Workplace Law Report Index-Summary

CAA

CABLE AND SATELLITE SERVICES

– Comcast, FLSA, overtime, not a joint employer of cable technicians employed by independent firms (D. Md.), 1394
– MSNBC Cable, reporter's ambiguous e-mails not repudiation of contract (2d Cir.), 1469

CAFA

See CLASS ACTION FAIRNESS ACT (CAFA)

CALIFORNIA

– ADA, charge filed with FEHA deemed EEOC filing under worksharing agreement (9th Cir.), 1616
– Arbitration

– – Arbitration Act, error of law, FEHA rights override deference to arbitrator's award (Cal.), 626
– – Class waiver unconscionable, unenforceable (U.S., rev den), 80
– – Mandatory

– – – Invalidation of class arbitration waiver as unconscionable, FAA preemption (U.S., rev grant), 791; (U.S., oral arg), 1631
– – – National origin, disability bias, arbitration of state law claims enforced despite contract of adhesion (N.D. Cal.), 776

– CalPERS, long-term care insurance, domestic partners exclusion under state and federal law (N.D. Cal.), 542
– Day laborers, Redondo Beach roadway solicitation ban constitutionally sound, injunction blocking enforcement reversed (9th Cir.), 849; rehearing en banc (9th Cir.), 1500
– FEHA

– – Age bias, stray remarks relevant circumstantial evidence (Cal.), 1192
– – Bus driver class action alleging adverse racial impact of hiring policy barring convicted felons (N.D. Cal.), 1137
– – Disability bias, use of cane as “disability” (Cal. Ct. App.), 1335
– – Low-recovery cases, denial of attorneys fees, application of state civil procedure rule (Cal.), 101

– Free speech, retaliation claim revived for county compliance analyst fired for reporting supervisor's recording violations under WIA (9th Cir.), 819
– Health care

– – Home health care wages, state contributions cuts enjoined (9th Cir.), 368
– – San Francisco play or pay law, ERISA preemption, Solicitor General urges denial of review (U.S., brief filed), 830; employer mandates upheld (U.S., rev den), 1028; no ERISA preemption (N.D. Cal.), 1271

– “Kin care” requirement, no application to uncapped paid sick leave programs (Cal.), 296
– LA County, deputy who befriended prostitute lawfully fired, rational basis review (Cal. Ct. App.), 1661
– National origin bias, hiring preferences, U.S. citizens sue farm labor contractor (D. Ariz.), 1402
– Picketing, preference for labor protest speech unconstitutional, grocer granted injunction, trespass from union picketing (Cal. Ct. App.), 1110
– Privacy, reasonable expectation, auditing text messages on police sergeant's department-issued pager 4th Amend. violation (U.S., oral arg), 585; city audit of monthly use valid (U.S., rvs, rem), 901; text, 920; correction, 948
– Public contracting, ban on preferential hiring upheld, ordinance favoring WBEs, MBEs struck (Cal.), 1197
– State actions summary, 24; 87; 194; 256; 315; 387; 448; 520; 590; 697; 759; 839; 906; 1030; 1095; 1151; 1218; 1283; 1350; 1379; 1447; 1514; 1599; 1678; 1721; 1796; 1833
– State employees

– – Corrections and Rehabilitation Dept., USERRA settlement (E.D. Cal.), 1105
– – Furloughs, governor lacked authority but lawmakers validated through budget approval (Cal.), 1422
– – Meal break rules inapplicable (Cal. Ct. App.), 1393
– – San Jose, ULPs, PERB proper authority to seek injunction preventing illegal strike (Cal.), 1050

– Wage and hour

– – CAFA jurisdiction, state law suit properly removed to federal court despite denial of class certification (9th Cir.), 625
– – Cartwright Act, conspiracy to cut wages, parallel conduct evidence fails (Cal. Ct. App.), 1702
– – Conspiracy, grand theft, labor code violations, car wash owners sentenced to jail, restitution (Cal. Super. Ct.), 1261
– – Diversity jurisdiction, corporate citizenship, “nerve center” test defines “principal place of business” (U.S., rvs, rem), 310; text, 319
– – Employee status, choice of law provision rejected, statutory claims independent of contract, revived (9th Cir.), 1069
– – Final wages, suit to recover statutory penalties alone filed within 3-year window, revived (Cal.), 1697
– – FLSA violations, damages awarded under Cal. law (9th Cir.), 1391
– – Meal break rules inapplicable to state employees (Cal. Ct. App.), 1393
– – Off-the-clock post-shift loss-prevention inspections, retail class settlement (N.D. Cal.), 775
– – Overtime

– – – Business manager/supervisor properly classified as exempt (Cal. Ct. App.), 1777
– – – Class action, 3 subclasses certified (Cal. Super. Ct.), 1532
– – – Drug reps not subject to “outside sales” or administrative exemptions, claims revived (2d Cir.), 1041
– – – Financial advisors' claims lack typicality, adequacy, class certification denied (C.D. Cal.), 738
– – – Hourly bank tellers file consolidated FLSA, Cal., Wash. law complaint, seek class status (D. Kan.), 852

– – Personal leave, vacation pay, “use it or lose it policy” illegal, damages retroactive (Cal. Super. Ct.), 1298
– – Police training costs conditional, pro rata repayment lawfully tied to early resignation (9th Cir.), 1696
– – Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), suit not a nationwide class action removable under CAFA, remanded to state court (N.D. Cal.), 1744
– – Store lockdowns for supervisors to get money from registers, action for unpaid time, class certification (S.D. Cal.), 1812
– – Tip pooling, tips “sole property” of employee, but no private right to sue (Cal.), 1191
– – Total employer control, FLSA claim for post-shift pay, Cal. claim for commute pay revived (9th Cir.), 367
– – Vacation, personal leave pay at termination, Wal-Mart class action settlement (N.D. Cal.), 710

CALIFORNIA NURSES (CNA)

– Minority unions, members-only bargaining, labor law professors urge full NLRB to validate via rule, 892
– Sutter Health, unilateral changes following impasse no ULP (NLRB ALJ), 1429

CARPENTERS (UBC)

– Kansas City funds, corporate veil intact, owners not liable for unpaid contributions (8th Cir.), 346
– Local 638, raiding, LMRDA protects dissent via bumper sticker, discipline enjoined (S.D. Ill.), 1495
– N. Wis. Reg. Council, late-filed ULP charge ignoring “obvious” recognition of LIUNA (NLRB), 1171
– Secondary boycotts, medical center bannering lawful (NLRB), 1337

CASH BALANCE PLANS

– ERISA

– – Anti-cutback, defective summary plan description, reasonable reliance rule (C.D. Cal.), 216
– – AT&T, backloading, age bias, rule violations not shown (D.N.J.), 861
– – CIGNA, conversion, notice deficiencies, remedies, appeal on likely harm standard (U.S., brief sought), 382; deficient SPD, showing of “likely harm” (U.S., rev grant), 1027; briefs filed on showing of “likely harm,” “detrimental reliance” (U.S., amicus briefs filed), 1547; (U.S., oral arg), 1693
– – Conversion, notice, “wear away,” remedies, appeals on Circuit split, likely harm standard (U.S., brief sought), 382
– – Monsanto, interest credits not protected benefit accruals (7th Cir.), 1176
– – “Normal retirement age” defined by years of vested service rather than specific age (U.S., rev den), 313

– Hybrid plan rules, IRS phone forum, 1630

CASINOS

– Foxwoods Resort Casino, UFCW win upheld, objections dismissed (NLRB ALJ), 1624
– Harrah's Las Vegas, pre-shift meetings, dealer's FLSA claim viable, but state law class action preempted (D. Nev.), 1296
– Hawaiian Gardens Casino, mandatory tip pooling, tips “sole property” of employee, but no private right to sue (Cal.), 1191
– Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino

– – Interference with SPFPA organizing, rerun election ordered for security officers (NLRB), 1267
– – Overtime complaints under Nev. law not preempted by LMRA on basis of CBA, revived (9th Cir.), 737

– Treasure Bay Virgin Islands d/b/a Divi Carina Bay Casino, race and sex bias, mandatory arbitration unenforceable (3d Cir.), 429
– Yonkers Racing d/b/a/ Empire City at Yonkers Raceway, representation elections, NLRB jurisdiction over combined racetrack/casino enterprise, advisory opinion (NLRB), 778

CBP

See CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION (CBP)

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, U.S.

– Captive-audience meetings, 1st Amend., NLRA challenge to Ore. ban (D. Ore.), 5; no harm shown, premature to rule on merits, dismissed (D. Ore.), 718

CHANGE TO WIN (CTW)

– Minority unions, members-only bargaining, labor law professors urge full NLRB to validate via rule, 892

CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

– Arkema, ERISA, severance, union release bars workers' benefit-related claims (6th Cir.), 1401
– Permissible exposure limits, OSHA seeks stakeholder input on specific chemicals to include in new standards and criteria for choosing, 1248

CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD INVESTIGATION BOARD (CSB)

– Transparency, voting records and board orders on website, 110

CHEMICALS INDUSTRY

– BASF, campaign finance violations, duty to collect payroll contributions for union PAC, FEC deadlock, 109
– DuPont, N.J. whistleblower's verdict reversed due to faulty pleading (N.J. Super. Ct., App. Div.), 376

CHILD CARE

– Child Protection Improvements Act

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 1469

– Kids Ark Learning Ctr., sexual harassment, successor liability equitable determination (8th Cir.), 1427
– “Son or daughter,” FMLA leave for care of child regardless of legal or biological relationship, covers domestic partners, WHD Interpretation Letter, 964; text, 983

CHILD LABOR

– Agriculture, tomato growers, farm labor contractors in N.C., WHD enforcement initiative, 1180
– Enhanced Penalty Program (CLEPP), new injury categories under FLSA amendment, DOL guidelines, 222
– Nonfarm employment safety, hours, DOL final rule, 749
– Penalties, DOL stiffens employer fines, 896

CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES (USCIS)

– Adjudication, customer service, first 10 issues in comprehensive policy review announced, 1146
– E-Verify program

– – Employee self-check for accuracy, efficiency, 1434
– – Evaluation survey, 55
– – Information sharing accord with DOJ to combat bias, improve E-Verify, 416

– Green cards

See GREEN CARDS

– Haitian nationals, notice of temporary protected status (TPS), 110
– Immigration application fee increases, new fees proposed, summary, 863; benefit applications, fees hiked for several, final rule, 1405; implementation of increases, waivers, use of new and revised forms, 1712
– Realignment of offices, 110

CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY'S FEES AWARDS ACT

– Mixed results, federal claim dismissed but state law claims remain on same facts (U.S., rev grant), 1589
– Superior performance, enhancements to lodestar available in extraordinary circumstances (U.S., rvs), 582; text, 606

CLASS ACTION FAIRNESS ACT (CAFA)

– Cal., PAGA wage suit not a nationwide class action removable under CAFA, remanded to state court (N.D. Cal.), 1744
– Jurisdiction, Cal. wage and hour suit properly removed to federal court despite denial of class certification (9th Cir.), 625

CLASS ACTIONS

– ADEA, RIF statistical impact analysis flawed (D.C. Cir.), 1231
– Antitrust

– – Nurse temps registry, conspiracy to suppress wages, claims settled (D. Ariz.), 1425
– – Wage fixing, conspiracy, nurses sue hospitals (N.D.N.Y.), 1132; Albany settlement, preliminary approval (N.D.N.Y.), 1490

– Arbitration

– – Class waiver unconscionable, unenforceable (U.S., rev den), 80
– – FAA, class arbitration improper where pact silent, arbitration panel's inference invalid (U.S., rvs, rem), 644; text, 652; attorney examines unresolved questions, 1147

– CAFA

See CLASS ACTION FAIRNESS ACT (CAFA)

– Certification rulings, evidentiary and burden of proof standards, analysis of developing caselaw, impact, 825; 954
– ERISA, fiduciary breach

– – Excessive fees, revenue sharing in 401(k) plan, DOL brief seeks overturn of dismissal (7th Cir.), 476
– – FDA violations, fines, pharmaceuticals stock-drop settlement approved (D.N.J.), 1825
– – Notice of wrongdoing, stock drop, pre-merger class certified (D.D.C.), 1672
– – Pleading, switch to direct action theory after class certification denied, waiver (S.D. Ill.), 280
– – Stock drop, inclusion of company stock in 401(k) plan mandatory, imprudence claim dismissed (W.D.N.C.), 1200

– Expert testimony in certification proceedings, standard of review, importance of Daubert scrutiny, 1442
– FLSA, store lockdowns for supervisors to get money from registers, wage claims for unpaid time certified (S.D. Cal.), 1812
– Immigration, Ariz., constitutional challenge to enforcement law targeting day laborers, penalizing failure to carry status papers (D. Ariz.), 747; rights coalition seeks to block implementation (D. Ariz.), 862; DOJ files preemption challenge (D. Ariz.), 1056; preliminary injunction blocks key portions (D. Ariz.), 1129; appeal to overturn injunction, briefs deadline set (9th Cir.), 1180
– Independent contractor misclassifications

– – ERISA, class action dismissed on exhaustion grounds (N.D. Ind.), 1054
– – Multidistrict claims, 20 of 28 summary judgments for FedEx (N.D. Ind.), 1773

– Limitations, Title VII pattern or practice suit brought by EEOC subject to same 300-day window as private suit, class trimmed (D. Md.), 676
– Negligence and breach of implied contract claims for stolen laptop with personal data of Starbucks employees, standing found but claims dismissal upheld (9th Cir.), 1822
– Paycheck Fairness Act

– – Attorney analyzes need, effects, arguments for and against passage, 1638
– – Bills

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 12, S 182, S 3772

– Race bias

– – Bus driver suit alleging adverse impact of hiring policy barring convicted felons (N.D. Cal.), 1137
– – Direct evidence satisfied commonality, certification improperly denied (U.S., rev den), 353

– RICO, hiring illegal workers to depress wages, settlement (N.D. Ga.), 543
– Sex bias

– – Hiring, pay, promotions, systemic bias, drug firm proposed class settlement (S.D.N.Y.), 406
– – Pay and promotions

– – – Pharmaceutical sales reps, record verdict, $250M punitive damages (S.D.N.Y.), 735; settlement (S.D.N.Y.), 1108; finalized (S.D.N.Y.), 1707
– – – Wal-Mart nationwide class proceeds, punitive damages claims remanded for clarification (9th Cir., en banc), 621; nationwide class certification, retailer seeks review (U.S., rev sought), 1282; opposition brief filed (U.S., brief filed), 1546; $86M settlement approved (9th Cir.), 1660

– – Promotions, female restaurant employees, EEOC settlement (D. Colo.), 10

– Sexual harassment, prevailing party's recovery of attorneys' fees from EEOC (N.D. Iowa), 274
– Statistics, financial analyst on class action sampling techniques, tools for accuracy include stratification, clustering, selection probabilities, 1119
– Systemic bias claims, re-emergence, attorney guidance for rational employers, 1717
– Wage and hour

– – Breaks, certification under Rule 23, success on merits inquiry, abuse of discretion (9th Cir.), 65
– – FLSA pleading standards, plausibility, particularity, attorneys strategies to bring and defend against Iqbal motions, 688
– – Health care registry's “independent contractors” not similarly situated, certification denied (E.D. Pa.), 270
– – Independent contractor misclassifications

– – – Common proof of right to control vs actual control, class certification denied (S.D.N.Y.), 939
– – – FedExGround, Cal. ruling no bar to consolidated multidistrict action (N.D. Ind.), 674
– – – FLSA, “mirror image causes of action,” first-filed rule resolves conflict, competing suit transferred (D.N.J.), 886

– – Minimum wage

– – – Pizza delivery drivers' collective action (D. Minn.), 994
– – – Strip club policies violate FLSA, dancers collective action (S.D.N.Y.), 1572

– – Off-the-clock work, FLSA collective action viable, but state law class action barred (D. Nev.), 1296
– – Overtime

– – – Assistant store managers multidistrict claims, global settlement (D.N.J.), 238
– – – Bank employees Ill. claims certified (N.D. Ill.), 1460
– – – Cal. suit, 3 subclasses certified (Cal. Super. Ct.), 1532
– – – Call center workers conditionally certified for FLSA action (M.D. Tenn.), 1700
– – – Call center workers, off-the-clock work, meal breaks, class claims settled (W.D. Wis.), 885
– – – Dismissal of class claims, individual claims improper where FLSA collective action based on subclaims viable alternative (7th Cir.), 772
– – – Dual actions, incompatibility of Rule 23 opt-out and FLSA opt-in, DOL brief (3d Cir.), 179
– – – Financial advisors' claims lack typicality, adequacy, certification denied (C.D. Cal.), 738
– – – Meal breaks, nursing home employees' FLSA collective action proceeds (C.D. Ill.), 1298
– – – Off-the-clock, post-shift loss-prevention inspections, retail settlement (N.D. Cal.), 775
– – – Retail, Mass. settlement (Mass. Super. Ct.), 9
– – – Telecom field managers, FLSA collective action (N.D. Cal.), 1699
– – – University enrollment counselors, FLSA collective action (E.D. Pa.), 773

– – Wal-Mart

– – – Vacation leave, overtime, termination pay, consolidated suits settled (D. Ore.), 814
– – – Vacation, personal leave pay at termination, settlement (N.D. Cal.), 710

CLEAN AIR ACT (CAA)

– DOL ARB decisions, briefly, 729; 1349; 1795
– EPA, whistleblowing, retaliation, hostile environment created by co-worker, not supervisor, prompt response dooms claim (11th Cir.), 343

CLOTHES CHANGING

– Collective bargaining pact exclusion, FLSA but not state claim barred (7th Cir.), 1165
– FLSA exclusion, donning, doffing pay subject for bargaining (U.S., rev den), 1439
– Non-compensable principal activity under FLSA, but walking time claim proceeds (6th Cir.), 1293
– Portal-to-Portal Act, rejection of police FLSA claims for donning and doffing (9th Cir.), 466
– Poultry workers, nationwide injunction, back overtime (N.D. Ala.), 851; settlement indicates trend for DOL systemic enforcement, 872
– Protective gear

– – Custom or practice pay exclusion where pacts silent (5th Cir.), 63
– – Required by law, by employer, or by nature of the job, compensable under FLSA, WHD Administrator's Interpretation, 904; text, 927

– Retail, assistant store managers multidistrict claims, global settlement (D.N.J.), 238
– Slaughterhouses, USDA inspectors overtime, comments sought on proposed rule, 1316
– State law claim requiring pact interpretation preempted by LMRA, but not FLSA (N.D. Ill.), 1574

CNA

See CALIFORNIA NURSES (CNA)

COALITION OF AIR LINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION (CAPA)

– FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 915, HR 1586, S 1451

COBRA

See CONSOLIDATED OMNIBUS BUDGET RECONCILIATION ACT (COBRA)

COLLATERAL ESTOPPEL

– Independent contractor misclassifications, Cal. ruling no bar to FedEx Ground drivers consolidated multidistrict action (N.D. Ind.), 674
– Summary judgment denial before consideration of defense improper (Conn. App. Ct.), 1462

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

– Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 1409, S 560

– Health care, FMCS one-day seminars, 1475
– Minority unions, members-only bargaining, labor law professors urge full NLRB to validate via rule, 892
– NLRBU, NLRA bars consolidated bargaining unit, FLRA order improper (D.C. Cir.), 1138
– Smoking, unilateral post-impasse change in rules lawful under state labor code (Neb.), 1752
– Transportation Security Workforce Enhancement Act

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 1881

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS

– Clothes changing, pact exclusion, FLSA but not state overtime claim barred (7th Cir.), 1165
– Parent firm must honor successor clause in subsidiary's CBA (6th Cir.), 1368
– Tortious interference with contract, scope of NLRA §301, arbitrability of claims (U.S., oral arg), 111; no cause of action under §301, ratification date, arbitrability for court to decide (U.S., rvs in part, rem), 935; text, 965

COLORADO

– PPACA “tax penalty,” constitutional challenge

See PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (PPACA)

– State actions summary, 24; 315; 448; 590; 697; 759; 839; 1151; 1350; 1379; 1447; 1599; 1678; 1833
– Title VII, under worksharing accord, state agency's loss of jurisdiction not binding on EEOC, timely suit revived (10th Cir.), 629

COMMISSIONS

– FLSA retail commission exception to overtime, flat-rate pay system qualified (3d Cir.), 1330
– Mandatory arbitration procedurally and substantively unconscionable, unenforceable (E.D. Cal.), 7
– Overtime, window washers FLSA, Ill. suit proceeds (N.D. Ill.), 941

COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS (CWA)

– AT&T, decertification election due to deficient Dana notice, recognition and contract bar rejected (NLRB Reg. Dir.), 244
– Local 1109, failure to pursue grievance, NLRA preemption of claims requiring pact interpretation (S.D.N.Y.), 405
– Minority unions, members-only bargaining, labor law professors urge full NLRB to validate via rule, 892

COMMUTING

– Total employer control, FLSA claim for post-shift pay, Cal. claim for commute pay revived (9th Cir.), 367

COMPENSATION

– Overtime

See OVERTIME

COMPUTERS

– Data security, cloud computing, ABA speakers on mobile devices, benefits, risks, need for employment policy reviews, 695
– Hewlett-Packard, ERISA, “any job,” disability benefits termination despite contrary medical opinion, SSA determination (U.S., rev den), 1761
– IT

See INFORMATION NETWORKS AND TECHNOLOGY

– Lexmark, personal leave, vacation pay, “use it or lose it policy” illegal, damages retroactive (Cal. Super. Ct.), 1298
– Networks

See INFORMATION NETWORKS AND TECHNOLOGY

– PC Connections, sex bias, job denial “because of sex” or due to transsexual's lies on pre- and post- surgery job applications (D.N.H.), 211

CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS

– Am. Bar Ass'n (ABA), 356; 357; 358; 446; 482; 483; 695; 1209; 1210; 1643; 1646; 1647; 1647; 1648; 1649; 1650
– Am. Industrial Hygiene Conference, 823
– Am. Payroll Ass'n, 2010 Capital Summit, 416
– Am. Soc. of Pension Professionals and Actuaries, Mid-Atlantic Benefits Conference, 785
– Calendar, 30; 228; 326; 486; 664; 803; 985; 1156; 1319; 1412; 1606; 1732; 1841
– Center for Am. Progress, 686
– Cornell Univ. ILR School, labor law conference, 872; 872; 873
– District of Columbia Bar Ass'n, 834
– DOT, National Distracted Driving Summit, 1374
– Enrolled Actuaries, 580
– Industry Liaison Group (ILG), 1212
– Internal Revenue Service, 785
– Mid-Atlantic Benefits Conference, 785
– Middle Class Task Force, 1756
– Natl. Employment Law Inst. (NELI), 1557; 1560; 1801; 1802
– Natl. Employment Lawyers Ass'n (NELA), annual conference, 1006
– New York Univ., labor law conference, 872; 872; 873
– St. John's Univ. Law School, labor law conference, 872; 872; 873
– Suffolk Univ. Law School, 1544
– United Steelworkers' Health Safety Environment Conference, 1475

CONFIDENTIALITY

– N.J., retaliation, removal of personnel document not protected, but evidentiary use in deposition lawful (N.J.), 1749

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

– Ethics, NLRB inspector general probes Becker recusal flap, finds no violation, 1103
– LMRA §302(c)(5), dual-role administrators, Glenn conflict despite even balance of union and employer representatives (2d Cir.), 1003

CONGRESS, U.S.

– GOP, Democratic legislative agendas, outlook following midterm elections, 1587
– House Education and Labor Committee, Kline announces intent to chair, 1588; Kline plans focus on job creation, leaner government, 1789

CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE (CRS)

– Independent contractor misclassifications, tax gap legislation, report, 1059

CONNECTICUT

– Privacy, secret GPS tracking of city fire inspectors, remedies, statutory authority for private enforcement (Conn.), 74
– Race bias, city firefighter promotions tests, underfilling, stockpiling, equal protection reversal (Conn.), 12
– State actions summary, 194; 256; 448; 906; 1218; 1514; 1721; 1833
– Whistleblowing, retaliation, public concern, jury award for scientist fired after reporting biological contamination to OSHA, 506
– Wrongful discharge, hurried judge improperly denied summary judgment without considering res judicata, collateral estoppel defenses (Conn. App. Ct.), 1462

CONSOLIDATED OMNIBUS BUDGET RECONCILIATION ACT (COBRA)

– ARRA, failure to exhaust DOL remedies bars notice, benefits claims (D.D.C.), 683
– Congressional extension

– – American Workers, State and Business Relief Act

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 4213

– – House bill

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 4691

– Expiration of subsidy absent Congressional extension, 283
– 15-month rule, IRS compliance project urged, 283
– Model notices, release of updates, 110
– Premium subsidy reduction factsheet, FAQs, DOL Web posting, 79
– Short-term extension

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 4851

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

– Allied Elec. Contractors, delinquent benefits contributions, liability for increased rate absent signature (7th Cir.), 75; (U.S., rev den), 829
– Amec Constr. Mgt., long-term benefits for HIV terminated, disability not total (9th Cir.), 1583
– Barnickel Enters., workers' compensation coverage of off-site accident enroute to delicatessen (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div.), 100
– Bechtel Constr., ADA, charge filed with Cal. FEHA deemed EEOC filing under worksharing agreement (9th Cir.), 1616
– C.A. Franc Constr., fall fatality due to willful OSHA violation, guilty plea (W.D. Pa.), 280
– Cal., school district PLA upheld under market participation exception to preemption (9th Cir.), 1465
– Circle C, FCA, prevailing wages, false payroll claims (M.D. Tenn.), 428
– Cranes and derricks, OSHA final rule released, 1145
– Elk Remodeling, ERISA interference, §510 claim advances (E.D. Va.), 894
– Fall protection standard, OSHA proposes revisions, 785
– First Kuwaiti Gen. Trading & Contracting, rejection of foreman's FCA and retaliation claims (4th Cir.), 1112
– Fla., OSH Act preemption of Miami-Dade County crane ordinance, occupational vs. public safety (11th Cir.), 218
– Granite Rock, tortious interference with contract, scope of NLRA §301 (U.S., oral arg), 111; no cause of action under §301, ratification date, arbitrability for court to decide (U.S., rvs in part, rem), 935; text, 965
– Hospitality Bldrs., fall fatality due to willful OSHA violation (W.D. Pa.), 280
– Jersey Constr., ERISA interference, fired mechanic, wife's chemotherapy costs (D.N.J.), 187
– JNL Constr., corporate veil intact, owners not liable for unpaid benefits contributions (8th Cir.), 346
– Lobo Drywall, financial crime to conceal illegal hiring (D. Alaska), 1404
– McCarthy Constr., ULP, refusing union information request on possible alter ego (NLRB), 212
– Midwest Pipe Insulation, interference suit, NLRA preemption (U.S., rev den), 354
– N.Y., prevailing wages, charter schools not covered (N.Y.), 1488
– OSHA noise exposures standard, revision proposed, 1502
– PLAs

See PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENTS (PLAs)

– R.B. Jergens Contractors, Capital Elec. Line Bldrs., resolution of IBEW, LIUNA jurisdictional dispute (NLRB), 574
– Sant-Tec Elec., Davis-Bacon violations, debarment, back pay (DOL ALJ), 1745
– Sheehy Enters., ULPs, liable for repudiation of pre-hire pact with LIUNA (7th Cir.), 630
– Siemens Bldg. Techs., SOX coverage of nonpublic subsidiaries, amicus briefs invited (DOL ARB), 757
– Summit Contractors, OSHA, multiemployer worksite, controlling employer liability upheld (OSHRC), 1272
– Tri-M Group, prevailing wages, Del. apprentice pay rule for out-of-state contractors unconstitutional (D. Del.), 569

CONSTRUCTIVE DISCHARGE

– Arbitration, unconscionable portions of one-sided pact not severable, bias claims reinstated (3d Cir.), 888
– FLSA, retaliation, paralegal given silent treatment has no claim (S.D. Texas), 369
– Racial harassment, worker fired for poor performance has no claim (8th Cir.), 1576
– Rehabilitation Act, independent contractor covered (U.S., rev den), 962
– Sex bias, Hooters “weight probation” as per se bias under state law (Mich. Cir. Ct.), 774
– Sexual harassment, remedial steps slow and ineffective, physical therapist's jury verdict affirmed (8th Cir.), 1302
– Whistleblowing, chemical plant worker's verdict reversed due to faulty pleading (N.J. Super. Ct., App. Div.), 376

CONSULTANTS

– Smartsoft, H-1B visa workers, wage and hour violations, DOL settlement, 1312

CONTINGENT WORKERS

– Misclassification, DOL, IRS enforcement, state and federal legislation, attorneys on hiring policies, pitfalls, 1648

CONTRACTING OUT

See FEDERAL CONTRACTS AND CONTRACTORS; specific states

CONTRACTORS

– Federal

See FEDERAL CONTRACTS AND CONTRACTORS

– Independent

See INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

– State

See specific states

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT

– Medical marijuana, federal drug law preempts state accommodation law (Ore.), 572

CORPORATIONS

– Corporate veil intact, owners not liable for unpaid benefits contributions (8th Cir.), 346
– Diversity jurisdiction, corporate citizenship, “nerve center” test defines “principal place of business” (U.S., rvs, rem), 310; text, 319
– Proxy access for shareholders facilitates state law right to nominate corporate directors, new SEC rules, 1315
– SOX coverage of nonpublic subsidiary of publicly-held company, amicus briefs invited (DOL ARB), 757

CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES

– California

– – Corrs. and Rehabilitation Dept., USERRA settlement (E.D. Cal.), 1105
– – Meal break rules inapplicable to state employees (Cal. Ct. App.), 1393

– Fla. DOC, sexual harassment, liability for inmates' actions against female staff (11th Cir.), 711
– Iowa, ADEA, state officer with more experience repeatedly denied promotions (N.D. Iowa), 238
– La., inmate's private work for city officials, “employee” status under FLSA (5th Cir.), 237
– Md., Baltimore County, off-duty officer who obtained gun during domestic argument with husband lawfully demoted (D. Md.), 940
– Neb., Lincoln Corr. Ctr., privacy, random searches of employee vehicles in parking lot guarded from inmate access (8th Cir.), 1078
– N.J., PTSD, inmate's spit not “horror-inducing” enough for accidental disability retirement benefits (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div.), 1393
– P.R., DOCR, doctor under contract is independent contractor, not “employee” under ADA (1st Cir.), 1704
– Religious bias, refusal to grant uniform exception for Muslim headscarf upheld (3d Cir.), 1163

CRANES AND DERRICKS

– OSH Act preemption of Fla. county crane ordinance, occupational vs. public safety (11th Cir.), 218
– OSHA final rule released, 1145

CREDIT REPORTS

– Ore., credit history checks, workplace ban enacted, 519
– Privacy, federal and state restrictions on use of credit checks for hiring, attorney offers compliance tips, 1085

CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES

– Currency structuring, financial crime to conceal illegal hiring (D. Alaska), 1404

CRIMINAL RECORDS

– Bus driver class action alleging adverse racial impact of hiring policy barring convicted felons (N.D. Cal.), 1137
– Hiring policies, theft-related criminal record valid bar (8th Cir.), 1396

CRS

See CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE (CRS)

CSB

See CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD INVESTIGATION BOARD (CSB)

CTW

See CHANGE TO WIN (CTW)

CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION (CBP)

– Border patrol officer's termination, marriage to illegal alien violated policy (Fed. Cir.), 298

CUSTOMS SERVICE, U.S.

See now CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION (CBP)

CWA (COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS)

See COMMUNICATIONS WORKERS (CWA)