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Labor Relations / Unions

Chrysler prepares for recovery by offering worker buyouts

06/05/2009

The cost of retirement benefits are one of the flies in the ointment of Chrysler’s plan to close eight plants—including its Twinsburg, Ohio, stamping facility. To help cut long-term expenses, the bankrupt company plans to offer lump-sum buyout payments to some members of the United Auto Workers.

Use TEAM approach to stay union-free in a union-friendly world

06/05/2009

By now, nearly everyone in HR has heard of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), under which unions would have a much easier time becoming certified. Because unions have become more aggressive and more successful at unionization even without the EFCA, I recommend that employers adopt the TEAM approach to keeping their workplaces union-free.

Looking for work? NLRB has openings

06/05/2009

Cushy government jobs, but a lot of headaches await the successful applicants for two key government jobs. Years of political infighting may be coming to an end soon, as President Obama has sent two names to Congress for confirmation to become members of the National Labor Relations Board.

Federal employment bias claims may be subject to grievance arbitration

05/27/2009

On April 1, the U.S. Supreme Court held that arbitration provisions in collective-bargaining agreements that clearly and unmistakably require arbitration of Age Discrimination in Employment (ADEA) claims are enforceable.

What is the Employee Free Choice Act?

05/06/2009

Q. Can you give me a rundown on the “card check” law everyone is so afraid will transform labor-management relations?

Employers: ‘Keep Out!’ Beware intruding in employee web sites

05/06/2009

It’s becoming a common problem: An employer discovers disparaging comments on an employee’s Facebook, MySpace or personal blog. Maybe a post reveals internal company information. Can the employer take disciplinary action? A series of new laws and evolving legal doctrines have placed limits on how far an employer can encroach on the private and off-site activities of its employees.

Labor union steps up Wal-Mart organizing campaign

05/04/2009

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) has sighted Wal-Mart in its cross-hairs. The union has sent 60 organizers to more than 100 Wal-Mart stores in 15 states to try to crack the nation’s largest employer.

State government employees seek right to join unions

04/27/2009

North Carolina is one of two states in the nation that bars public employees from unionizing. (Virginia is the other.) That may be changing. Legislators met with concerned state employees earlier this spring to discuss changing the 50-year-old law.

Temple’s nurse pool leads to labor headache

04/22/2009

The Temple University Health System will have to collectively bargain with a larger group of nurses following a recent Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board (PLRB) ruling.

College violated law when it withdrew health care option

04/20/2009

The Michigan Court of Appeals has decided Wayne County Community College violated state law when it eliminated the traditional Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan from the list of plans available to college employees.