
Week in Work
Good News for Class of 99
This year's college graduates will face a healthy job market, human
resources experts say, with many employers competing to hire them.
Prospects are especially bright for grads with degrees in computer systems and information technology. Next in line are marketing, economics, and communications majors.
Women Bosses Get High Marks
Women bosses are more assertive and competitive than their male peers,
according to a new survey. Respondents said their bosses who are men
delegate more and cooperate more with colleagues, while women bosses
maintain more control over projects. On the question of which sex makes the best leaders, bosses rated them equal, while their subordinates put women slightly ahead.
Tighter Reins Needed on Bus and Train Operators
In the wake of several deadly bus and train accidents, transportation
experts are calling for stricter measures to weed out dangerous drivers
hired by bus and train companies. Overall, 95 percent of vehicle accidents are caused by human error, yet safety inspections focus on machinery, not employees. A national database of dangerous drivers would help save lives, experts say.
Microsoft Temps to Join Stock Plan
A federal appeals court has ruled that Microsoft must allow thousands of temporary employees to participate in the company's stock purchasing plan. The ruling held that workers who spend more than five months at a company must be offered benefits even if they are paid through an outside agency. Microsoft says they will appeal the decision.
Sears Settles Teen Labor Dispute
Retail giant Sears, Roebuck and Co. has agreed to a $325,000 settlement
after the Labor Department charged it with violating child labor laws. The company had used 16- and 17-year olds to operate heavy machinery such as forklifts, and in some cases had let 15-year-olds work too many hours. Sears officials say they now plan to create a model workplace environment for teenagers.
|