Brickbats
? The National Labor Relations Board ruled that Caterpillar Inc. broke the law during a strike that ended two years ago. The firm provided T-shirts and snacks to those who stayed on the job. Caterpillar was thus "restraining and coercing employees in the exercise of their rights," said the NLRB.
? Some people just don't like onions. Carl V. Berthelot, 50, the top assistant to Louisiana's state treasurer, went into a Burger King and ordered a hamburger without onions. When he got the burger, it had onions. He confronted the manager. Words were exchanged. Berthelot punched the manager. The treasurer's office was unconcerned. "It happened on his own time and he's capable of resolving his own disputes," said a spokesman. So it seems.
? It's illegal in Washington to work more than 40 hours a week without overtime. Helen Stansell found that out the hard way. The 23-year-veteran park ranger was suspended for six days after she worked after hours without pay helping a historical society find a local site.
? It seems that city workers in Miami are incredibly accident prone. Newspaper investigations found thousands have filed workers' compensation claims against the city. City workers have received settlements for breaking teeth while biting into candy bars and having an allergic reaction to a conch salad. Despite state law to the contrary, many have received settlements for accidents during recreational activities that don't seem central to their job. Firefighters, for instance, have gotten paid for injuries suffered while playing softball and volleyball. One firefighter was even struck down while playing badminton.
? John Sturdivant, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, circulated a memo to union members asking them to identify career federal bureaucrats who deserve either commendation or punishment. He indicated the names would be passed on to the Clinton administration's transition team. Four years ago, he sent Housing Secretary Henry Cisneros a list of 13 agency managers, claiming they might block Cisneros's agenda. All but two of those were reassigned, were given fewer responsibilities, or left the agency.
? As France goes, so goes, well, Turkey. The Turkish government is cracking down on the use of English. Under a new law, businesses will be forced to use Turkish names instead of English names. And broadcasters who use English will be banned from the airwaves.
? Also in Turkey, parliament deputy Sevki Yilmaz tried to put into perspective a recent sex scandal involving leaders of an Islamic sect and their female followers. "You are focused on the life of a young woman who has entered a sect, while there are 2 million prostitutes in Turkey." This would make one out of six Turkish women between the ages of 14 and 44 prostitutes.