USLegal Reporter » Employment

Congress Passes Legislation to Extend Unemployment Benefits

carrie — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:08:45 +0000

The House and Senate have approved a bill to provide additional assistance for many of the nations unemployed. President Bush signed the measure into law today.

The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008 provides seven additional weeks of coverage for those who have exhausted their unemployment benefits in all states. The measure also provides up to 13 more weeks of coverage on top of that for jobless individuals in states with an unemployment rate higher than 6%.

The standard length of time unemployment benefits are typically paid is a maximum of 26 weeks. The new legislation now extends the benefit periods accordingly.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/11/20081121.html

Former Dell Employees File Class Action Lawsuit

carrie — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:08:06 +0000

Four fomer Dell human-resources executives have filed a class action lawsuit against the computer maker alleging employment discrimination. The managers claim that Dell’s recent layoffs unfairly targeted women and workers over the age of 40. The suit also alleges that Dell discriminates against women in pay, job placement, and promotions.

The lawsuit was filed yesterday in a California court. The employees are seeking $500 million in damages.

Dell announced in May 2007 that it had plans to lay off 8,800 employees. The figure represents about 10 percent of its work force.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/external/idg/2008/10/29/29idg-Dell-hit-with-d.html

Mininum Wage Increase Goes into Effect

carrie — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:44:25 +0000

The national minimum wage increased to $6.55 per hour today. The increase came about as part of the Fair Mininum Wage Increase Act of 2007.

Previously, minimum wage was $5.85 an hour. Prior to the 2007 legislation, the rate was $5.15, a figure which had been in place since 1997.

An additional minimum wage increase is scheduled to take place on June 24, 2009. At that time, a rate of $7.25 per hour will become effective.

Source: http://money.cnn.com/2008/07/24/news/economy/minimum_wage/?postversion=2008072407