Volkswagen auto workers in Tennessee became the center of attention last week when they prepared to vote on unionization of their factory. Unionization is usually a major deal for the workers and the employers, but it does not always receive much media coverage, particularly when the employer is not opposed to the union. However, in… Read More
Archives for February 21, 2014
Here you can find the most recent employment law news and commentary on cases around the country. If you need assistance with employment law, don't hesitate to call us.
Tri-City Farmers Need Bigger Batch of Workers
Even though the economy is recovering slowly, Washington farmers have seen major growth and success. Unfortunately, this rapid growth and the improving economy have led to a shortage in local farm workers. According to a Tri-City Herald story, Tri-City farmers hired more cherry and apple pickers last season than they did at the start of… Read More
Taco Bell Employees Shut Homeless Man In Dumpster
A Taco Bell manager made the news recently for allegedly telling his employees to lock a sleeping homeless man in the restaurant’s dumpster. According to the article, a customer, Jacob Cook, at the Redding, California Taco Bell, overheard employees tell their manager about a homeless man sleeping in the dumpster. The customer claims he heard… Read More
New Background Check Policies For Bank Contractors
New background check procedures for banks and their foreclosure agents will hopefully address a widespread and troubling problem in the industry. A recent Huffington Post article highlighted a number of instances in which individuals responsible for maintaining and inspecting homes up for foreclosure have broken in, stolen items and even changed the locks on homes… Read More
Teacher Fired For Being Unmarried And Pregnant
A Catholic school in Montana recently fired one of its teachers because she was pregnant. She was not actually fired just for being pregnant; she was fired for being pregnant and unmarried. Shaela Evenson taught at the school for almost ten years before an anonymous letter was sent to the school district informing them of… Read More
Gender Neutral Employee Sues Former Oregon Employer
Since 2008, the Oregon Equality Act has protected employees in the state from discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The law defines gender identity as the gender that a person believes they should be, not their biological gender. Gender identity protections apply also to transgender individuals or those who do not fit… Read More
Club Investigated for Child Labor Law Violations and More
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) originally set out standards for child labor in the United States. Violations of FLSA are investigated by the United States Department of Labor (DOL) and may be very costly for employers. A gentleman’s club in Miami, Club Madonna, is currently under investigation by the DOL for breaking… Read More