Long Island Jobs

LI economist: High-tech sector will fuel recovery

Long Island, with its diverse economy, had been "relatively resilient" to the national recession, but no longer, economist Pearl Kamer told a technology group in Jericho Tuesday. And when the economy does recover, the high-tech sector will lead the way, she said.

Sign of recession? LI lost 2,800 jobs since 2007

In one of the clearest signs yet that the Long Island economy has slipped into a recession, the New York State Labor Department reported Thursday that the Island had a net loss of 2,800 private-sector jobs, or a 0.3 percent decline, in the 12 months ended in October.

Bush will sign measure to extend jobless benefits

With weekly jobless claims benefits at a 16-year high, the White House said today that President George W. Bush would quickly sign legislation pending in Congress to provide further unemployment benefits.

Companies push Congress to set aside pension law

With pension funds facing billions of dollars in shortfalls as markets plunge, a range of companies from Ford to Verizon are pushing Congress to suspend portions of a two-year-old law they say could force them to make job cuts as they shift scarce money into ailing retirement pools.

Employees find cost of health benefits going up

Employees find cost of health benefits going up

I f it's November, it's open enrollment time at many companies, when employers announce health benefits options for the coming year.

Vanishing jobs, stressed consumers feed downturn

The nation's unemployment rate is at a 14-year high, Ford is planning more job cuts after burning through billions in the third quarter, and General Motors is expected to report its own dismal earnings results later Friday.

Jobless claims tick down slightly from record level

New claims for unemployment benefits dropped slightly last week, while the number of people continuing to receive benefits reached its highest level in more than 25 years, the government said Thursday.

College students face daunting job search

College grads across Long Island face a tough job market as list of majors not in demand continue to grow.

Hempstead job fair draws 600 people

Some have been looking for two months, others for a year, exploring every avenue to find a job. Yesterday, one of those avenues led to a packed job fair in Hempstead.

Long Island's job market tightens

For many Long Islanders, the road to new employment has become an uphill battle.

Majoring in video games

Colleges retool their curricula to accommodate students aspiring to enter the field

Best Part-Time Gigs for Baby Boomers

At a time when the majority of men and women expect to work beyond their retirement, many baby boomers will use this time to shift gears in their careers.

Market your skills, not your title

Jim Flood loved his job running the South Florida operations of mortgage broker HomeBanc.

How to protect your identity

LifeLock, Debix, are Countrywide Financial services are paid services that can look out for theft, but there are ways to do it for free.

For self-employed, health care hits home - hard

When self-employed guitarist Russell Alexander gets sick, he sometimes hits up an insured friend for unused antibiotics. For colds he likes zinc lozenges, chicken soup and vitamins, and he is convinced of the holistic healing powers of elderberry extract.

Your career: Dress the part

Need work? Put on that freshly-ironed shirt, slip on a tie and smooth a suit jacket over dark pants, and you're ready and confident to go on that job interview.

Micro vegetable grower sets its roots in Cutchogue

A Dutch company has put down roots on the East End to grow hard-to-find first shoots of vegetables ranging from arangula to radishes.

Do you have a rotten job? Think again

With declining home prices, tightening credit and the meltdown of several major financial institutions, experts say now may not be the best time to think about leaving your job - even if it's one you hate.

A Web of business expands for former NCC student

When his professor at Nassau Community College asked about investing in his business model, Tom Donovan figured he was onto something.

Dealing With Gaps in Your Resume and Cover Letter

Rare is the job seeker who doesn't have at least one gap in his or her work history. . Still, job candidates often fear that prospective employers will view a gap as a scarlet letter. You can allay the concerns a hiring manager may have if you address the issue appropriately in your résumé and cover letter.

Boozing, drugs on your resume?

Careerbuilder.com says to watch your social posts -- some employers go looking for digital dirt on jobs applicants.

Uncle Sam wants you, boomers

Uncle Sam wanted Ann Vande Vanter - and he might want you too, if you're older than 50.

Keeping a job you love can help your 401(k)

When Verizon announced that it was freezing its pension plan two years ago, many longtime employees feared that the value of their pensions might decline if they hung around. Some decided to quit early and cash out their retirement accounts. But John Brennan, who was 57 at the time, knew that he couldn't afford to retire that young. He had just paid for a wedding for one daughter and was still paying off college loans for the other.

Worst employees of the year

They cheated, stole, scammed and assaulted. They lied, got arrested, used illegal drugs and committed lewd acts.

Green-collar jobs

As concern for the environment increases, more consumers are turning to eco-friendly products and services. From organic clothing lines to socially responsible investments, "green" jobs are the new hot careers.

The fastest-growing occupations

If you're considering switching careers, or are just starting to think about where to start yours, this is the list for you: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projections of the fastest-growing careers.

Workplace taboos

Do you ever think there's shady stuff going down in your office?

Seven tips for recovery after you lose your job

Lost your job? Here's the first thing to remember: Stay calm.

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Carrie Mason-Draffen

Carrie Mason-Draffen

Less pay per hour for job-training classes is legal

November 23, 2008

DEAR CARRIE: I am a school bus driver, and I have been told that although my wages are $17 an hour, I will earn $10 per hour when I have to take job-related classes. But the company hasn't posted any announcements with that information, which makes the decision seem arbitrary. In the past when I had to attend classes, the company paid me my regular hourly rate. I have the feeling it's illegal to change hourly rates arbitrarily just because attending class requires less work. Could you please tell me what the labor laws say?

 

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