Nevada to Ban Gay Discrimination at Work
Nevada governor Kenny Guinn has signed a bill banning workplace discrimination against gays, adding sexual orientation to race, color, sex, religion and disability as categories in which discrimination is illegal. The law does not apply to tax-exempt organizations such as the Boy Scouts. Similar laws exist in ten states and the District of Columbia.

Federal Reserve Reacts to Labor Shortage
With unemployment at the lowest level in three decades, the U.S. may be quickly running out of workers, say Federal Reserve officials. The Fed's latest survey of regional economic conditions found labor shortages in many parts of the country. One senior official urged changes such as loosening immigration laws for skilled workers and offering incentives for retirees to return to work.

L.A. Doctors Unionize
Citing inadequate working conditions for all hospital staff members, Los Angeles County doctors have voted to unionize, the largest group yet to join the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. Organizers say the move will help them improve hospitals' working environment and patient care policies. The doctors insist that their pay is not at issue, and will not seek to renegotiate their contract.

Windfalls for Washington State Techies
The top wages in the nation for high-tech jobs are in Washington State, thanks largely to Microsoft stock options, according to a new report. Including stock options, the average compensation for Washington techies is $158,000, compared to $30,337 for the average private-sector job in the state. Microsoft, meanwhile, says that it will continue boosting employee pay in order to retain prized workers.