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Schwarzenegger's Wage Threat: A State Employee's Reaction
As California Democrats and Republicans struggle to find a satisfactory compromise and seal the deal on a new and overdue state budget, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's frustration has risen to the point of making threats. He's considering an executive order that would reduce 200,000 state employees' salaries to the $6.55 per hour federal minimum wage, which CitizenSugar points out is $1.45 less than the state's minimum wage.
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Should Hooters Waitresses Have to Pay For Their Own Uniforms?
Hooters is one of the rare establishments where the workers' uniforms are more famous than the food. In some states, employees are required to cover the bill for their orange outfits, but New York isn't one of those places. That's why two New York women are suing Hooters for forcing them to buy their own work wardrobes.
Schwarzenegger Terminates Full Salaries of State Employees
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is a man of his word this week. His threat to significantly cut the salaries of 200,000 state employees if lawmakers failed to produce a budget turned into reality when he signed an executive order reducing their pay to $6.55 an hour.
Not So Smooth Criminal Steals $11 Million For Love
Crazy in love might be one way to describe Michelle Cawthra, a former Colorado Department of Revenue employee who stole $11 million in unclaimed tax refunds from her employer. With her morals blinded by love, Michelle deposited unclaimed tax refunds and other state money into her ex-boyfriend's bank accounts over the course of two years.
She received a 24-year sentence after pleading guilty to racketeering and testified, "I did things I don't think I otherwise would have done had I not been in love with him."
Employers Experimenting With a 24-Hour Work Week
The four-day work week has been a popular option for employers looking to save money without losing employees, and some companies have started slashing hours even more, going as low as 24-hours per week. A three-day work week means part-time pay, making it harder for many workers to make ends meet.
The difference in maintaining health benefits at some companies is a mere eight hours — a 32-hour week could mean continued coverage, while a 24-hour week could mean you're out of luck.
Some Employers Saying Stay Home With No Pay
Employers are starting to resort to measures other than layoffs to make it through these trying economic times. They can't get rid of all staff if they want to stay in business, but they also can't afford to fulfill their payroll obligations. Working without pay isn't an option so some companies are asking employees to stay home without pay as a cost-saving measure.
Which Employees Are Most at Risk for Layoffs?
Unemployment numbers have been rising throughout the year, with the economy losing more than 600,000 jobs so far. If a company is facing financial trouble that mandates cutting overhead costs, we're all left wondering, will it be my head or hers? Maintaining a live document with your job history is a good idea no matter the state of the economy, but now more than ever before in your professional lives it may pay off to be prepared.
News Flash: Utah Embraces the 4-Day Work Week
Eighty percent of you think a four-day work week is a great idea, so many of you are probably about to have a few minutes of Utah envy right about now. Next month, Utah state employees will put in 10-hour days four days a week, opening up Fridays for whatever they please. There are some issues with the compressed work week like child-care for longer working hours and public transportation, but many workers are already busy planning how they'll spend their extra free time.
Your Two Cents: Is Layoff Survivor Syndrome Legitimate?
It's hard to say goodbye to laid-off coworkers, especially when you're reminded of your own vulnerability as an employee. Some experts say that the emotional effects on co-workers left after a round of layoffs are similar to the stress felt by workers suddenly laid-off. Layoff survivors are often left feeling like they should be grateful for the extra work and anxiety that comes with a downsized workforce.
Third State in US Approves Paid Family Leave
An emotional debate among New Jersey's State Senate ended Monday with new family legislation. If the bill becomes law, New Jersey could claim status as the third state to give employees the right to take paid leave to care for a newborn or sick relative.
Workers taking leave would be eligible for two-thirds their salary maxing out at $524 per week for six weeks.
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