Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Wal-Mart Agrees to Pay $27.6M Settlement in Dumping Case

Employers are required to take care of their employees by making sure that they will not be exposed to hazardous waste materials.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will now have to pay $27.6 million just to settle claims that it improperly dumped and handled hazardous waste at its stores all over California.

According to reports, this move ended a five-year investigation, which was done to see if allegations that the company improperly disposed aerosols, paint, fertilizer, and other types of chemicals are true.

The lawsuit claimed that 263 Wal-Mart distribution centers and stores violated environmental regulations and laws.

Reports said the controversy started in 2005, after a San Diego County Department of Environmental Health worker saw a Wal-Mart employee dispensing bleach through the drain.

Local, state, and federal authorities were all involved in the investigation.

A Wal-Mart employee defended the company’s reputation, saying that it has already implemented improved practices after it became aware of the said violations.

In addition, workers in all of its branches were taught how to handle hazardous products properly.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Hawaii Legislators Approve Same-Sex Civil Unions

Today, people are entitled to have their own sexual preference. In fact, laws are being made just to accommodate the needs of gays and lesbians in the society.

The Hawaii House of representatives recently approved a bill that will allow the creation of same-sex civil unions.

According to reports, a 31-20 house vote gave the much-needed legislative approval to these civil unions. The bill was approved in the Senate in January.

Under this bill, lesbian and gay couples will be entitled to enjoy the same benefits and rights that are provided by the state to married couples.

Reports said the bill was revived during the legislative’s last session for the year; right after House Majority Leader Blake Oshiro made a motion for everyone to reassess it.

Legislators were unable to act on this issue immediately due to worries that the “Democratic-controlled House" will not be able to gather enough number of votes to overrule Gov. Linda Lingle if ever she decides to veto it.