2016 Election: Which states are voting on legalizing marijuana?

employers may lawfully terminate employees that fail drug tests due to marijuana usage, even if the drug is only used outside of working hours. And Alaska has also had a similar conversation: “Alcohol is legal, but I imagine most jobs, if you show up drunk, you’re getting fired or disciplined,” said Jason Brandeis of the University of…

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Department of Labor announces over $20.4 million to expand apprenticeship opportunities

announced over $20.4 million in contract awards to 14 national industry intermediaries and national equity partners to expand apprenticeship opportunities across the U.S. The contracts will support the growth of apprenticeship programs in various industries, including healthcare, construction, transportation and logistics, manufacturing, and information and communications technology; and support increasing demographic diversity and inclusion in…

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Positive drug tests in U.S. rise to highest level in ten years

released by Quest Diagnostics. The Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index™ (DTI) examines illicit drug use by America’s workforce based on an analysis of de-identified results of more than 9.5 million urine, 900,000 oral fluid, and 200,000 hair laboratory-based tests performed nationally by the company for employers in 2015. [caption id="attachment_5569" align="alignleft" width="300"] FreeImages.com/Jan Friml[/caption] This…

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Amazon to pilot 30-hour work week

40% of millennials would ideally like to work part-time for one employer. The main reason for this is so that they have time to pursue other interests and projects. “Research has shown that young adults aren’t necessarily interested in the traditional workplace environment and that their work-life balance is crucial to them,” said Jacqueline Breslin,…

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Dish Network reaches a $1.75 million settlement for FCRA lawsuit

Top Class Actions reports Plaintiff Scott Ernst filed the lawsuit against Dish Network and the company performing the background checks in 2012,  claiming that both companies used information in consumer reports to conduct background checks which is subject to strict requirements under the FCRA. The complaint also alleges that Dish Network used this information as…

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Employers: Exit feedback matters more than you think

Quantum Workplace sent a survey to 1,848 employees across the country to gain their perspectives. One of the most overwhelming learnings? Exit feedback matters. In addition, 73 percent of respondents believe it’s important for employees to be able to offer input as to why former coworkers left. According to Quantum Workplace, “These four numbers offer evidence…

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Massachusetts bans employers from asking for salary histories

Senate Bill 2119 – “An Act to Establish Pay Equity” – that made Massachusetts the first state to prohibit employers from asking for applicants’ salary histories during the hiring process. Its goal is to help ensure equal pay between men and women. Women are currently paid on average about 82 percent of what their male…

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I-9 mistakes set to cost employers 96% more

have been increased. The minimum penalty imposed by the Justice Department for the unlawful employment of immigrant workers will rise from $375 to $539, while the maximum fine will go from $3,200 to $4,313. Violators facing multiple charges will be subject to a new maximum penalty of $21,563. The most significant increase is for mistakes…

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