Gas Price Crisis Could Revolutionize U.S. Workplace
High gas prices were the topic of discussion at the opening of the annual Society of Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) conference. According to a recent SHRM poll, companies are increasing their efforts to help employees cope with the soaring prices at the pump. Experts say companies are offering incentives such as compressed work schedules, four-day work weeks, telecommuting, gas cards, and car-pooling as options to help employees. Experts suggest that this shift emphasizes productivity as the central value of work rather than the number of hours an employee puts in. SHRM representatives concluded that it’s now more than a hassle to drive to work; the expense of driving is an economic issue that employees are taking very seriously. Workforce.com – June 23, 2008 [Back to Top]
Federal Minimum Wage Rate Increases in July
The federal minimum wage will increase to $6.55 on July 24, 2008. This is the second part of a three-step process to increase minimum wage House Resolution 2206 instated on May 25, 2007. The next increase to $7.25 per hour is set to take effect on July 1, 2009. Employers who are subject to both state and federal minimum hourly wage rate increases must pay employees the higher of the two rates. To see how the federal minimum rate will affect your state, click here. CCH Business & Corporate Compliance – July 9, 2008
Supreme Court Rules on Age Discrimination
A recent decision handed down by the Supreme Court asserts that companies must show that criteria for company layoffs must not involve age as older workers are disproportionately affected by employment decisions. The court held 7-1 that employers are responsible for proving that layoff decisions are based on factors other than age, and employers will not be able to simply list these factors. They must be able to convince a jury that age was not the motivating factor for the employee’s departure. Legal experts note that employers now bear the burden of proof because they are the ones who know the terms of the layoff decisions. Workforce Management – June 19, 2008
Unauthorized Worker Inspections on the Rise
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is conducting a nationwide inspection campaign. The ICE is targeting employers suspected of hiring illegal workers. Inspections will be announced by subpoenas calling for I-9 forms of all current employees and previous employees within the past year. Updated I-9 forms are now available for employers to use. The new I-9 forms have the adjusted expiration date of June 30, 2009. If you have any questions regarding the updated I-9 form or any HR-related topic, contact your local Express office. Society for Human Resource Management – July 7, 2008 [Back to Top]
Exports Fueled June Manufacturing Growth
The manufacturing index increased in June for the first time in five months reaching 50.2, up from 49.6 in May, according to the Institute for Supply Management. A reading above 50 indicates growth in the sector. The manufacturing activity grew due to a weak dollar and vigorous growth in Europe which boosted U.S. exports. The Associated Press – July 1, 2008
Consumer Confidence Index Declines
The consumer confidence index fell to 50.4 in June, down from 58.1 in May, the Conference Board reported. This is the fifth-lowest reading ever, according to the Conference Board. Experts say this illustrates that the economy is stuck in low gear. The monthly consumer conference survey, based on 5,000 U.S. households, also showed a decline in the present situation index, which fell to 64.5 in June, down from 74.2 in May. The present situation index measures consumers’ opinions on current economic conditions. The Conference Board – June 24, 2008
Pending Home Sales Fall
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the index for pending sales of existing homes fell to 84.7 in May, down from 88.9 in April. Experts says this suggests that the housing market is still struggling. This index measures current activity against sales activity in 2001, the year the index started. A reading of 100 demonstrates equal levels with that year. The South saw the biggest decline in pending home sales which fell by 7.1%, while the West saw only a 1.3% decline. Projections from U.S. realtors have home sales falling by 6.1% to 5.31 million sales in 2008; however, realtors anticipate home sales to pick up in the second half of 2008. CNNMoney.com – July 8, 2008 [Back to Top]
June 2008
The unemployment rate remained steady at 5.5% in June. Employment continued to fall in construction, manufacturing, and retail sectors, while healthcare and mining added jobs. Click here for the most recent employment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Major Industry Employment:
• Construction: - 43,000
• Manufacturing: - 33,000
• Retail Trade: - 8,000
• Professional & Business Services: - 51,000
• Educational & Health Services: + 29,000
• Leisure & Hospitality: + 24,000
• Government: + 29,000
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Employment Trends is a publication of Express Services, Inc., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. © 2008.