Lockout!

The New York Times has a good article about why employers are using lockouts more aggressively. This once rare tactic is gaining favor and its not because the NFL and NBA used it.

Dangers of a nonfunctioning NLRB

Former NLRB Chairman William B. Gould, IV (1994-98) penned this op-ed piece in the New York Times concerning the effect a non-functioning NLRB on wokrers' rights. Gould among other things,urges the President to make it an election year issue.

Responding to allegations of harassment

Anytime a business has to address accusations of sexual harassment the response to the accusation is critical. Prompt remedial action can often avoid liability. Thats sex harassment 101. When a politician is accused of harassment, the response can be more complex. Herman Cain is learning that lesson in real time. More after the jump

Unintended Consequences

Steve Greenhouse writes in the New York Times (registration required) that last year's Citizen's United opinion has liberated unions from campaign reform restrictions and the result is reinvigorated outreach efforts. Money quote:

Before the Citizens United ruling, unions were banned from using dues money to reach out to nonmembers in political campaigns, but now unions plan to campaign among the 89 percent of Americans who do not belong to unions. Union officials have long complained that when their foot soldiers knocked on doors in, say, Milwaukee or Columbus, Ohio, they wasted huge amounts of time because they could visit only union members’ homes and often had to skip 90 percent of the houses. Now they can knock on every door on a block.

Liebman responds to Board critics

The New York Times has a piece on former NLRB Chair Wilma Liebman responding to criticism of the Board.

Quacks like a duck . . . .

The New York Times has an interesting article about a non-union employee group organizing Wal-Mart workers. The Group, OUR Wal-Mart, does not intend to negotiate collective bargaining agreements, but does intend on assisting workers by using the protections afforded organizing and collective action. It also charges $5 a month in dues. The group is supported by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). Wal-Mart spokesperson claims this group is a stalking horse for a union. I think its more than that. Sounds like a labor organization.

Whack, yikes! whack!

Well, its not exactly employment law, but its posted on a great blog for employment lawyers, Adjunct Law Prof Blog, and in light of the controversy concerning corporal punishment meted out at St. Augustine High School, a link here is appropriate. It quotes from a New York Times Article which notes the U.S. Department of Education estimates 223,190 children were subjected to corporal punishment during the 2005-2006 school year, and that this is a 20% drop from a prior survey. The article points to the Center for Effective Discipline Site which lists the states which ban corporal punishment. Apparently its legal still in 20 states, including Louisiana.

Suits

I'm not ready to change my ways, but John Phillips just posted about this New York Times article about the return of the (inexpensive) suit. John's absolutely correct about the number of buttons and that cuffs are required, otherwise why bother.

Major work stoppages down in 2009

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its data on major work stoppages in 2009. During 2009, fewer strikes and lockouts involving over 1000 workers (5) occurred than in any year since records have been kept (1947). This continues a trend that began in the late 1970’s and parallels the rapid decline in union membership during the same period. The New York Times has a graphic of the decline.

Former organizer decries Unite Here's tactics

The New York Times has an interesting article on the complaints of union organizers about the manipulative practices used by the union including abusing the privacy of the organizers.

Pay cuts

The New York Times reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics total weekly pay for production worker's index (representing about 80% of the workforce) has declined for the ninth straight month. In the 44 year history (1965) of the weekly pay calculation, the previous record of months of decline was 2. The point is even those who have jobs are earning less.

ACORN sues vidographer

The New York Times reports that ACORN has sued the conservative activist who used hidden cameras to video ACORN staffers giving advice about human smuggling, child prostitution and income tax evasion.