Legislative, Regulatory & Legal

Washington, D.C. - The National Retail Federation (NRF) is not backing down from its opposition to an expanded definition of “joint employer.”

The NRF is publicly asking Congress to pass legislation introduced this week that would reverse a recent National Labor Relations Board ruling that significantly broadens the definition of a joint employer.

According to the NRF, the move would unfairly make companies that work with franchise locations or subcontractors responsible for actions they do not control.

Huntington Beach, Calif. -- Quiksilver Inc. has got the OK on financing and on some store closures.

Quiksilver Inc. has received preliminary approval from bankruptcy court for a $175 million bankruptcy financing package. The surf apparel chain filed for Chapter 11 protection on Sept. 9.

Arlington, Va. -- A report says that only one in five debit and credit cards are ready for the EMV shift.

As retailers spend billions to upgrade their point of sale terminals to accept new chip cards before the Oct. 1 liability shift deadline, the nation’s largest card network acknowledged that a staggering number of magnetic “swipe” cards have not been replaced with new cards.

New York -- The administration of Gov. Andrew Cuomo approved a wage increase that will gradually raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers in New York to $15 an hour. And now Cuomo wants the hike to be even broader.

Speaking Thursday at a labor rally in New York City, Cuomo proposed a $15 minimum statewide wage for all industries, with the increase to be enacted over time. It would give the Empire State the highest statewide minimum wage in the country. New York’s minimum wage is now $8.75 an hour.

New York – What’s in a name? When that name is Tiffany, as Costco discovered, potentially some hefty financial penalties.

Federal judge Laura Taylor Swain has ruled in favor of Tiffany & Co. in a suit the luxury retailer initially brought against Costco Wholesale Corp. in February 2013. The civil suit sought damages for what Tiffany said were fake “Tiffany” engagement rings Costco sold at one of its stores in Huntington Beach, California.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. – Sears Holding Corp. is protecting the assets of its pension fund following the creation of its Seritage Growth Properties real estate investment trust (REIT).

The company has entered into a five-year agreement with Pension Benefit Guarantee Corp. (PBGC) to guarantee that it will continue to make required contributions to the fund.

Canton, Mass. - Dunkin' Brands Group Inc., the parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, has named Michael R. Shutley as VP, federal & state government affairs.

Reporting directly to Karen Raskopf, chief communications officer, Shutley will work closely with senior management to develop and implement the company's legislative initiatives.

He will also advocate for Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins franchisees at all levels of government, both domestically and internationally.

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association issued a strenuous objection to what it called the Department of Labor’s “flawed” overtime proposal.