October 2009 Archives

October 30, 2009

The Pennsylvania Office of Michael J. O'Connor & Associates Goes Green

On Oct. 27, the attorneys and staff of the Frackville office of Michael J. O'Connor & Associates put down their paperwork and turned over a green leaf when they embarked on an afternoon nature hike through Wolf Creek Waterfalls, outside of St. Clair. The falls is a prominent spot on Broad Mountain, one of two true mountains in Schuylkill County.

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The hike was led by "Porcupine Pat" McKinney, the Environmental Education Coordinator for the Schuylkill Conservation District.

Attendees viewed colorful fall foliage, a Pennsylvania trademark, as well as unique plant life indigenous to the area including sweet fern, bluestem grass, and blueberry and huckleberry. As mentioned by Porcupine Pat, the site is a great habitat for bear, deer, and turkey. One of the more captivating views came from the top of the Wolf Creek Waterfalls, which was overflowing with water compliments of a few rain showers that recently passed through the county.Waterfall pictures 107.jpg

"A once in a lifetime experience!" commented staff member Zenaida.

Porcupine Pat also pointed out a type of rock, known as Pottsville Conglomerate, because it was first identified in the Schuylkill County area. It is found in many places in the world, and is also called "nature's concrete."

In years past, this area was a dumping ground for garbage and other discarded debris. However, with the help of the Schuylkill Conservation District, local residents have cleaned up the area and learned a bit about recycling in the process.

The Schuylkill Conservation District was founded in 1955 by local farmers who were interested in soil and water conservation. The Conservation District is dedicated to protecting, enhancing, restoring, and promoting the responsible use of the county's natural resources for future generations by partnering, coordinating, and fostering cooperation.

The O'Connor team learned about the importance of conserving natural resources to ensure their availability for future generations while enjoying some time together out-of-doors.

"It was refreshing getting outside in the fresh air and walking with the gang. We truly had a great time!" said staff member Jennifer.

Not a bad way to spend an afternoon!
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October 22, 2009

FedEx Ground Drivers Seek to Reclassify Their Jobs to Qualify for Workers' Comp Benefits

On Oct. 2, FedEx Ground drivers in New York, New Jersey, and Montana delivered a complaint to FedEx Ground Package System Inc. in Moon Township, PA, regarding their classification as independent drivers rather than employees.

j0409662.jpgAn article in the Memphis Business Journal reported that the complaint, filed by the State of New York's Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, stated that "more than 1,000" FedEx delivery drivers should be reclassified as employees, citing reasons including FedEx's control of their work schedules, the strict monitoring of their delivery process, and their inability to bargain over their operating agreements.

As a result of the misclassification, drivers in New York, New Jersey, and Montana could not receive workers' compensation benefits and could not be protected by anti-discrimination laws, labor relation laws, and other laws that protect workers.

All employers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are required by law to have insurance for workers' compensation coverage for every employee. If an employee suffers an injury in the course of employment, workers' compensation can provide for lost wages and medical expenses.

FedEx Ground is a division of Memphis-based FedEx Corp. FedEx has until Oct. 27 to respond to the complaint.

Continue reading "FedEx Ground Drivers Seek to Reclassify Their Jobs to Qualify for Workers' Comp Benefits" »

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October 1, 2009

Pennsylvania United Steel Workers Attend Workers' Compensation Presention by Michael J. O'Connor & Associates

linden~1.jpgAttorney David Miller and Attorney Michael J. O'Connor gave a presentation to members of United Steel Workers (USW) District 10 on Sept. 22 at Linden Hall in Dawson, PA. The annual Workers' Compensation seminar attracted USW union leaders from across the state. The attorneys answered questions, ranging from workers' rights to the procedure for filing claims, for approximately 122 people who were in attendance. This is the third year that Michael J. O'Connor & Associates was asked to give a presentation during the USW's annual workers' compensation seminar.

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