Labored Thoughts
Labored Thoughts
NECA Podcast Network
Labor Relations is crucial to the success of NECA and its member companies. Join NECA’s labor relations experts for a bi-weekly discussion of all this complicated topic entails.
#10 The NEBF says what about Per Diems?!?!
Today I am joined by Kevin Tighe and Larry Bradley to discuss how the NEBF and NEAP consider per diems. Because no road trip is complete without a few detours, we find our way into discussing much more about the NEBF and NEAP than we planned for. Don't miss this one!
Oct 20, 2021
26 min
#9 Carpe Diem! Seize the Pay!
In this episode, we are joined by James Fagan, NECA General Counsel and VP of Risk Management, as we attempt to wrap our heads around the complex issue of per diems, overtime, and the employees' regular rate of pay. Grab a pen and calculator. This is going to be fun!DOL Per Diems - https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/wages/meals-travel-subsistence  DOL Regular Rate of Pay - https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/fact-sheets/56a-regular-rate.pdf  DOL Bonuses - https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/56c-bonuses  eCFR Overtime Exclusions - https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=10f50877082f08568d40dbfeaf119853&mc=true&r=PART&n=pt29.3.778#sg29.3.778_1200.sg3  
Sep 10, 2021
28 min
#8 Commuting Time…Compensable Time?
This episode runs a little longer than most, but what can I say? Chuck and I got stuck in traffic a few times on our road trip. Listen to find out if we can actually be compensated for all that time sitting in the car! eCFR: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=48d6ee3b99d3b3a97b1bf189e1757786&rgn=div5&view=text&node=29:3.1.1.2.45&idno=29#se29.3.785_133  
Jul 21, 2021
38 min
#7 Sage Advice from the Oracle
Come listen as Chuck provides invaluable advice and insight to one of our industry’s newcomers. Who knows? You might learn something too!
Jun 9, 2021
30 min
#6 The ABC’s of Letters of Assent
Come take a journey with us as we explore the origins and application of the Letters of Assent for our industry. We even throw in some tips for traveling contractors at no additional charge! 
Apr 21, 2021
27 min
#5 Can I Get a Referral?
Ever wondered where the referral practices we have originated? Spoiler! Chuck invented them...OK, maybe that isn't true, but we can answer that question and more in this episode!  Right to work states - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right-to-work_law  
Apr 7, 2021
29 min
#4 Movin’ around with Portability
In this episode, Chuck and I discuss the in’s and out’s of Portability. Come listen to its history and practical application.
Mar 24, 2021
24 min
#3 Data Driven Negotiations Part II
Tune in for Part II of the Data Driven Negotiations Topic. In this episode we discuss how to use and legitimize local data. BONUS: We tackle a very common argument faced at CIR at the end so stick around.
Mar 10, 2021
34 min
#2 Data Driven Negotiations Part I
In this episode of Labored Thoughts, a panel of NECA Chapter Managers and a Field Representative assemble to discuss the importance of data in their negotiations and how they use nationally available data at the bargaining table. Link to BLS Cost of Living Table: https://www.bls.gov/cpi/data.htm For information on how to use the above table, contact [email protected] 
Feb 24, 2021
21 min
#1 Overtime & the FLSA
Come with us on a Labored Thoughts Road trip. We may take some detours, but we always get there!  On this episode, we discuss the interaction of overtime, the FLSA, and your collective bargaining agreements.  FLSA General Overtime Info: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/overtime  FLSA Overtime Pay: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/23-flsa-overtime-pay  FLSA Hours Worked: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/22-flsa-hours-worked  
Jan 8, 2021
24 min