Exploring legal issues tied to ‘Take this job and shove it…’
If you quit your job because of a hostile work environment, is it still “voluntary”? According to the Alabama Supreme Court’s July 12, 2019 opinion in Arnold v. Hyundai Manuf. Ala., LLC, it is. In Arnold, Hyundai hired Arnold to work in Alabama. Arnold lived in Kentucky at the time, and as part of the job offer, Hyundai agreed to pay certain of Arnold’s relocation expenses. Arnold signed a relocation reimbursement agreement that required him to reimburse Hyundai for all relocation costs paid if he “voluntarily terminates” his employment with Hyundai within 24 months. – JD Supra
Major automakers ignore Trump, cut emissions deal with California
The Trump administration’s ongoing battle with California over its ability to set its own auto emissions standards is heating up once again, with the state and four automakers ignoring threats to scale back progressive standards at the national level and striking a compromise. Back in June, 17 automakers drafted a collective letter to the President calling for a compromise between existing policies and Trump proposal to rollback Obama-era emissions regulations, but that was rejected by the White House. So four automakers went and did it anyway. – Jalopnik
Fintech billionaire’s consumer loans come under fire in Alabama
Last year, Tiffany Baker woke to the smell of sewage spilling under her home in Eastaboga, Alabama. Baker called in American Plumbing and Septic Service, which gave her an estimate of $13,000 for a new tank and lines. The cost of the job ballooned to $28,000 and the plumber on site arranged for two loans totaling $28,000 in the names of Baker and her husband that were facilitated by a company called GreenSky, according to an court affidavit Baker would later file. – Forbes
Tuscaloosa area business owners offered state tax seminar
State tax obligations for business owners – licenses, sales tax, property tax, withholding, etc. – are a lot to be responsible for. To help Alabama business owners better understand and master these requirements, the Alabama Department of Revenue invites business owners to ADOR’s free Business Essentials for State Taxpayers Seminar on Thursday, Aug. 8, at 10 a.m. in Tuscaloosa.The seminar will be held at the Tuscaloosa Taxpayer Service Center, 1434 22nd Ave. – News release
Public accountancy board introduces online licensing suite
The Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy, in collaboration with Alabama Interactive, has launched a complete licensing suite to provide an all-in-one portal to Alabama applicants and licensees. The platform allows CPA applicants to create a profile, submit an application, register for the required exams, and if approved, renew that license as a fully licensed CPA the next year. The licensing suite is all online and designed to be accessed on all devices. Applicants, that then become licensees, only need to remember one set of credentials and will access the same system throughout their time being licensed in Alabama. – News release
Wells Fargo names new Alabama commercial banking executive
Hans Sitarz has been chosen to lead commercial banking operations in Alabama and Mississippi for Wells Fargo. Sitarz, who is based in Birmingham, is a 26-year veteran of the company and a longtime Birmingham banker. Alex Idichandy, head of Wells Fargo Commercial Banking’s southeast division, said Sitarz has a “depth of financial experience who brings passion and proven leadership in serving commercial companies’ financial needs.” – AL.com
Huntsville salt therapy spa part of nationwide trend
Gentle ocean waves roll as you listen to the surf and relax in a beach chair, sipping a glass of wine. You breath in the salty air and wriggle your toes in … salt? A Huntsville spa called Salt on the Rocks is the only one in the country that combines the experience of salt therapy with a virtual trip to the beach, according to its owner. – AL.com
