The HR Pro: Top Human Resource Issues for 2016, Part 2
From evolving workplace demographics to overtime expansion to a number of other issues, human resource professionals this year are facing a variety of new and developing challenges. Last month’s column addressed four health-related topics. This month, we’ll look at four workplace and employment issues. The Use and Misuse of Independent Contractors There is growing tension between employers’ desire to use independent contractors — to...
Economy Expected To Stay Steady in 2016
Washington — After a year free from government shutdowns and other self-inflicted wounds, the U.S. economy in 2016 is expected to power forward at a steady, albeit unspectacular pace. Given all the global uncertainty, steady is the new strong. A six-year U.S. economic expansion, long by historical standards, rolls on. Japan remains in the doldrums, China’s growth has slowed precipitously and emerging markets such as Brazil and Mexico...
Worker Pay in U.S. Climbed at Faster Pace in Third Quarter
Washington — Wages and salaries rose in the third quarter at a faster pace as the U.S. labor market continued to make progress. The 0.6 percent advance followed a 0.2 percent increase in the previous quarter that was the smallest in data going back to 1982, a Labor Department report showed Friday. The employment cost index, which also includes benefits, also rose 0.6 percent, matching the median forecast in a Bloomberg survey....
Economy’s 215,000 New Jobs Called Good Sign
Washington — September remains in play for a Federal Reserve interest-rate increase after the U.S. added 215,000 jobs in July, extending progress that’s encouraged policymakers to move toward removing unprecedented monetary stimulus. A measure of traders’ bets on a September rate hike rose to the highest level this year after a government report showed employment growth last month was in line with the 211,000 average monthly gain so...
