… litigation.  Although this company denies the allegations brought by the workers in this case, labor violations are becoming more common as workers face more job losses during this recession. Reports of “unofficial” overtime have increased as more workers who are on the brink of bankruptcy themselves, endure long hours for no extra pay in an effort to keep their jobs. And as we have reported over the past year, many companies have given their employees official pay cuts that have left …

Tags: Building Materials Holding Corp Labor Dispute SelectBuild Construction Inc. Settlement

Permalink: /lawsuits/bankruptcy-judge-approves-settlement-for-labor-dispute/

… creditors proposed leaving the parent company in Chapter 11 bankruptcy until the leveraged buyout dispute was settled the bankruptcy judge swiftly dismissed the proposal.

Permalink: /filing_bankruptcy/tribune%e2%80%99s-bankruptcy-dispute-spawns-%e2%80%9cworld-war-iii%e2%80%9d/

… to about 1.6 million of the nation’s 15.4 million unemployed as of November, according to the Labor Department. These unemployed job seekers say it is even harder for them to find work because of what they see as age bias.

Age bias in the job market is apparent for many older workers; but what may not be readily apparent is how that bias may negatively impact their finances and even force them into bankruptcy.  The longer an individual remains unemployed, the more precarious their …

Tags: Bankruptcy Labor Department Seniors Unemployment

The latest job loss report released by the Labor Department is not encouraging.  There were 85,000 job losses in December and that’s after employers added 4,000 jobs in November.  It just seems that America’s workers can’t seem to get a break.  Even those who have been looking for work for an extended period of time remain unemployed.  There are 5.4 million Americans receiving unemployment benefits and that’s not counting the …

Tags: Bankruptcy Department of Labor Job Loss Unemployment

The Labor Department claims that the number jobless workers applying for unemployment for the first time is steadily decreasing; but could that mean a spike in bankruptcy filings?

Initial claims for unemployment insurance rose by 17,000 to a seasonally adjusted 474,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. That was above analysts’ expectations of 460,000 new claims… The number of people …

Tags: Bankruptcy Labor Department Recession Unemployment United States

Last year we highlighted a Chapter 13 bankruptcy case where student loan debt was partially discharged. The bankruptcy discharge was challenged by the creditor and has made its way to the Supreme Court.  Here is an overview of the decision made by lower courts last year:

In the case of ( Espinosa v. United Student Aid Funds Inc. , No. 06-16421, 9th Cir. 10/02/08) the court stated:

…

Permalink: /student-loans/supreme-court-hears-student-loan-dispute/

… retail employment grew by just 384,300 from October through December, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That compared to 720,800 retail workers hired during the 2007 holiday months. The 384,300 seasonal workers hired in 2008 represent the lowest holiday hiring figure since 1989, when retailers added just 380,500 workers…”

Usually retailer employment numbers reach their highest level in November and December, however since analysts expect another dismal shopping season, …

Tags: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Retailing

According to an article in the Dallas Morning News, the Labor Department announced that new claims for unemployment insurance benefits dropped last week to a seasonally adjusted 521,000.

The article said:

“Despite the improvement, initial claims remain well above the 325,000 that economists say is consistent with a healthy economy.”

Also, there are still 8.9 million Americans continuing to receive unemployment benefits, including those who …

Tags: Unemployment United States Department of Labor

… at a 6.6 percent annual rate, the most since the third quarter of 2003, revised figures from the Labor Department showed today in Washington. Labor costs fell by the most in nine years.”

The bottom-line is that companies are now getting more for their labor costs, but at what price to the worker?  Many Americans have succumb to foreclosure due to job losses and many who have not faced a job loss (yet) are finding that their take-home pay is reduced as a part of some companies’ …

Tags: Dallas Morning News Employment Labor Department Productivity Unemployment

… at the time of their bankruptcy filing was that they were sinking under the weight of expensive labor agreements and unprofitable contracts with vendors.  Bankruptcy allowed the company to reduce and/or eliminate those contract obligations giving it a fighting chance in the automaker marketplace.

… 30 percent of the cost from your taxes.  There is a $1500 cap; but you can include the cost for labor and materials.  If you installed energy efficient window, insulation, sealant and radiant barriers you may also deduct 30 percent of the cost with a $1500 cap, but labor cannot be included.

Also remember, if you are unable to pay your taxes, you may be able to negotiate forbearance with the IRS.  Also, some taxes (depending on the age and other factors) may be dischargeable in …

… in the Tribune Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

If the Tribune company is unable to resolve its dispute with the committee of unsecured creditors before the end of March, many analysts are predicting the equivalent of World War III in the Tribune’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  At the end of the exclusivity period, creditors will have an opportunity to present competing reorganization plans and by April (if the leveraged buyout dispute is not resolved) the committee of unsecured creditors may …