frivolous class action. This week the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that ruling, in part.



http://ift.tt/1x89CKu

EEOC Roundup: November 2014

Employment is heavily regulated in the U.S., where it is illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex , national origin, age , disability or genetic information. It is also illegal to discriminate against a person because he or she made a discrimination complaint, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in workplace discrimination investigation or lawsuit.



http://ift.tt/1vy49sm

Minimum wage increases to $9.47 next week

The minimum wage in Washington state will go up by 15 cents to $9.47 an hour starting Jan. 1. That will make Washington's minimum wage the highest among the 50 states, followed by Oregon, which is increasing its minimum to $9.25, according to the state Department of Labor & Industries. For as little as 27 cents a day, you can have complete access to all the local news, photos and video content from North Central Washington's primary news source.



http://ift.tt/1ATfrg8

Why Bribing Lizard Squad To Stop Attacking Xbox Live And PSN Is A Terrible Idea

I cover the video game industry, write about gamers, and review video games. You can follow me on Twitter and hit me up there if you have any questions or comments you'd like to chat about.



http://ift.tt/1xVq3eO

US looks into retirement plans for employees at RadioShack

The U.S. Department of Labor is investigating how RadioShack manages its retirement plan for employees, according to a regulatory filing. The electronics retailer received a letter from the department saying that it was looking into its 401 plan going back to 2011, according to the filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission this week.



http://ift.tt/1x7VK2R

A Radio Shack store in New York City, New York.

The U.S. Department of Labor is investigating how RadioShack manages its retirement plan for employees, according to a regulatory filing. The electronics retailer received a letter from the department saying that it was looking into its 401 plan going back to 2011, according to the filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission this week.



http://ift.tt/1vxGKHh

Ex-jockey sues over trackwork injuries

A former jockey has launched legal action against Racing and Wagering WA over an accident at Ascot Racecourse that left him with serious injuries. According to a writ filed in the District Court this week, the Group 1-winning jockey is seeking damages, interest and costs.



http://ift.tt/1x7VMYs

Construction industry's resolutions for 2015

More than half of all Americans make New Year's resolutions. It seems natural at the end of a year and the beginning of a new one to make a pledge to pursue healthier or more productive habits.



http://ift.tt/1vxGHLC

Jobs forecast shows fall in manufacturing, growth in health care work in Maine

In the Maine of 10 years from now, jobs making things, moving things and selling things are expected to decline as jobs in health care, education and hospitality industries increase. That doesn't necessarily mean work making things will dry up, as the bulk of job openings will be to replace people retiring, but a report from the Maine Department of Labor's Center for Workforce Research and Information does reveal which industries are becoming a bigger part of the state's economy and what training most of new jobs will require.



http://ift.tt/1xVlxgo

Can Women Succeed Without A Mentor?

Studies show that historically women have reported a more difficult time finding mentors than men do, which has led to a number of mentoring networks aimed specifically at connecting women with female mentors. In a 2010 World Economic Forum report on corporate practices for gender diversity in 20 countries, 59 percent of the companies surveyed said they offer internally led mentoring and networking programs, and 28 percent said they have women-specific programs.



http://ift.tt/1HMoXCc

OSHA cites Ohio-based tree company following worker's death

A 21-year-old tree trimmer employed by The Davey Tree Expert Co. was fatally injured after a utility task vehicle ran over him at a Claysburg work site.



http://ift.tt/13K7Eo0

Homecare Worker Protections Thwarted in Court

The frontline of today's labor struggles isn't the factory floor, but the kitchen table: many of the most vocal labor campaigns came from the home healthcare workers who support people with disabilities and seniors. These professional carers have joined in the "Fight for 15" protests, led union organizing campaigns and scored a major win in Washington with an expansion of federal labor protections to home healthcare jobs.



http://ift.tt/1xoryCB

Sierra Regional Spine Institute Aims to Increase Awareness for Elko, NV Services

Doctors from Sierra Regional Spine Institute are looking to spread awareness regarding the availability of their treatment offerings at their Elko, NV clinic. A few doctors from the practice make regular visits to the rural area to perform consults and if necessary, perform surgeries, or other procedures to help with pain management.



http://ift.tt/1xViAfN

Strippers who sued Jaguars over wages, compensation agree to $2.3M settlement

On Christmas Eve, a U.S. district judge in Dallas left a little something extra under the tree for some 190 women who spent time dancing in an all-nude Northwest Dallas strip club: a signed settlement worth $2.3 million, minus a sizable chunk of attorneys' fees.



http://ift.tt/1wOD0pe

Council mulls City Hall upgrades

Members of the Gloversville Common Council on Tuesday discussed potentially making adjustments to City Hall to make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Councilman-at-Large James Robinson said several elderly members of the public have told him they would like the city to make City Hall more accessible to elderly people with disabilities.



http://ift.tt/1xUZR3Y

Nashua labor dispute with city employees goes to trial next year

Lawsuits brought by two municipal employees who claim the city of Nashua violated labor laws by not correctly reimbursing them overtime are scheduled to go to trial within three months. Cheryl Walley and Jose Santiago allege the city violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by reimbursing them less than they are owed in back overtime, then retaliating against them after they filed complaints against the city in fall 2013, their attorney Steven Bolton, of Nashua, said Tuesday.



http://ift.tt/1vx3WWm

Pension-law change alarms retiree groups

Forty years after Congress took steps to guarantee that retirees get the pensions they were promised, another generation of lawmakers has taken a chisel to those legal protections. Tucked into the must-pass federal spending bill that President Obama signed last week was a provision - backed by key members of both parties and even some labor groups - that allows a certain type of pension plan to drastically cut retirees' pension checks to avoid running out of money.



http://ift.tt/13ztk60

RadioShack facing government probe over handling of retirement funds

U.S. Department of Labor officials are investigating RadioShack Corp. over the way the electronics retailer handled employees' retirement money, Bloomberg reported.



http://ift.tt/1wqHNrM

Walker names commissioners, leg director

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker has named two commissioners and his legislative director. Larry Hartig will be retained as commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, Heidi Drygas has been named commissioner of the Department of Labor and Darwin Peterson has been named legislative director.



http://ift.tt/1wNNkxY

RadioShack facing government probe over handling of retirement funds

A pedestrian passes a RadioShack Corp. store in San Francisco, California, U.S., on Friday, Oct. 21, 2011. RadioShack has responded to a Labor Department probe over the handling of the company's retirement plans.



http://ift.tt/1wNNllp

from Readers: Mu awards honor dedication to disability awareness and advocacy

The Lee Henson Access Mizzou Awards were created to honor Henson, MU's former Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator. Henson had a longstanding record of service and advocacy on the Mizzou campus and in the Columbia community.



http://ift.tt/1zmslz7

An immigration solution we can't wait for

The American consumer has grown to assume that supermarket produce departments will always overflow with abundant varieties of fruits and vegetables. In reality, that assumption has been historically safe given the productivity, inventiveness, reliability and plain hard work of the agricultural production and processing industries.



http://ift.tt/1xktc5g

Brad Flory column: The agony and ecstasy (minus ecstasy) of visiting Lambeau Field in December

I can say that because the Lions will play at Green Bay, Wisconsin, in December. I've been inside the belly of that particular beast.



http://ift.tt/1xnxYlo

Closures and moves mark Bennington economics in 2014

BENNINGTON >> The town took several painful blows this year in terms of business closures and job losses, but while some places shut their doors for good others simply moved them. In February, Plasan Carbon Composites announced it would be closing its Shields Drive facility and moving it to Michigan to be closer to the country's auto manufacturing hub.



http://ift.tt/1xnxY55

Congress OK's reduction of retirees' benefits

Tucked into the federal spending bill were provisions that will allow certain struggling multiemployer pension plans to reduce benefits already being received by retirees. The move was a result of an alarm from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. that some multiemployer plans - covering more than 1 million participants - are substantially underfunded and, without legislative changes, would probably fail.



http://ift.tt/1xmTbMw

Uber suit claiming bias against the blind gets U.S. scrutiny

A file photo taken on Dec. 10, 2014 in Paris, shows the Uber smartphone app, used to book taxis using its service, pictured on a smartphone in front of a taxi. The U.S. government told a court it is concerned about the civil rights issues raised by a lawsuit against Uber Technologies Inc. alleging discrimination against blind passengers.



http://ift.tt/1CUpXDe