Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
With the confirmation of Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Secretary and Keith Sonderling as Deputy Secretary, the leadership team at the Department of Labor (DOL) is finally in place. However, numerous questions about the department’s future course persist. New Heads Former U.S. Representative Chavez-DeRemer was an unexpected nominee. A Teamster-supported advocate for unions and a rare Republican […]
As Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination for Secretary of Labor approaches the confirmation process, questions abound about how labor-friendly she will be. While some of the Teamster-member’s daughter’s actions suggest a pro-labor tilt, skepticism remains about the consistency of her support for workers and unions. Pro-Labor Signals Chavez-DeRemer has drawn attention for her support of certain pro-labor […]
Employee strikes seem to be widespread and frequent these days, occurring in all types of industries and professions: among grocery store workers, baristas, auto workers, teachers, healthcare workers, news reporters, Hollywood writers and actors, the list goes on. With increasing strike activity and an uptick in union organizing even in unconventional union settings, it’s critical […]
On May 31, 2024, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) revisions to the “walkaround rule” went into effect. The walkaround rule sets forth a process for OSHA to conduct on-site inspections and previously allowed an employee representative to attend the inspection. What’s New with the Rule? The revisions to the walkaround rule remove […]
A landmark $2.8 billion settlement announced by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in an antitrust class action filed by former college athletes reportedly sets a path for schools to share revenue with players. Although many of the details of the settlement haven’t been made public and the judge has yet to approve it, many […]
July is the best month of the year. It’s warm everywhere, even in Chicago. I look forward to the al fresco dining, outdoor concerts, neighborhood block parties, cookouts with family, and the beach. And sharks. July seems to be synonymous with this apex predator. Whether it is because the movie Jaws took place over the Fourth of July or […]
Right now, it seems like every day there are new cases of workers striking or unionizing all across the country. Healthcare is no exception: nurses everywhere are going on strike. Nurses are frustrated, and the recent union activity is indicative of large, widespread problems in the nursing industry with staffing, work environment, and nurse wellbeing. […]
The boiling dispute over the unionization of baristas is heading to the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS). Section 10(j) of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) authorizes federal courts to issue preliminary court orders against employers that are allegedly violating federal labor law. This allows the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to seek such extraordinary relief […]
In August 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (the “NLRB” or the “Board”) significantly changed its procedures when employees are seeking representation by a union. First, the Board enacted its “Representation-Case Procedures” rule or “2023 Election Rule,” which, among other changes, expedites the timing of an election after a petition for election has been filed. […]
The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals (the federal appeals court covering Texas) recently gave a green light to a dress code rule at a Telsa facility manufacturing electric cars. Read on. Dress for Success The Telsa facility gave each production employee what it called Team Wear: four black shirts and a black sweater, each […]