Human Resources Report Index-Summary

RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

– Background checks, EEOC weighs guidance on use of criminal records, credit histories in employment decisions, 413
– Comparator need not be completely identical, fired railroad engineer showed race bias, but not Title VII, FMLA retaliation (5th Cir.), 745
– EEO, women and minorities remain underrepresented, legal issues from job segregation discussed, Conference Report, 388
– Fair Pay Act

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2151, S 904

– Hiring

– – Gerber Prods., $900K, entry-level jobs settle OFCCP charges, 907
– – Wal-Mart, black applicants settle class action hiring suit for $17.5M (E.D. Ark.), 205

– Independent contractor status no bar to §1981 bias claim occurring within scope of relationship, sales rep fired after arguing with hiring recruiter may sue (3d Cir.), 1024
– Insubordination lawful basis for firing, pretext, cat's paw influence on decisionmaker not shown (6th Cir.), 45
– Mandatory arbitration clause, deposit fee upheld (6th Cir.), 579
– Misuse of shipping account, fired black cell phone salesman alleges comparator evidence suggesting pretext, claim advances (N.D. Ill.), 688
– Neb., arbitrator's reinstatement of state trooper fired for joining Ku Klux Klan offends public policy against race bias, vacated (U.S., rev den), 682
– Pattern and practice

– – EEOC authorized to investigate independent of resolution by parties, subpoena enforceable (7th Cir.), 102
– – Kodak, $21.4M settles consolidated class actions, preliminarily approved, 795

– Preclusion, §1981, same facts, Title VII dismissal bars (3d Cir.), 1110
– Promotions

– – Applicant repeatedly denied permanent job at chemical firm fails to show pretext (5th Cir.), 17
– – Equal protection, reverse bias, firefighters' test results rejected, too few minorities passed (U.S., rev grant), 36; implications for private employers, Analysis, 397; (oral arg) Special Report, 446; discarding test results without “strong basis in evidence” that minority candidates could prevail on disparate impact claim was reverse bias (rvs), 705; attorneys discuss impact of Ricci holding on day-to-day employer practices, Conference Report, 835; effect of Ricci on federal contractors discussed, forum, 1032
– – Mixed-motive, summary judgment properly granted to claimant denied manager job (U.S., rev den), 542
– – Training opportunities denied, failure to timely file charges dooms city worker's claim (7th Cir.), 72

– Retaliation

– – County nurse who resigned due to driving anxiety after car accident lacks ADA, bias claims (7th Cir.), 427
– – Discipline, training, hostile environment, Baltimore city, police department pay $4.5M to settle officers' claims (D. Md.), 739
– – Investigation, claimant fired after complaint of co-worker remarks was protected, factual disputes send claim to jury (M.D. Fla.), 719
– – Jury instructions require only essential elements of proof, refusal to instruct on pretext not reversible error (9th Cir.), 606
– – Los Angeles city attorney's $1.5M retaliation award overturned where city's evidence plausible, pretext claim unsupported (U.S., rev den), 682
– – Mandatory arbitration, unconscionability under state law, court not arbitrator to decide (9th Cir.), 1001
– – Nurse aide lawfully fired for providing unredacted patient records to EEOC as proof of bias (U.S., rev den), 234
– – Performance problems, fired Asian-American chemicals worker failed to show pretext, retaliation (6th Cir.), 1025
– – Promotions, parent firm's corporate support of franchisee does not make them “single employer” for purposes of Title VII liability, claims viable against franchisee only (S.D. Miss.), 661
– – Supermarket butcher who tied adverse actions to EEOC charges despite 6-year gap may proceed with state, federal claims (E.D. Pa.), 46

– Testing

– – Disparate impact, continuing violation rejected, firefighter applicants' EEOC charge untimely, judgment vacated (U.S., brief invited), 543; timeliness of test-based hiring claims (rev grant), 1041
– – Retaliation, EEOC right to investigate reserved to itself, subpoena enforceable despite issuance of right-to-sue letter (E.D. Pa.), 157

– Training, shipyard workers denied advanced training fail to show pretext (3d Cir.), 802
– U.S. Supreme Court docket, 2009-2010 term, Special Report, 1087
– White faculty fired, historically black college settles EEOC claims for $165K (D.S.C.), 402

RACIAL HARASSMENT

– Affirmative defense

– – Nooses, environment hostile proved, but prompt remedial action makes firm not liable (7th Cir.), 914
– – “Severe or pervasive,” EEOC claim revived for jury decision (4th Cir.), 828

– FAA, arbitration of claims cannot be compelled where employees have not intervened in EEOC suit brought on their behalf (D. Ariz.), 499
– Hostile environment, emotional distress shown, retail workers entitled to nominal damages only (6th Cir.), 297
– Retaliation

– – Garage mechanic subjected to slurs by supervisors may pursue claims, affirmative defense rejected (E.D.N.Y.), 522
– – Interracial couple fail to show racial animus in discipline, firing (5th Cir.), 401
– – Objection to anti-black slurs against co-workers, whites failed to show requisite harassment against themselves, claims rejected (6th Cir.), 213
– – Offensive conduct, $292,500 settles EEOC suit against Nordstrom on behalf of black, Hispanic employees (S.D. Fla.), 431
– – Prompt remedial action negates claims of black worker called Cornelius after movie ape (E.D. Mich.), 660

– Sexual harassment, attorneys, officials address perpetrator identity challenges, Conference Report, 387

RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATIONS (RICO) ACT

– Hiring illegal workers to depress wages of legal workers

– – Mohawk Indus., denial of class certification overturned on appeal, remanded (11th Cir.), 571
– – SK Foods, class certified (E.D. Cal.), 581

– U.S. Supreme Court docket, 2009-2010 term, Special Report, 1087

RACKETEERING

– Freedom From Union Violence Act

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2537

RAILROADS

– BNSF Ry., drug testing, return-to-work and follow-up, DOT observed urination rule for safety-sensitive jobs upheld (D.C. Cir.), 553; direct observation requirement reinstated, 821
– CSX Transp., FELA, fear of cancer valid basis for damages where shown to be “genuine and serious,” $5M award overturned due to improper jury instruction (U.S., rvs), 598
– Kansas City S. Ry., comparator need not be completely identical, fired engineer showed race bias, but not Title VII, FMLA retaliation (5th Cir.), 745
– Norfolk S., reverse race bias, comparators not similarly situated, engineer fired for speeding has no claim (3d Cir.), 802

RAILWAY LABOR ACT (RLA)

– FAA reauthorization

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 1451

– U.S. Supreme Court docket, 2009-2010 term, Special Report, 1087

REAL ESTATE

– Archstone-Smith, SOX, bonus offer linked to confidentiality pledge was adverse action, executive's challenge untimely (10th Cir.), 635
– Clear Title of Ark., FLSA, retaliation, pay and punitive damages claims allowed (E.D. Ark.), 1000
– Current Development (CDC), ERISA, fiduciary breach, undervaluing real estate created windfall for trustee/participant at expense of other participants (7th Cir.), 272

RECOGNITION OF UNIONS

– Card check authorization

– – American Rights at Work (ARAW) maintains right to choose secret ballot election belongs to workers, not employers, under EFCA, 135
– – Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)

– – – ABA speakers debate need for reform, arbitration proposal, effect on bargaining discussed, 863
– – – AFL-CIO convention, Specter (D-Pa) says compromise reached without card check recognition but Trumka says no deal yet, 989
– – – Ariz., 2010 ballot initiative seeks preemption, 852
– – – Bills

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 1409, S 560

– – – Employer coercion, Chamber of Commerce report, 1115
– – – Solis urges vigilance, passage, unions necessary to restore middle class, conferees told, 667

– – Haw., gov. bill veto overrode, In Brief, 768
– – Secret Ballot Protection Act, GOP lawmakers plan to introduce bill requiring secret ballot NLRB elections, preempt EFCA, 205

RECORDKEEPING

– 401(k) plans, documentation of investment options, decisions can help avoid ERISA fiduciary breach litigation, report, 294
– Ill. wage and hour, class settlement (N.D. Ill.), 1103
– Injuries, OSHA national emphasis program

See INJURIES AND ILLNESSES

RECRUITING

– AARP reports older Hispanics could help fill jobs as workforce ages, recruitment and retention tips, challenges reviewed, 666
– Hard-to-fill jobs, Manpower 2009 talent shortage survey, 639
– Kennedy Information's 18th Recruiting 2009 Conf. & Expo, 229

REDUCTIONS IN FORCE (RIFs)

– ADEA pretext, FMLA interference (M.D. Fla.), 1137
– AstraZeneca, job cuts planned through 2013, In Brief, 125
– Challenger report, Dec. 2008, 10; Jan. 2009, 123; Feb., 235; March, 347; April, 490; May, 599; June, 712; July, 849; Aug., 934; Sept., 1046
– Disparate impact, attorneys discuss impact of Ricci holding on employers planning RIFs, other large scale actions, Special Report, 835
– First Natl. of Neb., ADA, unattainable production quota, failure to rehire employee with voice disorder suggest pretext, claim revived (8th Cir.), 296
– GM, 152; 459
– Knolls Atomic Power Labs. a/k/a KAPL, ADEA, RFOA affirmative defense waiver not excused, RIFd employees' $4M class award reinstated (N.D.N.Y.), 543
– Layoffs

See LAYOFFS
– – Announcements

See LAYOFF ANNOUNCEMENTS

– Macy's, restructuring, job cuts, In Brief, 125
– Philip Morris USA, N.C. plant closing, In Brief, 432
– United Techs., job cuts, In Brief, 264

REGULATIONS, FEDERAL

See also specific agencies
– Agencies ordered to halt action on Bush-era rules, pending review, 65
– Federal Register overhaul, accessibility, In Brief, 1079

REHABILITATION ACT

– FAA worker with knee injury, cancer was qualified individual with disability, entitled to accommodation (EEOC), 772
– Hearing aid ban for court security officers lawful under business-necessity defense (11th Cir.), 241
– Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 11, S 181

RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION

– Failure to promote, Moroccan Muslim sales representative fired after EEOC complaint, jury verdict upheld (9th Cir.), 997
– 1st Amend., workers fired for exorcism of “demonically oppressed” co-worker's cubicle may have free exercise claim, but not free speech (N.D. Tex), 370
– Harassment claim revived where hostile environment claim was improperly treated as constructive discharge (8th Cir.), 856
– Headscarf, accommodation hardship (3d Cir.), 408
– Identity issues in work communications, engineer fired for legitimate business reasons, not bias (7th Cir.), 353
– Missed work to attend convention, AT&T pays $1.3M to satisfy judgment favoring fired Jehovah's Witnesses (E.D. Ark.), 851
– Muslim prayer breaks

– – Beliefs varied, accommodation requests lack commonality, class certification denied (D. Minn.), 689
– – Settlement approved in EEOC lawsuit against poultry processor (D. Minn.), 347

– Non-Mormon property management executive fired during FMLA leave raises pretext issue for jury, but religious bias rejected (10th Cir.), 915
– Nose ring worn “for religious reasons” violated food franchisor's policy, but EEOC accommodation claim will go to jury (M.D. Fla.), 436; EEOC firing claim rejected, relief denied, 876
– Or. accommodation bill enacted, In Brief, 797
– Prayer notes, harassment claim rejected, but gay worker's sex bias gender stereotyping claim revived (3d Cir.), 968
– Preclusion, §1981, same facts, Title VII dismissal bars (3d Cir.), 1110
– Rastafarian applicant who refused to cut dreadlocks for security guard job raised triable claim, but punitive damages unavailable (N.D. Ill.), 495

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM RESTORATION ACT (RFRA)

– DOL guidance clarifies funding exemption for faith-based groups, In Brief, 12
– No-beard policy for D.C. firefighters, EMTs violates law, safety argument rejected (D.C. Cir.), 269

RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

– Non-Minister Religious Worker Visa Program

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 1127

– RFRA, DOL guidance clarifies funding exemption for faith-based groups, In Brief, 12

RELOCATION OF EMPLOYEES

– H-2A and H-2B nonimmigrant workers, reimbursement, ETA withdraws Bush era interpretation, FLSA may require payment, 319

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

– COBRA, W-2 form, IRS requires no new payment reporting, conference, 321
– Financial/actuarial information, PBGC releases final rule amending, 289
– New hire registry, independent contractor misclassification, consequences, Viewpoint, 865

REPRESENTATION ELECTIONS

– NLRB data show 2008 elections, union win rates increased, BNA preliminary analysis, 500
– Secret ballots

– – Business-backed group launches national campaign mandating, 79
– – Secret Ballot Protection Act, GOP lawmakers plan to introduce bill requiring secret ballot NLRB elections, preempt EFCA, 205

– Threats, harassment, employer opposition to protected activities has intensified since 1999, EPI report, 583

RES JUDICATA

– §1981, same facts, Title VII dismissal bars (3d Cir.), 1110

RESIDENTIAL CARE

– Hillsides, electronic monitoring, hidden camera in office was privacy intrusion, but employer had legitimate reasons, tort liability rejected (Cal.), 858
– Hope Sch., FMLA, aide who altered medical certification form lost leave rights even though otherwise eligible (7th Cir.), 382

REST PERIODS

See BREAKS, MEAL AND REST

RESTAURANTS

See FOOD SERVICES

RETAIL INDUSTRY

– Apparel

See APPAREL AND GARMENT INDUSTRY

– B&H Foto & Elecs., national origin bias, $4.3M settles EEOC claim for underpaid Hispanic workers denied promotions, benefits (S.D.N.Y.), 319
– Camping World, sexual harassment, remedial steps proved “more than reasonable,” claimant showed no constructive discharge, adverse action (7th Cir.), 968
– Circuit City

– – PBGC pension plan takeover announced, 570
– – U.S. operations, approval to liquidate sought (Bankr. E.D. Va.), In Brief, 68

– Costco, racial harassment, emotional distress shown, claimants entitled to nominal damages only (6th Cir.), 297
– Dillard's

– – Mandatory arbitration, electronic signature insufficient to prove pact formed, lax data security a factor (D. Kan.), 217
– – Same-sex harassment, constructive discharge, EEOC suit settled (M.D. Fla.), 625

– Dollar Gen., FMLA retaliation, verdict favoring employee fired after taking protected leave consistent with Act, upheld (U.S., rev den), 64
– Family Dollar

– – Overtime, FLSA executive exemption (U.S., rev den), 1076
– – Sexual harassment, retaliation, manager failed to show severe or pervasive bias, quid pro quo conditions (8th Cir.), 998

– Foot Locker, ERISA fiduciary breach claim viable for participant misled about impact of cash balance conversion, age bias rejected (S.D.N.Y.), 1027
– Fred's Stores of Ark., ADA, essential job functions impossible with or without accommodation and return date uncertain, manager properly fired (8th Cir.), 403
– Home Depot

– – Layoffs, Expo store closures, In Brief, 98
– – Overtime, manager class action not certified (D. N.J.), 961
– – Same-sex harassment, “brief” touching, calls to male managers not hostile environment, but retaliatory firing claim proceeds (11th Cir.), 801
– – Sex bias

– – – “No self-service” policy violated, no bias, employer's reasonable belief negates pretext (6th Cir.), 378
– – – Pay scale gender-neutral, qualifications and experience justified wage differences (N.D. Ohio), 268

– Macy's, layoffs, store closures planned, In Brief, 41; restructuring, 7,000 jobs cut, 125
– Nordstrom, race, national origin harassment, retaliation, $292,500 settles EEOC suit on behalf of black, Hispanic employees (S.D. Fla.), 431
– Pot Luck Enters. d/b/a/ Ashley Furniture Homestores, failure to address complaints valid basis for same-sex harassment claim, but race bias, retaliation rejected (M.D. Tenn.), 660
– QuikTrip

– – ERISA, no §510 violation where director fired after disparaging remarks at staff meeting (8th Cir.), 663
– – Overtime premiums due on performance-related bonuses, $747.7K settles FLSA violations, DOL probe, 823

– Raymour & Flanigan Furniture, delivery drivers' overtime, $2.5M back pay, $2.26M penalty settle N.J. violations, 740
– Rent-A-Center West, race bias, mandatory arbitration, unconscionability under state law, court not arbitrator to decide (9th Cir.), 1001
– Sears Roebuck, ADA, workers' comp leave policy, $6.2M settles EEOC accommodation suit (N.D. Ill.), 1046
– Staples

– – Overtime, misclassified assistant store managers awarded $2.48M, FLSA class action (D.N.J.), 217
– – SOX claim fails for employee who opposed return policies, no fraud on shareholders (1st Cir.), 159

– Store managers, attendance at training program for area manager positions does not alter FLSA-exempt executive status, Wage and Hour Op. Letter, 39
– Wal-Mart

– – ADA

– – – Regarded as disabled, standing major life activity, greeter accommodation (W.D. La.), 1110
– – – Sex bias, registration as sex offender not a disability, claim time-barred (S.D. Tex.), 494

– – Bonuses, 1 million workers to get $2B in wages, merchandise, 401(k) additions, watchdog group responds, 320
– – Health insurance reform, retailer, SEIU send Obama letter supporting employer mandates, 711
– – Hiring, 22,000 new jobs in 2009 planned, In Brief, 628
– – Labor law violations, foreign workers' suit alleging failure to monitor suppliers rejected, no contractual duty (9th Cir.), 776
– – Off-the-clock work

See OFF-THE-CLOCK WORK

– – Penalties, OSHA proposes maximum allowable fine of $7K after shoppers trampled part-time worker to death, 578
– – Politics, FEC vote tied on whether to probe election-related express advocacy complaint against retailer, opts to close case, In Brief, 572
– – Race bias, black applicants rejected or deterred from applying due to “word-of-mouth” recruitment policy settle class suit for $17.5M (E.D. Ark.), 205
– – Sex bias

– – – Pay and promotions, en banc review ordered on class certification (9th Cir.), 177; oral argument, attorneys clash over class certification, mini-trials (9th Cir., en banc), 332
– – – Retaliation, front pay, punitive damages (Mass.), 1077

– – Sexual harassment, claim that alleged harasser assigned to same store claimant transferred to escape earlier harassment proceeds, but not retaliation (D.N.M.), 884
– – UFCW push for unionization revved up following Obama election, 501
– – Whistleblowing, optician retaliation claim advances (M.D. Tenn.), 216

RETALIATION

– ADA, city worker with hearing impairment fired after informal complaint, claims revived (7th Cir.), 856
– ADEA

See AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT (ADEA)

– Age bias, last chance pact's prospective waiver of right to sue under Ky. law invalid without arbitration option, claim revived (6th Cir.), 185
– At-will firing, advice to facilitate adoption violated hospital policy, HIPAA (Tenn. Ct. App.), 1114
– ERISA, §510 pertains to formal “inquiry or hearing,” does not protect informal complaint, firing lawful (E.D. Pa.), 859
– FLSA

– – Overtime demands, pay and punitive damages claims allowed (E.D. Ark.), 1000
– – Verbal complaints about time clock irregularities not protected activity (7th Cir.), 720
– – Wage/benefit form filed with state DOL, fired landscaper has viable claim (D. Vt.), 831

– FMLA

See FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT (FMLA)

– Free speech, independent investigation, firing decision by boss precludes biased subordinate's personal liability, verdict favoring claimant vacated (9th Cir.), 185
– National origin bias

See NATIONAL ORIGIN DISCRIMINATION

– Organizing, threats, harassment, employer opposition to protected activities has intensified since 1999, EPI report, 583
– Pregnancy bias, Title VII, EEOC claim proceeds (M.D.N.C.), 718
– Race bias

See RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

– Racial harassment

See RACIAL HARASSMENT

– Same-sex harassment, retail supervisor's “brief” touching, calls to male managers not hostile environment, but firing claim proceeds (11th Cir.), 801
– Sex bias

See SEX DISCRIMINATION

– Sexual harassment

See SEXUAL HARASSMENT

– Sexual orientation bias, N.Y., employee fired after complaining of mockery by co-worker has retaliation claim, not bias (S.D.N.Y.), 408
– USERRA, rescission of offer to rehire flight dispatcher valid basis for Navy reservist's claim (M.D. Fla.), 693
– Whistleblowers

See WHISTLEBLOWERS
– – SOX

See SARBANES-OXLEY ACT (SOX)

RETIREE HEALTH BENEFITS

– ADEA, utility did not violate by coordinating benefits with Medicare, specific exemption applies (N.D.N.Y.), 439
– Business Roundtable's 2009 policy and legislative agenda outlined, 183
– Captive insurance, creation of wholly owned subsidiary firms as vehicle for funding retiree health benefits, attorneys weigh pros and cons, 668
– COBRA notice required despite provision of other coverage to early retirees, claim for statutory penalties may be time-barred (W.D. Va.), 22
– Employee benefits, 2009, BLS report, 825
– ERISA

– – Cancellation, standing, prior ruling reversed (9th Cir.), 579
– – Eligibility, oil firm must pay workers hired through staffing agencies, claim revived as timely (S.D.N.Y.), 215
– – LMRA

– – – “Full Company contribution” in USW pact suggests vesting, retirees claim over benefits changes revived (6th Cir.), 384
– – – Restructuring, Volvo retirees' bid for preliminary injunction denied (W.D. Va.), 356

– – Noncompliance, Avon retiree has no breach claim where no showing of injury-in-fact (2d Cir.), 329
– – Plan amendment invalid, contribution changes fiduciary breach, claim advances (E.D. La.), 49
– – Reservation of rights clause allowed plan sponsor to amend benefits at any time, in any manner, but misrepresentation, breach claim advances (D. Colo.), 356
– – Spinoff, former AT&T employees transferred post-retirement to benefit plans sponsored by Lucent Techs. lack standing to sue original entity (10th Cir.), 271
– – Underfunding, lifetime health benefits guaranteed under settlement accord, retiree may sue for fiduciary breach (D. Conn.), 77
– – Unisys, fiduciary duty breach (3d Cir.), 972

– Executives, interest rate used to calculate benefits, firm estopped from lowering (N.D. Ga.), 76
– Future policy could include new risk-mitigation programs, actuary identifies ways to improve traditional model, 686
– Phased retirement, Chamber releases benefit proposals, intends to work with policymakers, summary, 769
– Unpaid benefits, priority claim status requires service to employer within 180 days prior to filing bankruptcy (9th Cir.), 527

RETIREMENT

– Boomer retirement “tsunami,” need for immigration reforms discussed by conference speakers, 192
– CSRS annuitants part-time work bill

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 469

– Early

See EARLY RETIREMENT

– ERISA

See ERISA

– 401(k) plans

See 401(k) PLANS

– Health benefits

See RETIREE HEALTH BENEFITS

– Mandatory

See MANDATORY RETIREMENT

– Part-Time Reemployment of Annuitants Act

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 629

– Pensions

See PENSIONS
– – Cash balance plans

See CASH BALANCE PLANS

– Phased retirement

– – Access blocked by pension rules, bureaucratic barriers, AARP reports, 153
– – Chamber releases benefit proposals, intends to work with policymakers, summary, 769

– Recession, employers unprepared for older workers who stay on the job longer, challenges, researcher explains survey data, 716
– Savings

– – Bill

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2021

– – Guidance, Obama releases rulings, notices designed to boost input, 963
– – Researchers discuss how emotions influence behavior, 462

– 2009 Retirement Confidence Survey, 406

REVERSE DISCRIMINATION

– Race bias

– – Comparators not similarly situated, engineer fired for speeding has no claim (3d Cir.), 802
– – Equal protection, disparate impact, city firefighters' promotion test results rejected, too few minorities passed (U.S., rev grant), 36; implications for private employers, Analysis, 397; (oral arg) Special Report, 446; discarding test results without “strong basis in evidence” that minority candidates could prevail on disparate impact claim was reverse bias (rvs), 705; attorneys discuss impact of Ricci holding on day-to-day employer practices, Conference Report, 835; effect of Ricci on federal contractors discussed, forum, 1032

– Sex bias, male hospital employee who accessed pornographic Web sites at work has no claim (7th Cir.), 773
– Supreme Court docket overview, 2008-2009, 89

RFRA

See RELIGIOUS FREEDOM RESTORATION ACT (RFRA)

RHODE ISLAND

– E-Verify, governor has executive authority to require vendors to use (R.I. Super. Ct.), 373
– Independent contractors misclassification, FedEx, payroll taxes, worker protections, 713
– Labor legislation, 2008, DOL reports, 145

RIFs

See REDUCTIONS IN FORCE (RIFs)

RLA

See RAILWAY LABOR ACT (RLA)

ROMANCE AT WORK

– Men and women, most willing to sacrifice career for love, survey, 121

RUSSIA

– Foreign workers, government imposes new 2009 hiring quota, 166