January 24, 2012
ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS OF MASSACHUSETTS
INSTALLS 2012 OFFICERS
The Massachusetts Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABCMA) installed its 2012 officers on January 19th at a joint meeting of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island chapters held at Christina’s restaurant in FoxboroJanuary 18, 2012
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January 18, 2012
ABC-LED COALITION CHALLENGES
PRESIDENT'S RECESS APPOINTMENTS
The ABC-led Coalition for a Democratic Workplace (CDW) Jan. 13 announced it had joined with leading employer associations to file a motion to block the unconstitutional recess appointments of three members to the National Labor Relations Board.
According to CDW, the motion reflects the view that the three individuals recently installed on the board by circumventing the nomination process are not to be recognized as members.
“The motion we filed today is a major step toward overturning the President’s ill-conceived and illegal efforts to ignore the Constitution,” said CDW Chairman Geoffrey Burr. “This act brazenly violates constitutionally established separation of powers, all but ensuring that the rogue, anti-business agency continues uninterrupted in its pursuit of silencing the voices of employers in the workplace.”
For more information, visit www.MyPrivateBallot.com.
January 12, 2012
SENATE APPROVES LEAVE BILL FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS
The Senate unanimously passed a domestic violence leave bill that would give some victims up to 15 days off from their jobs each year to handle court proceedings, get medical services or seek counseling. The bill, which now heads to the House, requires companies with more than 50 employees to give workers who are victims of abuse time off without fear of losing their jobs. The workers must give notice for the leave – when possible – and provide documentation in some instances. The Senate voted 34-0, with Sen. Robert Hedlund voting present. He raised concerns that it was a mandate businesses cannot afford in a time of economic recovery. Hedlund said it could become a hindrance for companies looking at relocating to Massachusetts. Sen. Cynthia Creem (D-Newton), the bill’s lead sponsor, and Sen. Stephen Brewer (D-Barre) pointed out the proposed law (S 918) does not require that companies pay their workers during the time off. Immediate family members of abuse victims are also eligible for leave under the bill. Two of the state’s major business groups backed the plan. Both Associated Industries of Massachusetts and the Retailers’ Association of Massachusetts said they have no objections to its requirements on businesses. Many people are forced to make a choice of “protecting yourself or your job,” Creem said during debate. Victims of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault would be eligible for leave after they have exhausted their vacation, sick days and personal leave, but employers can waive this requirement. Maureen Gallagher, the policy director at Jane Doe. Inc said earlier this week the bill addresses a key need for domestic violence victims: knowing their jobs are secure so they can find the courage to leave their abusers. The bill extends a benefit to private sector employees that public employees have had since Gov. Paul Cellucci signed an executive order. A similar bill passed in the Senate last session but never emerged for a House vote, ending the session in the House Ways and Means Committee.