Sharon Thomas
Senior Editorial Director
Recent Articles
Businesses in three states face higher unemployment taxes
November 11, 2015
Contingent workforce programs in three states and the US Virgin Islands may see higher bill rates due to increased unemployment tax costs in 2016, according to the US Department of Labor.
California pay equity bill for UC contractors vetoed
October 21, 2015
California Gov. Gerry Brown vetoed a bill that would have given contractors at University of California campuses pay equal to that of comparable UC employees. Separately, a UC supplier is under federal scrutiny for allegedly underpaying contingent workers.
OSHA: Staffing buyers in auto parts, meat processing face fines
October 7, 2015
A judge affirmed citations and increased fines issued to an auto parts manufacturer after a temp suffered amputations; separately, a meat processing plant faces fines for failure to train temps about hazardous chemicals.
Vermont to join feds against IC misclassification
September 23, 2015
Vermont has become the 26th state to partner with the US Department of Labor to combat the misclassification of workers as independent contractors.
OSHA fines buyer; sets temp safety committee meeting schedule
August 19, 2015
A pipe insulator and its staffing provider have been cited by OSHA for exposing workers to amputation and other risks. Separately, OSHA announced monthly meetings of the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health's Temporary Workers Work Group.
Court: DOL acted in ‘bad faith,’ upholds judgement in IC case
August 12, 2015
The 5th Circuit Court awarded attorneys’ fees to a company that prevailed in what the court deemed a bad-faith independent contractor classification case brought by the US Department of Labor.
Calif. Attorney General commits to IC misclassification fight
July 29, 2015
California's justice department has signed an agreement to work with the feds to fight worker misclassification and other illegal labor practices.
Contingent labor buyer faces $116K fines for risks
July 15, 2015
A refrigeration company, faces fines of more than $100,000 for safety violations that put its temporary and regular workers at risk of serious injury or death.
NLRB invites input on temporary employee unionization issue
July 15, 2015
The National Labor Relations Board last week invited interested parties to file briefs regarding whether it should permit bargaining units comprised of both regular employees and temporary workers provided by a staffing agency to form without employer approval.
Appropriations bill strips DOL of misclassification funds
July 1, 2015
The US House Appropriations Committee last week approved a bill that strips the Department of Labor of its funding in the 2016 budget for its worker misclassification program, according to the National Association of Home Builders.