Labor Day gives us all a chance each year (in the midst of last-gasp summer vacations and family barbecues) to reflect on the state of the American workplace, and the role each of us play in working to improve it. It also gives workplace reporters and pundits a chance to assess where we’re at, and …
Smelly Employee Fuels Hygiene Policy reads the headline of the Associated Press story that is sure to receive widespread attention and become the target of late-night talk show humor. Enacting a new “you must smell nice at work” commandment was one Tennessee town’s solution to a problem that has plagued nearly every single one of …
Hygiene Policy: Good Policy Solution or a Big Can of (Smelly) Worms? Read More »
This past weekend, thousands flocked to Washington, DC to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. While turnout for the commemorative ceremony was lower than organizers had hoped for, the principles espoused by 1963 March organizers and Dr. King’s speech still strongly …
With the economy as it is, we’ve been hearing lots of talk about how tough it is right now for older workers, and how the number of age discrimination complaints and lawsuits have skyrocketed. That’s why a new article, appearing today, was initially perplexing. The Christian Science Monitor article, called Relaxing Can Wait, as Retirees …
If you’re interested in the latest developments and news coverage involving labor unions and their members, then our new site feature, Unions on the Move if for you. This feature, part of our site’s News and Issues section, includes such hot topics as the latest on contract negotiations, strikes, lawsuits, and workplace organizing. Whether you’re …
Unions on the Move: The Latest "News and Issues" Feature Read More »
“We’re upbeat about the chances for our fellow citizens who are looking for work to be able to find a job. I firmly believe that what we have done was the absolute right course of action in order to help people find a job.” Thus says President Bush about the tax cuts he promoted earlier …
The President Says Everything Will Be Fine, But Where Are the Jobs? Read More »
A new study demonstrates what every employer should already know, but many can forget all too easily: stressed-out workers negatively affect the bottom line. Good workplace morale isn’t just a goal to aspire to and a tool in retention efforts, but significantly affects workplace productivity. “Stress is increasing dramatically,” says the American Institute of Stress …
Note to Employers: Stressed Employees Cost You Money Read More »
It’s the time of year when people around the world (and President Bush) are taking vacation…those who have it and are allowed to take it, that is. The United States lags most industrialized around the world in that vacation is not a legally mandated requirement, and now a number of reports suggest that even those …
Two New York Times articles which appeared in the past week covered two employers’ radically different solutions to the problem of workplace obesity. One employer refused to hire an obese candidate when his special uniform failed to arrive, while another gives its employees bonuses and extra vacation days for successfully losing weight. Guess which is …
Overweight Employees: Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement Read More »
California became the fourth U.S. state to ban discrimination on the basis of gender identity this past weekend when Governor Gray Davis signed AB 196, which expands the state’s prohibition on sexual discrimination and harassment by including gender in the definition of sex. While the move was not unexpected, given the strong lobbying efforts to …
California Becomes Fourth State to Ban Gender Identity Discrimination Read More »
Madeline Messa is a 3L at Syracuse University College of Law. She graduated from Penn State with a degree in journalism. With her legal research and writing for Workplace Fairness, she strives to equip people with the information they need to be their own best advocate.
