Randon Herrera is a student at Harvard Law School.
Rideshare companies Uber and Lyft have announced plans to provide funds for drivers affected by coronavirus. According to The Hill, an Uber spokesperson stated on Friday that the rideshare company will make funds available to drivers infected or quarantined due to the virus to make up for up to 14 days of lost revenue. Though details have not been released, Lyft stated on Sunday that it would provide similar compensation to its drivers. DoorDash and Instacart are also reportedly considering providing funds to their drivers.
This past Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security announced intentions to make available an additional 35,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year 2020. Of these visas, DHS has stated that 10,000 will be set aside for nationals of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. Additionally, DHS also stated that it will be implementing anti-fraud and abuse measures in the administration of the visas, including by: requiring matching start dates on H-2B petitions and employer’s stated date of start, collaborating with the Department of Labor on increased employer site visits, and generally limiting visas to returning workers “who are known to follow immigration law in good faith.”
On Sunday, Virginia passed a bill that would end the state’s ban on public sector collective bargaining. Though this bill gives local government workers the right to collectively bargain if their locality opts in, it does not mandate that localities opt in, reports the Washington Post. A mandate was passed by the Virginia House but did not make it through the Senate. Some fear that the bill will not have a significant effect since there is nothing compelling localities to allow collective bargaining. Prior to this enactment, Virginia was one of three states, along with North and South Carolina, with an outright ban on public sector collective bargaining.
A new law was just passed in New Mexico, banning pregnancy employment discrimination. Bloomberg Law reports that the new law makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees due to pregnancy, childbirth, or other related conditions. The law requires employers to make “reasonable accommodations” to women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. The law also makes pregnancy and recent childbirth protected classes under the state’s Human Rights Act.
Daily News & Commentary
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
June 1
Federal judge declines to block New Jersey cannabis labor peace requirements; EEOC issues proposed rescission of rule protection companies undertaking voluntary affirmative action plans; Connecticut governor signs AI law requiring employers to give notice about use of AI in employment decision-making.
May 31
The disparity between corporate profits and worker pay hits a record high; Colorado Governor Jared Polis vetoes pro-union legislation; MLB announces its counteroffer in negotiations with the MLBPA.
May 29
Senators advance on college athlete rights bill; USDA strains OSHA with proposed meat production lines speed-up.
May 28
University of California workers union reach agreement; Texas shrimp industry asks for more visas.
May 27
DC Circuit sidesteps NLRB's remedial Thryv powers; UC workers ratify bargaining agreement; OPM proposes federal NDA.
May 26
Massachusetts rideshare drivers become the first in the nation to unionize; the Pope warns of AI risks to workers.