The National Labor Relations Board on Friday threatened to sue Arizona, South Carolina, South Dakota and Utah over constitutional amendments guaranteeing workers the right to a secret ballot in union elections. The agency’s acting general counsel, Lafe Solomon, said the amendments conflict with federal law, which gives employers the option of recognizing a union if a majority of workers sign cards that support unionizing. The amendments, approved Nov. 2, have taken effect in South Dakota and Utah, and will do so soon in Arizona and South Carolina, which recently was selected to host a new plant for production of the Boeing Co.’s 787. Business and anti-union groups sought the amendments, arguing that such secrecy is necessary to protect workers against union intimidation. They are concerned that Congress might enact legislation requiring employers to allow the “card check” process for forming unions instead of secret ballot elections.
Deere CEO pay triples for 2010
The compensation for Deere & Co.’s CEO nearly tripled in 2010 as Samuel Allen completed his first full year in the top job at the world’s largest maker of agricultural equipment, but Allen’s $12.3 million compensation remains less than his predecessor received in 2009. Predecessor Robert Lane received compensation worth $14 million in his last year leading the company. Allen also serves as chairman.
IRS encourages whistle-blowers
The Internal Revenue Service is making it easier for whistle-blowers to collect rewards for turning in big-time tax cheats. The agency proposed new rules Friday to jumpstart a 5-year-old program designed to entice people to turn in businesses or individuals trying to bilk the government out of $2 million or more in taxes. The program has elicited a lot of tips but has yet to result in any rewards being paid out. The IRS issued guidance last summer saying that whistle-blowers could only get rewards if their tips resulted in businesses or individuals paying additional taxes. The new rules would qualify whistle-blowers for rewards if their tips prevent businesses or individuals from claiming illegitimate tax refunds.
Upcoming visits to Everett’s port
Here’s a shipping schedule in Everett for the next few weeks: Jan. 19, Igarka, from shipper Fesco; Jan. 25, Westwood Rainier, from Westwood; Jan. 26, Millennium Falcon, Westwood/Eastern Car Lines; Feb. 1, Santiago 29E, Westwood; Feb. 8, Westwood Victoria, Westwood.
New 3G cell site will be added in Sultan
Verizon Wireless has added a new cell site in Sultan that it says will expand its 3G wireless coverage in the area and along U.S. 2. Verizon said it has spent $307 million to date in Washington state to improve its network.
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