Labor & Employment

Pier 1 Imports has named a former finance executve of Michaels, Kmart and Sears as its new chief financial officer.

Washington, D.C. -- Retailers and restaurant owners can expect their labor costs to rise under a new proposal from the Obama administration.

On Tuesday, the Department of Labor unveiled a proposal whereby salaried workers who earn up to $50,440 a year would be eligible for time-and-a-half overtime wages when they work more than 40 hours per week. That is more than double the current threshold of $23,660, or $455 per week, established in 2004.

Several months after its CEO resigned in September, Pep Boys says it is reviewing strategic alternatives, including a possible sale, merger or other deal.

No one wants to get hurt. It is much more preferable to go about our days without the pain, frustration, or aggravation of an injury. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that often immediately following a workplace injury, the first question asked is, “When can I go back to work?” Employers share these sentiments. After all, healthy employees are good for business; however, the path from injury to resuming work duties is not always a smooth one. It can be difficult to balance the concerns of the employer and the injured worker alike.

Philadelphia -- The Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack is reviewing its options.

The chain announced that its board directors has commenced a review of strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value, including a possible sale, merger or other form of business combination or strategic transaction.

York, Pa. - The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. is selling six stores for $84 million to CPA: 17 – Global, a non-traded real estate investment trust (REIT) of global net lease REIT W.P. Carey Inc. Bon-Ton will lease the stores back.

Proceeds from the transaction will be used to pay one of two of the company’s mortgage loans due in April 2016. Each loan has about $105 million in principal and consists of 12 properties. Bon-Ton is actively pursuing refinancing options for the second loan.

A new study by Staples shows that many Americans are burnt out and working more than ever thanks to the always on mentality of the connected economy. So why are we so happy?

New research from the Staple Advantage business-to-business division of Staples looked at the work behaviors of 2,602 employees in the U.S. and Canada to create the inaugural Workplace Index. The key takeaway is that more than half of employees report feeling overworked and burnt out (53%), but the overwhelming majority (86%) are still happy at work and motivated to rise in their organization.

Camp Hill, Pa. -- A veteran Target executive is joining Rite Aid.

The drugstore chain on Monday announced that Bryan Everett is joining Rite Aid as executive VP store operations, effective Aug. 3. He will be responsible for all operations at the company’s nearly 4,600 chainwide stores and will report to Rite Aid president and COO Ken Martindale.