by Nick Fishman
Today, September 11, 2007 marks the 6th anniversary of arguably the worst attack on U.S. soil in our nation’s history. We all know where we were when this horrible tradgedy unfolded and it is my hope that for at least one day we can all reflect on the events of that day and remember those who lost their lives and, or loved ones.
by Nick Fishman
Major League Baseball Umpires should take a notice of their Minor League counterpart’s recent negotiation concerning background checks. It is being reported in the Sporting News that the Minor League Umpires Union has agreed to allow background checks now that it clearly understands the parameters and scope of information being sought and how that information is being analyzed.
This is exactly how this should have played out with Major League Umpires. Instead, it appears that they are looking to use this issue as a bargaining chip. What could be more important than implementing a process that can help to ensure the integrity of the umpires and the game itself? Once the minor league umps understood how the process would work, they realized the need to submit to such checks. Thus far, the Major League umps have not relented.
How does this lesson apply to your average organizations? One, it is important to define the parameters of your screening program and to let your applicants/employees know what you are screening for and how the checks are being used. To a lesser extent, one can learn how the unions (in Major League Baseball’s case) can take a no-brainer idea and make it an issue.
by Nick Fishman
Last month Seyfarth Shaw updated us with The Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) efforts to crack down on employers who received mismatch letters from the Social Security Administration and didn’t act upon them. Enforcement was to begin on September 14th, but a federal judge in California issued a temporary ruling which prohibits the Social Security Administration from sending the letters and DHS from acting on them.
Again, Seyfarth has provided us with a full breakdown of these events. See link below. Do you think the government will ever figure this thing out?
by Nick Fishman
As we reported in an entry from earlier this month, State Senator Shirley Smith of Ohio has proposed a piece of legislation that seeks to expunge or seal certain felonies off the records of those with convictions. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen such proposed legislation, however in most cases the crimes the seek to seal are usually for one time offenders with non-violent convictions. And most of the time, these efforts are squashed when the ramifications are considered.
Well, this time Senator Smith has greater reaching goals. It is being reported in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, that her proposal includes expunging crimnal records including felonies such as manslaughter, reckless homicide, domestic violence, stalking and abduction. Does this really sound like a good idea? I think not. This bill would in essence clean the records of felons with such convictions and leave employers blindfolded when considering such candidates for jobs, posing them with potential threats to their employees, clients and their overall businesses. See article below.
Bill would give felons second chance
As both an employer in the state of Ohio and an employment screener, we are going to do something about this. We have already begun a letter writing campaign to our State Senators and Congressmen urging them to consider the consequences of this measure. We intend to rally the support of our clients who conduct background checks in the state of Ohio to do the same. We will reach out to relevant media outlets and advocate on behalf of all employers in the state of Ohio.
Interested in getting involved? Please email us at info@employeescreen.com
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