Intellectual property theft rising quickly
Filching ranges from crude to highly sophisticated, experts say.
Workplace Issues
Articles
Loopholes give smoking ban bill a better chance
A proposed statewide smoking ban now has so many exemptions that health advocates say it nearly loses its meaning.
Anderson mayor denies ex-aide’s harassment complaint
Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon calls an employee's sexual harassment complaint "unfounded" and says it won't affect his decision on whether to seek re-election.
Business agenda might get friendly reception
With Republicans firmly in control of the Indiana General Assembly, businesses have a better chance of achieving some of their legislative objectives than they have for years.
Court sides with FedEx in dispute with drivers
FedEx, which has a distribution hub in Indianapolis, has long asserted that its drivers should be classified as independent contractors.
Controversial Martin University president to retire this month
Algeania Freeman will retire Dec. 31 after three years at the school, officials said late Monday morning. Former NCAA executive Charlotte Westerhaus will serve as acting president while the predominantly black university conducts a nationwide search for a new leader.
Unions target Indianapolis hotels
Unite Here has high hopes, but the industry fears its cost advantage would erode.
Workplace safety rules a part of ND death probe
State regulators are investigating whether the University of Notre Dame violated safety rules when it allowed a student to videotape football practice from a tall hydraulic lift that toppled in high winds, killing the young man.
N.Y. attorney general sues FedEx over driver status
The Memphis, Tenn.-based company, which has a distribution hub in Indianapolis, says its contract-driver model is legal and was approved for tax purposes by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service in 1994.
New Purdue smoking policy sparks complaints
The policy limits smoking to 22 designated areas across campus, where on at least a couple occasions overfilled receptacles have caught fire.
Federal audit knocks state’s safety, health program
The report from the U.S. Department of Labor raises concerns over whether Indiana’s Occupational Safety and Health program is properly funded and staffed. Overall, the report provided 45 recommendations to improve procedures within the program.
Plastic surgery firm hit with surveillance litigation
Former employees say Meridian Plastic Surgery Center violated their rights when it secretly recorded them in various states of undress.
Republic Airways CEO going ‘Undercover’
Bryan Bedford, CEO, president and chairman of Indianapolis-based Republic Airways, will appear in an episode of “Undercover Boss” this season, CBS-TV announced.
Family of woman killed by falling bottled-water pallets files suit
The estate of a woman killed when pallets of bottled water fell on her at a Kroger store in Franklin is suing the bottler,
suggesting a new eco-friendly bottle design may have contributed to the accident.
Indiana workplace deaths decline 14 percent
The total of 123 deaths in 2009 was the lowest since officials began issuing annual reports in 1991. A third of the deaths
involved motor vehicles; falls killed 20 workers.
More cash-strapped workers dipping into 401(k) accounts
A record number made hardship withdrawals in the second quarter, and the number of of workers who borrowed from their accounts reached a 10-year high, according to Fidelity Investments.
Visteon ordered to reinstate health care to retirees
The mandate from a U.S. bankruptcy judge will supply retroactive benefits to more than 6,000 Visteon Corp. retirees who lost
insurance coverage after
the
Michigan-based auto-parts maker filed for bankruptcy in 2009, including 2,100 workers in Indiana.
Health care reform means changes for Indiana employers
Nearly four months after President Barack Obama signed a health reform bill into law, businesses are still grappling with its
impact on the health benefits they offer their employees.
Employers mull legal challenge to new state gun law
Indiana Chamber of Commerce president says several members have inquired about pursuing legal action, though nothing formal
is in the works
yet.
FedEx wins dismissal of some claims in drivers’ suit
FedEx Corp. won partial dismissal of a class-action lawsuit brought by contract drivers who contend they are entitled to full
benefits because the company treats them as employees.