Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Fall Newsletter

Dear Colleague

I hope these few weeks prior to election day find you well. In a previous issue I talked about my efforts to maintain a sense of positivity in today's crisis filled environment and those efforts have surely been tested in the midst of the economic turndown we have all experienced. Nonetheless I am fortified by the optimism of many of my clients who, as small business owners, have the attitude that "failure is not an option." Don't get me wrong, everyone is closely watching expenses, delaying decisions that require increased operating capital and looking for ways to minimize risk. Now you're probably thinking that taking these actions is simply good business strategy but what I'm talking about is the inventive spirit that these entrpreneurs exhibit during trying times. A building services provider who has decided to expand his products and services to explore a niche that is related to their core business. An HVAC contractor who has developed a new and innovative way to incent his workforce to better leverage payroll costs and truly reward the top performers and a local company who until now could only service clients within driving distance of their headquarters, has developed software that enables them to replicate the services they provide anywhere in the US. These people inspire me and I am proud to be a part of their business. It reaffirms my belief that we are truly fortunate to live in America and all have the opportunity to choose our own destiny. So as we prepare to elect a new leader next week I am filled with optimism that success is in our hands and failure is not an option.
Have a safe and happy fall season.

Phil


The Top Ten Workplace Trends
A survey of HR professionals across a various industries conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management revealed that benefit costs and an aging workforce were the top two workplace issues that need immediate attention. Seven of the remaining eight workplace issues were all related to healthcare and a shortage of skilled workers caused by the impending retirement of the baby booomers, including retention of existing workers. For the first time since the inception of this survey the threat of recession appeared as number 8 in the top ten listing.
If your benefit costs are soaring out of control or your employee retention and training issues are a source of concern we can help. Please give us a call at 610-287-1162 for a free consultation.
In This Issue
The Top Ten Workplace Trends
The Employee Free Choice Act Doesn't Offer Freedom of Choice



Quick Links
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001RW8sc6BYSElDvlQ_QEszdg-WGvhpyJjGGKtDoxy0OzUsEzzqz8w95x56P8kIZCvOvUn7Xip829xzUZTgiHIHyO7rsrXEGF6ib9arUZZQFsDwMRt7Tsg1CH4RNTETGEUS
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001RW8sc6BYSElDvlQ_QEszdg-WGvhpyJjGGKtDoxy0OzUsEzzqz8w95x56P8kIZCvOvUn7Xip829x_BOx5jB_oARjpMK9Qbn6iu1QNHEYfaGehygCUJUmIWWVUsAwnxgFL
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001RW8sc6BYSElDvlQ_QEszdg-WGvhpyJjGGKtDoxy0OzUsEzzqz8w95x56P8kIZCvOvUn7Xip829yBhC0sLZnpHp1spYzcRVk4WHTbQu-ngXvpvT7GxcGSKw==
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001RW8sc6BYSElDvlQ_QEszdg-WGvhpyJjGGKtDoxy0OzUsEzzqz8w95x56P8kIZCvOvUn7Xip829wxhS7FunwOtvzh4me7wtYOFcllm2GOPYk93ptUmLJQQw==

The Employee Free Choice Act Doesn't Offer Freedom of Choice

Many of you outside of the building and contracting industry have probably never heard of the the Employee Free Choice Act or EFCA. This legislation has quietly been endorsed by the House of Representatives but failed to pass the Senate earlier this year. It remains "alive" and it is likely to be introduced again after the election with renewed support. Essentially the EFCA or "Card Check" as it is also known, if enacted, will amend the National Labor Relations Act and change the way unions can organize a workforce by eliminating the secret ballot voting that is currently required. Simply put employees will lose the right to confidentially choose for or against union representation. The union only needs to have a majority of employees sign a card authorizing the union to represent them and the employer is then required by law to begin negotiating a collective bargaining agreement. Under current law authorization cards are only the first step in union organizing campaigns followed by a secret ballot election supervised by the NLRB. If more than 50% of the workers vote for the union, the employer is bound by that decision and must negotiate in good faith with the union. Conversely, the union is not recognized if less than 50% of the employees vote in favor of union representation.

So some of you are probably saying well I'm not part of the building trades Phil, why should I care about the EFCA. Well, by law any union can attempt to organize any group of workers it chooses. That means that any type of employee in any industry could be unionized. If the EFCA is enacted and enough cards are signed I believe we will see a dramatic increase in union activity and many workers may be affected. Having worked in a union environment for many years I am not anti-union, however, I am opposed to losing my freedom of choice and am against any employee feeling threatened, intimidated or coerced into signing something against their will.

If you would like more information on the Employee Free Choice Act and how you can educate your employees on this pending legislation please contact us for a no obligation consultation.


PUT US ON YOUR "TO DON'T" LIST Since 1995 HR Solutions has been helping business owners do what they do best....focus on running their business. We can be your human resource department providing services and solutions that protect your company and your employees at a cost you can afford. You have plenty of things on your "to do" list so make a list of things to put on your "to don't" list and give us a call. Let us worry about the laws that may affect you, help you with discipline problems, create programs that let you recruit and retain top talent and most importantly, be there for you when you need our expertise. Call us at 610-287-1162 today for a free consultation or e-mail me directly at phil@hrsolutionsonline.com. You have my personal promise that we will contact you within 24 hours to schedule your consultation. There is absolutely no obligation. I look forward to hearing from you! Sincerely, Phil BrunonePresidentHR Solutions, LLC

Monday, October 27, 2008

Recent Press Release

The Harleysville based consulting firms of Horner & Associates, LLC and HR Solutions, LLC recently conducted a seminar entitled Managing Performance From Start to Finish at the Franconia Heritage Conference Center
The session was attended by a variety of local business representatives and provided the participants with insight and practical tips on managing performance from the start of employment where coaching, recognition and reward can mold an employee’s success through the progressive discipline process that occurs when all else fails.
The seminar was facilitated by Steve Horner and Phil Brunone who collectively have over five decades of real life HR experience. Horner & Associates, LLC specializes in talent development including; executive coaching, leadership development, succession planning and team building.
HR Solutions, LLC provides human resource consulting outsourcing solutions for small and medium size companies in the tri -state area.