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Bedrock laying off dozens of employees amid restructuring

DETROIT – Bedrock announced on Monday that it is laying off about 60 employees in midst of a restructuring. In a statement from the company, the employee changes are a result of “a restructuring that will position the company for continued growth and improved service in 2021 and well beyond.”A full statement from Bedrock reads:“Today, Bedrock announced a restructuring that will position the company for continued growth and improved service in 2021 and well beyond. As a result, approximately 60 positions have been affected by these changes. We are working diligently to place virtually all impacted team members into new roles within the Rock Family of Companies. To date, several team members have already accepted new positions with sister companies and we anticipate the majority finding new roles in the coming weeks.

Ann Arbor T-Shirt Company: Amazon ‘absolutely saved our business’ during pandemic

ANN ARBOR – Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Ann Arbor T-Shirt Company has continued to grow. (Ann Arbor T-Shirt Company)Pandemic salesOnce the pandemic hit, like many businesses across the nation, Ann Arbor T-Shirt Company had to temporarily shut down. An employee makes a face shield at the company warehouse at 505 S. Maple Rd. (Ann Arbor T-Shirt Company)Preparing for another shutdown in the fall, they moved their production schedule forward. To learn more about Ann Arbor T-Shirt Company, visit www.annarbortees.com.

University of Michigan awards staff three extra paid days off around holidays

ANN ARBOR – University of Michigan faculty and staff have something more to smile about this week. In an email to eligible faculty and staff on Wednesday, provost Susan Collins, chief financial officer Kevin Hegarty and associate vice president for human resources Richard Holcomb announced an additional three paid vacation days around the holidays. “This additional paid time off is one small way to recognize and express gratitude to our faculty and staff.”The additional days off are Nov. 25 and Dec. 23-24. Regular faculty and staff eligible for season days on the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses will receive the additional time off. University Human Resources will work with unions to see if there are applicable season days that can be used for these bargaining units.

UAW issues statement in response to coronavirus concerns at FCA plants

Many employees at the plant refuse to work due to safety concerns. According to FCA, an employee at the plant was tested and the persons work area is being disinfected. Workers at the Detroit plant refused to return Friday over concerns they may have been exposed to the coronavirus. Meanwhile, FCA reported there were no confirmed cases at the Detroit plant. Under the protocols that we worked out when there are concerns, the UAW and our members work with FCA to address those concerns.

Highland Park pays $49,181 in back wages to four current employees after federal investigation

DETROIT After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labors Wage and Hour Division, the City of Highland Park has paid $49,181 in back wages to four current employees for violations of the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act. WHD investigators determined the city violated FLSA overtime provisions after it failed to combine the hours worked by some employees who worked in both fire protection and law enforcement activities. This practice resulted in violations when those employees worked overtime hours, but because the employer did not add together time spent in both tasks, the city failed to recognize and pay the overtime. Employers must understand the laws that apply to their employees, and ensure that workers are paid all the wages they have legally earned, said Wage and Hour Division District Director, Timolin Mitchell. The outcome of this investigation should remind other municipalities and employers to review their pay practices to ensure they comply with the law.

Art Van closure creates ripple effect from employees to Metro Detroit convenience stores

WARREN, Mich. – Art Van’s closure came as a shock to many of the more than 3,000 employees who now have to consider looking for work. But there’s also a ripple effect when a large company closes, and it’s felt all the way down to small convenience stores in Metro Detroit. Danielle Cvetkovski and her husband own Frank’s Chicken at 14 Mile and Mound roads, just blocks from Art Van’s Warren warehouse. So how does the Art Van closure affect the business? Cvetkovski said she’s not only worried about her business, but also about the Art Van drivers as they look for new employment.