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January 24, 2013

News and information for the building service contracting industry

Industry Update

OSHA receives complaint from Target janitors
A group of 25 building cleaners who work in Target stores have filed complaints with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, saying they do not have proper training and are unsafely locked inside retail spaces overnight. Target contracts with two companies for the janitorial staff who filed the complaint. Star Tribune (Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.) (1/17)

Chicago mayor firm on keeping airport janitorial contract
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel has been called upon to review and reconsider the city's contract for airport janitorial services because the contractor delayed in revealing an ownership change. However, Emmanuel said last week that the city will keep the $99 million contract. Chicago Sun-Times (free registration) (1/17)

Government Affairs

Labor board backs workers who talk shop on social media
The National Labor Relations Board, in a series of rulings and public statements, has defended the right of employees to discuss work on social media, such as Facebook and Twitter. The U.S. agency says employer policy restricting social media use is illegal if it bars workers from communicating with one another for the purpose of getting better wages, benefits or working conditions. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (1/21)

Business Best Practices

How to lead without making decisions
It's often best for bosses to avoid making some decisions, says Kon Leong, co-founder and CEO of ZL Technologies. Answer your workers' questions with questions, and encourage them to find the answers for themselves. "It can be very frustrating to my employees, but I'm trying to get others to scale up and learn," Leong explains. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (1/19)

Why older workers often are smart hires
Older workers can be better hires than younger ones because they are more dependable, have lower benefit costs and are more flexible with their schedules, writes Eric Holtzclaw, CEO of Laddering Works. "With no small children at home, mature employees are not rushing out at the end of the day to prepare dinner by 6 p.m. or take their kids to soccer practice twice a week," Holtzclaw writes. Inc. online (free registration) (1/18)

2013 employment trends that will affect your business
Companies may pick up their recruiting efforts this year, which means that small businesses will have plenty of competition as they search for talent, notes Rieva Lesonsky. Companies will also leverage social networks to train their staff and find new employees, and businesses may have to deal with additional employment regulations. NetworkSolutions.com (1/18)

BSCAI News

Don't miss out on what's to come

Did your BSCAI membership lapse? That's OK, as there's still time to renew and be a part of what's to come. This year, the BSCAI membership will become even more valuable. In addition to our popular face-to-face educational and networking events, we will be expanding our Certified Building Service Executive and Registered Building Service Manager certification programs. This expansion includes updated materials, additional regional workshops, testing, study groups, online testing, and online materials. Renew your membership today.

Spend less without compromising quality

There's a saying, "you get what you pay for," and in many instances this is true, but BSCAI members get so much more. BSCAI members can purchase the same trusted name-brand products but at a discounted price. As a member of BSCAI, you receive the Purchase Advantage Program free with your membership. Learn more about the Purchase Advantage Program and start spending less without compromising quality.

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