February 28, 2017

Warehouse operator that replaced union workers sues Schnucks

The company hired by Schnuck Markets to run its new nonunion distribution center in Kinloch is suing the grocer for breach of contract and seeking more than $1.3 million.

XPO Logistics claims in a lawsuit filed in federal court in St. Louis that the opening of the facility, located in the NorthPark business park near St. Louis Lambert International Airport, was rushed, giving it insufficient time to train its new workers.

The lawsuit, which was filed on Feb. 17, also alleges the new facility had leaking roofs, nonfunctioning employee bathrooms and condensation issues in a produce shipping area.

“These and other deficiencies impeded XPO’s ability to properly perform its warehouse management services,” XPO states in its lawsuit. “The presence of numerous outside contractors at the facility who were continuing to work on these deficiencies further hampered XPO’s ability to properly perform its warehouse management services.”

http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/warehouse-operator-that-replaced-union-workers-sues-schnucks/article_c3a9b79c-7919-57b0-9205-c6071a8daf97.html

The comment by the head of the Teamsters Union representing the employees from the old warehouse that were laid off when this facility was opened is priceless. It’s at the end of the article.

February 28, 2017

Warehouse operator that replaced union workers sues Schnucks

The company hired by Schnuck Markets to run its new nonunion distribution center in Kinloch is suing the grocer for breach of contract and seeking more than $1.3 million.

XPO Logistics claims in a lawsuit filed in federal court in St. Louis that the opening of the facility, located in the NorthPark business park near St. Louis Lambert International Airport, was rushed, giving it insufficient time to train its new workers.

The lawsuit, which was filed on Feb. 17, also alleges the new facility had leaking roofs, nonfunctioning employee bathrooms and condensation issues in a produce shipping area.

“These and other deficiencies impeded XPO’s ability to properly perform its warehouse management services,” XPO states in its lawsuit. “The presence of numerous outside contractors at the facility who were continuing to work on these deficiencies further hampered XPO’s ability to properly perform its warehouse management services.”

http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/warehouse-operator-that-replaced-union-workers-sues-schnucks/article_c3a9b79c-7919-57b0-9205-c6071a8daf97.html

The comment by the head of the Teamsters Union representing the employees from the old warehouse that were laid off when this facility was opened is priceless. It's at the end of the article.

February 28, 2017

Daily Holidays - February 28

National Chocolate
 Soufflé Day Though cheese soufflés may be better known, everyone with a sweet tooth will prefer a chocolate soufflé instead! The recipe for soufflé is thought to originate in La Cusinier Moderne, by Vincent La Chappell, published as long ago as 1742. A soufflé is a type of cake made from a custard base and egg whites beaten to a soft peak. It can then be flavoured as desired. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/chocolate-souffle-day/

Floral Design Day It all started with the idea to create a special way of celebrating the birthday of Carl Rittner, founder of the Rittner School of Floral Design in Boston. And yes, the day is official – the Governor of Massachusetts William F. Weld proclaimed it in 1995. History lesson aside, today is an excuse to go wild about flowers and let your inner creativity spark. There are so many things that can be done with flowers – the sky’s the limit. On this day, show off your floral talent and create a spectacular floral design with flowers – real, dried or fake. Draw pictures of floral designs and get the kids involved. Guys can get in on the fun too. Why not arrange an impressive floral bouquet for your leading lady? https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/floral-design-day/

National Tooth Fairy Day At one time or another, all of us have been visited by the tooth fairy. So, it should come as no surprise that somewhere along the line, Tooth Fairy Day was born. The tooth fairy herself (or himself; as the verdict is still out on whether this spirit is male or female) has been around since at least the Middle Ages although the exact origins are still unknown. In fact, the fairy may have just been a means to calm a child that was undergoing the strange experience of losing a tooth (after all, we have all been there). https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/tooth-fairy-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/february28.html

February 27, 2017

Daily Holidays - February 27

National Strawberry Day was created to celebrate those little red fruits bursting with sweet perfection! A gift from Chile in the 1700s, garden strawberry plants made their way to North America in the 1750s. The plant is fairly easy to grow and doesn’t seem adverse to flourishing anywhere in the world. If you’d like your own homegrown strawberries this summer, make sure your plant has full sun and sandy soil – and your dogs don’t eat off all the berries before you can pick a few. If fresh strawberries aren’t at their best in your grocery store, don’t forget the many accessible forms you can always get your hands on. Frozen and dried strawberries can help in a pinch if you’re creating in the kitchen. Strawberry preserves, ice cream, yogurt, smoothies and milkshakes are nothing to shake a stick at either. But if you are one of the lucky folks who stumbled on some great fresh strawberries, you can whip up a strawberry pie, shortcake or even a simple dish of strawberries and cream. We wish you a berry nice day, and strawberry fields forever. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/strawberry-day/


National Kahlua Day When it comes to tantalizing (and slightly sinful) beverages, there is perhaps no better example than the cool creaminess glass of Kahlua. This rich liquor is a Mexican cocktail which is greatly enjoyed around the world and so it should be no great surprise that loyal aficionados of the delicious liquid have created a day to celebrate such a tempting beverage. And rightfully so! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/kahlua-day/


International Polar Bear Day celebrates one of nature’s most impressive hunters, and the world’s largest carnivore. When fully grown, polar bears can span an enormous 9 feet (2.7m) in height. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/polar-bear-day/


http://www.famousbirthdays.com/february27.html

February 26, 2017

Daily Holidays - February 26

National Pistachio Day celebrates the popular nut, which are native to the Middle East. The largest producer of pistachio nuts today is Iran but they are also grown in other areas, including California and Mediterranean Europe. The Chinese are the greatest consumers of the nut. It is thought that pistachio nuts have been eaten by humans for at least 9000 years. Legend even has it that the Queen of Sheba restricted the eating of pistachios to the royal court and forbade commoners to grow them! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/pistachio-day/

For Pete's Sake Day celebrates one example of a ‘minced oath’, where an offensive word or phrase is substituted by something more acceptable in society. Other examples include ‘For crying out loud!’, and ‘Sugar!’. Such euphemisms have been used for centuries whenever people hit thumbs with hammers, burn hands on hot plates, or sit on sharp things while in polite company. Why has Pete been singled out for special attention? https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/for-petes-sake-day/

Levi Strauss Day Levi Strauss was a German-American businessman born in Bavaria on February 26th, 1829, who came to the United States with his family the mid-1800s when he was 18 years old. Strauss began as a dry goods wholesaler in San Francisco, California, where he sold various items such as clothing, bedding, bags and handkerchiefs to settlers, many of whom had arrived in California to take part in the gold rush. Needless to say, the hard physical labor required of the miners of the day and those building new railroads made it difficult for them to find clothing that would last for more than a few months without falling apart at the seams. One day in 1870, one of Strauss’ clients, a tailor named Jacob W. Davis was approached by a woman who needed a pair of exceptionally strong working pants for her husband, a woodcutter. Her request prompted Davis to make a pair of pants from the denim he’d bought at Strauss’ shop that he then strengthened with copper rivets to reinforce the stitching. Word of the new article of clothing and its endurance spread fast, and soon Davis was not able to keep up with the demand for his invention, nor did he have the resources to open a larger tailor shop or obtain a patent. Falling further and further behind and afraid someone else would steal his idea, Davis decided to ask for Strauss’ financial backing in the filing of a patent application. Strauss agreed, the patent was issued, the two men became business partners, and Levi Strauss & Co was born. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/levi-strauss-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/february26.html

February 25, 2017

Daily Holidays - February 25

National Clam
 Chowder Day celebrates this popular broth; often made from clams, onion and potato, recipes vary by region and by country. How do you like yours? https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/clam-chowder-day/

Open That Bottle Night Since the millennium, one night in the dull, dark month of February has been immeasurably brightened for wine-lovers by the creation of a special day to celebrate cherished bottles of wine, champagne and spirits. Open That Bottle Night is dedicated to making sure that those bottles of fine wine put away for a special occasion, are used and enjoyed. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/open-that-bottle-night/

Chocolate Covered Peanuts Day hen it comes to the crunch, Chocolate-Covered Peanuts Day is a great reason to celebrate a popular sweet treat. Dipping nuts and fruit into chocolate became popular from the 19th century onwards. However, the first nuts covered in chocolate were sold commercially in America in 1925, with Goobers being the oldest brand. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/chocolate-covered-peanuts-day/

World Sword Swallower’s Day Dangerous, exciting and alluring, Sword Swallowers Day showcases the art of sword swallowing. Every year, the Sword Swallowers Association International organise events in association with Ripley Entertainment. Do we even need to tell you not try this at home? https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/sword-swallowers-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/february25.html

February 24, 2017

Daily Holidays - February 24

National Tortilla Chip Day Tortilla Chip Day is best celebrated on a comfy sofa and a favourite film with a selection of tasty dips! Why not go all out and add some cheese into the mix, grilling or melting it on top to form a stringy, tasty tortilla chip maze! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/tortilla-chip-day/

World Bartender Day is the day to appreciate the staff in your local bar. They work hard to keep their customers happy and often don’t get paid very well! Remember to always be friendly to the bartender, especially by being patient if you have to wait to be served. Give the bartender a smile and say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ – the bartender will appreciate it and you are more likely to get better service next time you buy a drink. Most importantly, if you’re in a country where tipping is expected, make sure you tip appropriately! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/world-bartender-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/february24.html

February 23, 2017

Missouri lawmakers vote to slash unemployment benefits

JEFFERSON CITY • The Missouri House on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to a plan that would cut the amount of time people can claim jobless benefits to one of the shortest periods in the country.

Shell Knob Republican Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick's proposal would shorten the benefits period for laid-off workers from 20 weeks to 13 weeks if the unemployment rate is below 6 percent.

Missouri's number for December 2016 was 4.4 percent and hasn't been above 6 percent since July 2014.

The Missouri Supreme Court blocked a 2015 version of the changes aimed at shoring up the state's unemployment trust fund on procedural grounds six months ago, but House Republicans have remained resolute.

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/missouri-lawmakers-vote-to-slash-unemployment-benefits/article_f3f36cd0-76e8-50e3-8812-914fa9ecf66d.html

February 23, 2017

Missouri House advances paycheck deception measure

HB 251, sponsored by Representative Jered Taylor (R-Nixa) would require public employees to opt in each year for dues to be taken out of their paychecks by unions. It also specifies that information on how such deductions are used must be available to employees.

The House bill would impact public employees such as nurses, teachers, social workers, municipal workers, snowplow drivers and anyone working for state and local governments. Unlike last year’s legislation, it would also include police, fire fighters and first responders, groups Governor Greitens claims to support.

Representative Doug Beck (D-Affton), a member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562, said the bill is another attempt to take away the voice of middle class workers.

“Workers already have this freedom, to join or not join a union,” Beck said during House debate on the measure. “They can do it any time during the year. We heard plenty of testimony on this. They make it real easy on public employees whether they want to join or not join; whether they want to give money to political cause or whether they don’t want to give money to political cause. I don’t understand why we care about what people do with their money after they earn it. It’s their money. They can do what they want with it.”

http://labortribune.com/missouri-house-advances-paycheck-deception-measure/

February 23, 2017

Daily Holidays - February 23

National Banana Bread Day Banana bread first started to become popular back in the 1930’s, during the Great Depression. Cultural historians suggest that resourceful and creative housewives of the era created the recipe as a way of not wasting over-ripe bananas. In fact, the riper the bananas, the better the taste of the banana bread, so it ended up being a very clever creation! It is traditionally known as a “quick bread”, but is actually more like a cake in both texture and flavor. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/banana-bread-day/

international Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day Every dog has its day – and this is it. Nobody seems to know the origins of Dog Biscuit Day, but every canine in the world knows the best way to celebrate it. Pets will be wagging their tails with glee when their owners serve up unusual or home-made doggy snacks to mark the occasion. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-dog-biscuit-appreciation-day/

Curling is Cool Day is not dedicated to those of us naturally or otherwise endowed with glistening spiralling locks of hair. Oh, no, no! This is the day George Clooney and Bruce Springsteen get to play their all-time favourite sport and call it cool. Most of us out there will probably wonder what the fuss is about, but if you’re a curling enthusiast, then by Jove do you owe the people who invented it a colossal thank you! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/curling-is-cool-day/

Chili Day Some like it hot, some like it mild, some like it on top of a baked potato and some prefer it without beans – but however you like it, Chilli Day is the perfect excuse for millions of spicy food fans all around the world to chow down on a bowl of the fiery favorite. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/chilli-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/february23.html