ConsumerWatch: Jobs Requiring Jobs, Airline Taxes
Here's a look at today's consumer Headlines:
Employers Require Current Job to Apply
A review of popular job websites like Monster.com, Careerbuilder.com, and Craigslist.org found hundreds of employers specifically seeking applicants who are "currently employed" or recently employed. Employers are weeding out unemployed applicants across the board, from jobs ranging from food service to senior level management.
Since unemployment is not a protected status like one's age or race, this type of selection is not technically considered discrimination. Many states, however, are starting to outlaw these types of ads. The federal government is trying to take action as well.
Representatives from Georgia and Connecticut are proposing the Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 that would prohibit employers from using unemployment as a reason to not hire someone.
If you are unemployed, you might consider volunteering or taking classes or even taking a lower wage job to keep your resume current.
Most Airlines Will Not Offer Refunds
When the price of your non-refundable plane ticket drops after you buy it, most airlines will not refund you the difference.
Airfarewatchdog.com has compiled an easy to read chart of not only what airlines will and won't offer a refund, but also each airline's policy and how they strict they are.
Some airlines will offer a voucher or credit, but only a few airlines will actually give you the money back, including Southwest, Jet Blue, and Singapore Airlines.
The chart will tell you who will honor refunds, but most of the airlines don't openly show these policies. As a passenger, you need to know to ask about their policy to get your money back.
You can see the chart here.
Passengers to Get Airfare Tax Back
Millions of passengers who purchased tickets before the July 22 Federal Aviation Administration shutdown but are going to be flying during the shutdown are also entitled to the federal tax refund.
The government collects tax on your ticket after you fly, but because of the current shutdown, the government still can't collect taxes.
Airlines, however, have already collected the tax and the extra money, but passengers have the right to ask for it back.
The International Revenue Service said it has asked the airlines to provide refunds to customers who request it because the IRS itself does not have the information about ticket purchases or travel dates.
Despite the IRS's request, many airlines are still not abiding but the regulation. United and Delta both said they are "referring customers back to the IRS" while American says it is "looking in what we can do."
(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
