Summer is in full swing but unfortunately the economy is still sputtering as the country moves toward recovery. As college and high school students examine their job opportunities, many have discovered that is a massive decrease in the number of paid summer jobs usually filled by students. Summer jobs are usually tied to retail and recreation, two sectors that have suffered big hits in a time when disposable incomes are at an all time low. Faced with a large student work force looking for … [Read more...]
Unpaid Internships & Labor Law: When Does Working For Free Violate Worker Rights?
June 24, 2011 by ·
Update: Washington Workers’ Compensation Overhaul Made Law
June 21, 2011 by ·
Most stories covering the Budget Bill signing in Olympia last week echoed the same description of our Governor: somber, serious, pained... These descriptions of Governor Gregoire at the Bill signing ceremony are then linked to the deep and painful cuts in education and public services inscribed in the bill. Many parts of this bill have many folks worried, not in the least the workers of Washington State. A landmark feature of the budget bill was a dramatic overhaul of the Washington … [Read more...]
Supreme Court Rules For Wal-Mart in Sex Discrimination Case
June 20, 2011 by ·
Gender discrimination on the job continues to be an issue that affects women across the country. Although women have made great strides in achieving workplace equality, wage discrimination still exists. We reported in this blog recently on the struggle of former female Wal-Mart workers to form a massive class action law suit against the retailer. The workers claimed sex bias in management and hiring decisions on an institutional scale, and as such, sought the novel strategy of forming a … [Read more...]
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Bill: Reform or Assault on Workers’ Rights?
June 16, 2011 by ·
In the continuing effort to confront mounting budget shortfalls, states across the country are making deep cuts in important government programs, including workers' compensation. The Bill passed by the Illinois Senate recently is worth examining as it contains many proposals that are being debated to bring down costs here in Washington State as well. The Illinois bill is touted as "reform," but many critics and labor rights activists see it as a giveaway to Big Business with workers bearing … [Read more...]
States Shrink Workers’ Compensation Commissions
June 14, 2011 by ·
Labor & Industries claims continue to evolve across the States and a recent development in Michigan may signal an alarming trend in the downsizing of L & I Commissions that specialize in protecting injured worker rights in the face of business lobby interests. Governor Rick Snyder pressed ahead in late May with his effort to trim State costs. Among the many moves to downsize State bureaucracies and streamline government services and efficiency was the creation of the Michigan … [Read more...]
