SLF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT ALERT   March 2007

 Numbers Down for Unionized Workplaces

Membership in labor unions continues to decline nationwide. In 2006, 12.5% of wage and salary workers belonged to a union. Recent figures put the percentage of workers at 12.0% for 2007.

H.R. 800 – “Employee Free Choice Act” Passed in House of Representatives

The “Employee Free Choice Act” or “card check bill” has been passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and will now be taken up by the Senate. If passed, this law will require that the National Labor Relations Board certify a union that presents authorization cards signed by a majority of the workers employed in an appropriate bargaining unit, thereby allowing the union to become certified without a secret ballot election. The bill does not prohibit elections, but would only require them when a group of employees files a petition with the NLRB after failing to obtain authorization cards from a majority of the workers in the unit. The bill also establishes harsher penalties for employers who violate employee rights during union organizing activities.

Final Regulations on Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) Published by DOL

The U.S. Department of Labor has published its final regulations regarding USERRA. Employers are encouraged to become familiar with these new regulations, which may be found at:

http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/main.htm.

Guidance on Influenza Outbreaks Published

The U.S. Department of Labor has published a guide for ensuring compliance with OSHA in the event of an influenza outbreak. The publication may be found at:

http://www.osha.gov/Publications/influenza_pandemic.html.

Florida Minimum Wage Increases to $6.67 

Effective January 1, 2007, the new minimum wage under Florida Law was increased to $6.67 per hour. While the minimum wage required under Federal Law remains $5.15 per hour, Florida employers must comply with the more stringent State Law requirements.

Past Issues of SLF Labor and Employment Alert Posted on Website

You may view past issues of the SLF Labor and Employment Alert on our website: www.sniffenlaw.com. After entering our website, click on the “Publications” page.

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