Labor rule to crimp law firms, judge told
Some of the largest law firms in the country will be discouraged from continuing parts of their practices in labor relations if a federal financial-disclosure rule is upheld, an attorney representing a group of trade associations said Monday.
The group -- including Associated Builders and Contractors, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers -- sued the U.S. Department of Labor in March in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, seeking a preliminary injunction.
The rule takes effect July 1 unless an injunction is issued by U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker, who heard the attorney's argument at a hearing Monday.
As interpreted by previous administrations, the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 required businesses to file reports when they hired consultants who directly attempt to dissuade employees in their attempts to form a union.
But spending on indirect persuasion by law firms or consultants -- who only advise employers on how to stop union efforts -- didn't have to be revealed. The Labor Department recently established a rule that requires indirect persuasion to be disclosed.
-- David Smith
2 execs in state win truck-safety salutes
Two executives from Arkansas-based transportation companies have been recognized for their efforts to improve truck safety.
Greer Woodruff, vice present of safety, security and driver personnel at J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., was named Distinguished Safety Leadership Award winner by the Truck Safety Coalition for his "outstanding and long-time dedication" in promoting safety.
John Lannen, executive director of the coalition, applauded Woodruff and J.B. Hunt for their "tireless" safety efforts.
Maverick USA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Steve Williams was named as a recipient of the Truck Safety Leadership Award.
-- Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas Index ends at 322.88, up 4.74
The Arkansas Index, a price-weighted index that tracks the largest public companies based in the state, rose 4.74 to 322.88 Monday.
"The major averages were mixed once again as gains in the health care sector were offset by weakness in energy stocks," said Bob Williams, senior vice president and managing director of Simmons First Investment Group Inc. in Little Rock.
The index was developed by Bloomberg News and the Democrat-Gazette with a base value of 100 as of Dec. 30, 1997.
Business on 05/10/2016