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| The National Labor Relations Board delayed a key union rule, postponing the date by which employers must put up posters displaying information about employee rights. "The Board's ruling states that it has determined that postponing the effective date of the rule would facilitate the resolution of the legal challenges that have been filed with respect to the rule" the NLRB said in a statement. |
| (Source: Politico, 2011-12-23) |
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| The National Labor Relations Board -- a top target of Republicans and business critics of the Obama administration -- could be sidelined early in 2012. The agency, which is supposed to be governed by a five-member board, is down to three active members because of Senate Republican opposition to Obama's nominees, and one of them, Craig Becker, will see his term end at the conclusion of the current session of Congress. |
| (Source: CNNMoney.com, 2011-12-23) |
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| Some companies have begun paying their employees to lose weight and get healthy. In 2010, an estimated 62 percent of employers provided financial incentives to their employees if they lost weight, quit smoking, exercised and/or simply got a checkup, according to a survey by Buck Consultants. |
| (Source: Fox News, 2011-12-29) |
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| The National Labor Relations Board announced that it had adopted new rules that would speed up unionization elections, its last major policy decision before it drops to two members and can no longer make new decisions. The labor board said the new rules, which have been in the works for months, would reduce unnecessary delays and litigation, especially in the 10 percent of cases when employers file formal challenges to unionization votes, a move that often delays such votes by a month or more. |
| (Source: The New York Times, 2011-12-21) |
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| Pet insurance, at-your-desk meditation services, jewelry discounts and funeral planning -- from the quirky to the somber, workplaces are providing a range of unique benefits in 2012. The options come as many firms try to placate employees frustrated by pay cuts, heavy workloads, high health insurance costs and reduced 401(k) matches. |
| (Source: USA Today (free reg. req'd), 2011-12-29) |
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| Immigrants have started nearly half of America's 50 top venture-funded companies and are key members of management or product development teams in almost 75 percent of those companies. Those are the results of a new study by the National Foundation for American Policy, which cites the numbers in calling for changes to immigration policy to make it easier for immigrant entrepreneurs to come to the United States and begin building companies. |
| (Source: The Wall Street Journal, 2011-12-20) |
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| The traditional eight-hour workday may soon be the exception rather than the rule. New evidence shows that we're reaching a tipping point in terms of workplace flexibility, with businesses seeing the wisdom of allowing employees -- young ones especially -- to work odd hours, telecommute and otherwise tweak the usual 9-to-5 grind. |
| (Source: Time, 2011-12-21) |
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| The thrill of getting a work-issued mobile phone often is eclipsed quickly by its constant reminders that you still -- always -- have work to do. But some companies are trying to help employees keep their home and work lives separate. |
| (Source: The Columbus Dispatch, 2011-12-26) |
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| The National Transportation Safety Board took a tough stand against distracted driving, recommending lawmakers prohibit motorists from using cellphones or electronic devices. For some in corporate America, those numbers are changing attitudes. |
| (Source: Chicago Daily Herald, 2011-12-27) |
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| A federal appeals court revived a class-action lawsuit against Oracle Corp, basing its ruling on a state court decision that employers in California must pay nonresident workers for overtime work performed in the state. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit reversed a federal district court ruling in favor of Oracle. |
| (Source: Reuters, 2011-12-13) |
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| A bartender has filed a gender discrimination lawsuit claiming he lost his job after his employer implemented a 'hot chick' strategy to bring in customers. Tony E. Clark said he was hired as a bartender at Varasano's and the owner hired a consultant to develop a strategy for attracting more customers into the restaurant. |
| (Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (free reg. req'd), 2011-12-28) |
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Two Firms Complete Combination
Ice Miller LLP announced it has finalized its combination with Schottenstein Zox and Dunn Co., LPA (SZD). The combined Firm, operating as Ice Miller LLP, ranks among the top 150 largest law firms in the United States with approximately 314 lawyers and offices in Indianapolis, Columbus, Chicago, Cleveland, DuPage County, Illinois and Washington, D.C.
Read the press release online. |
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What better way to start a new year than with a wedding! As a result of our merger with the former firm of Schottenstein Zox & Dunn, Ice Miller LLP now has offices in Indianapolis, Indiana, Chicago and DuPage County, Illinois, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. Our Labor and Employment Group now includes over 40 lawyers and other professionals who are experienced in guiding public and private employers through the minefield of federal, state and local employment laws governing employers in these jurisdictions. We look forward to using our added depth and breadth of employment law experience to help you in the coming year.
In less positive news, the Mayan calendar predicts that the world will end on December 21, 2012. For those of you who may be Mayan Doomsday "deniers" – or who simply want to be covered until then – we offer the following list of 12 labor and employment developments Informed Employers should be aware of heading into 2012:
Read full article online. |
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Michael Boldt
Many questions exist about the future of the health care reform law known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Will all of its provisions go into effect in 2014 as the law is written? Will it be amended? Will it be repealed? Will the Supreme Court declare it constitutional or unconstitutional?
While all employers are understandably anxious about these questions, employers in collective bargaining relationships with unions have special reason for anxiety. A collective bargaining agreement negotiated now, that will continue into 2014 and beyond, may lock in provisions of PPACA that are later amended, repealed or invalidated by the courts. Employers in bargaining relationships should attempt to deal with such possible developments as they negotiate collective bargaining agreements today.
Read full article online. |
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Smoking increases the risk and severity of musculoskeletal injuries and occupational illness. Of course, it also adds to lost time and health care costs. The National Cancer Institute estimates that every smoker costs their employer an additional $1,000 per year. Employers can help employees quit smoking by offering information through a health care provider, individual counseling and incentive programs, such as reimbursement for smoking cessation programs.
For questions on smoking cessation programs, or other worker's compensation matters, please contact Ann Stewart or Karen Dutcher.
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