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Domestic Violence—Should Employers Get Involved?

In recent years some employers have seen a connection between domestic violence and the workplace. After all, where the victim works is the one place the abuser can find her on a regular schedule. And, if a violent confrontation does occur at work, coworkers may be endangered as well. There are other, more subtle negative […]

Helping Workers Deal With Financial Stress

The current recession has taken its toll on the United States, and many Americans are still fighting to stay financially afloat.  Consumer confidence is down. According to the American Bankruptcy Institute,  consumer bankruptcies rose by  24 percent nationwide in August from the same period a year ago, and during the first six months of 2009, […]

Work Criticisms Don’t Equal Adverse Action

When Specialty Restaurants Corp. (SRC) hired Alberto Pinero as general manager of Luminarias in Monterey Park, Pinero had an age bias lawsuit pending against his former employer that he didn’t tell SRC about. When SRC’s chief executive learned about the suit, he tried to persuade Pinero to drop it on the grounds that it was […]

Shifting Demographics: Majority to Minority?

Individuals who have long been in the majority classes for race and ethnicity may now find themselves in the unfamiliar territory of a “minority” in some states. The changes in population present an interesting—if not complicated—problem for contractors with affirmative action responsibilities. Recent census data reveal that there are four states where “minority” populations are […]

Promote from Within or Hire Externally?

When looking to fill a vacancy—especially one that is a position of leadership—does your organization look internally, externally, or both?

News Notes: Court Approves—And Expands—Ergonomics Regulations

Responding to legal challenges by both employer and labor organizations, a trial court judge has refused to throw out California’s new workplace ergonomics rules, which took effect on July 3, 1997. Plus, the court ruled that the regulations, aimed at reducing repetitive motion injuries, must apply to all California employers and struck down an exemption […]

Same-Sex Harassment: High Court Rules Same-Sex Harassment Is Illegal And Clarifies Standards For All Claims

Some employers pay little attention to dirty jokes, horseplay and locker room antics among male co-workers. But a new U.S. Supreme Court ruling makes it more important than ever to take a closer look at this kind of behavior. The court found that alleged sexual abuse of a male oil rig worker by his male […]

“Day Without a Gay” Nationwide Protest May Result in Work Shortage

Some gay rights advocates are calling for “A Day Without a Gay” protest and boycott across the United States on Wednesday, December 10, to show opposition to California’s Proposition 8 and to show the power of the gay and lesbian community. Organizers are encouraging people to strike by “calling in gay” to work, taking the […]

Cannabis

Legal Cannabis Spurs Demand for Certain Skill Sets

Just a few years ago, it would have been almost unheard of for someone to list the ability to grow, identify, or recommend different strains of cannabis as a job qualification, but the times are a changin’!