Orange County Employment Lawyer

Germany- The Lufthansa airline strike has led more than 4,000 employees to walk off the job causing the German airline to cancel more than a dozen flights.  The ver.di union who represents about 50,000 ground service workers and a small group of cabin staff is leading the strike.

The open-ended strike was started by the union on Monday.  Strikers are demanding  a 9.9% pay increase for a year.  Meanwhile, airline officials have offered a 7.7% increase for 21 months with a one-time bonus.

The strike centers around airports in Frankfurt, Hamberg, and Berlin, mostly affecting short-haul flights.  By the end of the day there could be as many of 70 cancellations, accounting for three percent of the airline’s flights.  Little damage was suffered on the first day of the strike.  This is the first strike Lufthansa has experienced in 13 years.

A recent research study reveals that a 20 minute nap in the afternoon can boost employee productivity.

Commonly known as power naps, these quick trip into sleep have been found to improve heart function, hormonal maintenance, and cell repair according to Dr. Sara Mednick, a researcher fro the Salk Institue for Biological Studies.  Afternoon naps can also improve moods, lower stress, and improve memory and learning.  All of these benefits can improve office productivity.

Sleeping on the job is an obvious way to get in trouble with the boss.  A good tactic to catching an effectice power nap is setting aside 15-20 minutes of designated lunch or break time.  Any longer and waking up will be difficult and not result in a more energized afternoon.

If you have been unfairly terminated, contact Orange County employment lawyer Perry Smith at (888) 356-2529.

Around 5,000 of the computer company’s call center employees are stating that they have been underpaid and would like compensation. The lawsuit was granted ‘class action’ status last week, and since has gained 80 new plaintiffs from around the country. The lawsuit was originally filed in February 2007 by just two employees who claimed they were not adequately paid for overtime or job training.

Anyone who has worked for Dell between February 2004 and the present may join the lawsuit if they feel they have not been paid correctly. Dell disputes the claims made against them, but has declined to comment on details.

If you have not received the correct pay for overtime work contact Orange County employment lawyer Perry Smith at (888) 356-2529.

A current bill in the Delaware government, SB 204, would increase the state’s minimum wage.  However, the proposal is facing a lot of controversy.  The Employment Policies Institute states the attempt to help low income workers through wage increases is misguided and actually hurts the people it seeks to help.

Economic research displays that wage increases actually decrease employment levels, particularly for the least skilled workers.  Economists at the University of California at Irvine declare that for every 10% increase in minimum wage, employment for high school drop-outs and young black teenagers and adults falls by 8.5%.

If you have a minimum wage employment problem, contact the experienced Orange County minimum wage employment lawyers today at 888.356.2529 to discuss your specific situation.

While installing an elevator at Pilgrim’s Pride, Brian Barton, a Texas worker, fell off of the ladder he was standing on and hit his back on the railing and steps of the ladder.  He was diagnosed with a “pinched nerve” according to company nurses and continued to work.  Five months later, Barton sat down in a chair to rest his back and he closed his eyes.  He was accused of sleeping on the job and was terminated.

After he lost his job, Barton was unable to find another job due to his injuries so he sought full medical treatment.  X-rays revealed fractured vertebrae in his spine.  He promptly underwent steroid treatment to reduce pain.  Several weeks before surgery, while under surveillance by Pilgrim’s Pride, Barton was photographed doing yard work.

Currently, Barton is suing Pilgrim’s Pride for wrongful termination and Pilgrim’s pride is suing Barton for alleged theft.  If you have been wrongfully terminated, contact the experienced Orange County wrongful termination employment lawyers of Perry Smith at 888.356.2529 to learn more about your legal options.