Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley has signed a bill that will increase the state’s minimum wage in steps over several years from $7.25 to $10.10, reports The Washington Post. “It is not fair, it is not right, it is not just that people should play by the rules, work 16-hour days and still be raising their children in poverty — not in our state,” O’Malley said.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the Municipal Labor Committee, an umbrella group of New York City unions, has voted to support a proposal championed by Mayor Bill de Blasio expected to generate $3.4 billion in health care savings. Under the plan, unions would work from a menu of health-care options to achieve a savings target. If the city and a union fail to agree to a savings plan, the parties would agree to arbitration to reach an agreement.
A massive strike by 80,000 South African platinum miners that has lasted three months is set to continue after workers rejected a new wage offer by employers, reports the Wall Street Journal.
The Washington Post reports that Haiti has increased its minimum wage for 29,000 garment workers. The 25-percent raise means garment workers will now earn the equivalent of $5.68 per workday.
The Guardian reports on plans by shareholder activists to pressure the McDonald’s board to cut the wages of CEO Donald Thompson in an effort to reduce the massive wage gap between his wages and the average McDonald’s employee. Protests are planned for the annual shareholder meeting, to be held on May 22.
Daily News & Commentary
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
July 3
Unions seek a preliminary injunction to prevent USDA downsizing; the D.C. District Court issues a preliminary injunction against new student loan regulations; Matt Bruenig releases an analysis of Starbucks’ ongoing legal battle against Starbucks Workers United.
July 2
First Circuit denies federal worker unions’ mandamus petition; federal court denies preliminary injunction against new union reporting rule; House introduces the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act.
July 1
Trump nominates Keith Sonderling as Labor Secretary; DOL eliminates disparate-impact liability from Title VI regulations; OPM finalizes rule allowing suitability-based removal of federal employees for post-appointment conduct.
June 30
SCOTUS ends removal protections for agencies; staff at NYC cocktail bar vote to unionize.
June 29
In today’s News and Commentary, student-athletes file a class action suit challenging the NCAA’s new Age-Based Rule, a federal judge declines to issue a preliminary injunction against FEMA’s reduction in force but expedites proceedings, and Gavin Newsom opposes California’s proposed billionaire tax in favor of a federal approach. On Thursday, DeJuan Campbell, at basketball player […]
June 28
Philadelphia utility workers announce July 4 strike; national parks workers vote to unionize; Michigan considers “right to disconnect” bill.