Ethics office investigating Alcee Hastings
A Congressional panel is investigating allegations that Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) sexually harassed a member of his staff after the woman filed a lawsuit in conjunction with the conservative group Judicial Watch.
http://www.rollcall.com/news/ethics_office_investigating_alcee_hastings-206702-1.html
The Darrell Issa plan to close the courts to workers
Darrell Issa kept up the hyperbolic assault on workers yesterday, going on Fox News to incite fear about what he called the “forced unionization of America” if the National Labor Relations Board is allowed to continue performing the same function it’s been performing since 1935. That function, which Issa believes will result in the forced unionization of America, has happened while union membership has declined from about 30% in 1960 to about 12% today. To Darrell Issa, that’s apparently what “forced unionization” looks like. And since Darrell Issa refuses to be clear, we will: the NLRB is doing nothing but fulfilling its mandate to investigate claims of unfair practices by an employer.
http://issawatch.couragecampaign.org/index.php/page/203
US Labor Department’s MSHA to hold June 29 public briefing on investigation of Upper Big Branch Mine explosion
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration will hold a June 29 public briefing on its investigation into the explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine in Raleigh County, W.Va. The briefing, to begin at 10 a.m. EDT, will coincide with the one-year anniversary of the start of the agency’s underground investigation at the Upper Big Branch Mine and will be held at the National Mine Health and Safety Academy in Beaver, W.Va.
http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/msha/MSHA20110954.htm
Fired for using legally prescribed pot? Pharmaceutical discrimination in the workplace
“Separate but equal” was a legal doctrine once widely used by the courts to justify segregation. And while the courts have largely turned away this doctrine over the past 60 years, several state supreme courts in recent years have begun applying this principle to arbitrarily discriminate against state-authorized medical cannabis patients in the workplace.
http://www.alternet.org/health/151372/fired_for_using_legally_prescribed_pot_pharmaceutical_discrimination_in_the_workplace_
Union files for election at Ikea’s first U.S. factory
A labor union looking to organize Ikea’s first American factory has asked the government to allow workers to vote on whether they want representation. Workers at the plant have complained about low wages, discrimination and long working hours.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ikea-20110623,0,7653626.story
OSHA cites Mississippi recycler for violations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Glen, Miss.-based Triple P Farms Inc. for four safety violations. OSHA said Tuesday it began an inspection in February after a worker had both legs amputated when his foot got caught in a baling machine as he attempted to clear cardboard that had jammed at a business in Verona.
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9O0DQMO0.htm
Porn actress contracted HIV in 2009: Judge blocks state workplace regulators from peeking at her medical records
A previously unknown HIV case in porn was revealed this week after an adult performer sued California workplace regulators who wanted access to her medical records. Between a 2004 outbreak and last year’s positive test for actor Derrick Burts there was an actress who contracted it in 2009.
http://blogs.laweekly.com/informer/2011/06/porn_hiv_case_cal_osha.php
Metro bus drivers raise safety concerns
Some bus operators at Metro said they are concerned that management is not paying attention to their concerns about driver safety and may refuse to drive Thursday, union officials said.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dr-gridlock/post/metro-bus-drivers-raise-safety-concerns/2011/06/22/AG9rLqfH_blog.html?wpisrc=nl_buzz
BP worker dies when pinned by piece of equipment at Carson refinery
A BP worker died in an accident at the company’s Carson refinery today. The man, a longtime employee whose name was being withheld, was working in an area where railcars are loaded with light refinery products when he was pinned by a piece of equipment just before 8 a.m., BP spokesman Walter Neil said.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_18331093?nclick_check=1
