Esther Ritchin is a student at Harvard Law School.
In today’s News & Commentary, Uber drivers protest the deactivation policy, Amazon workers continue the fight for fair treatment, and Florida companies face criticism for putting workers in harm’s way while facing Hurricane Milton.
Drivers with the Activate Respect campaign have long protested Uber’s “deactivation” policy, where the app terminates a driver’s ability to work for Uber without explanation or an appeal process. After Uber executives refused to meet with the campaign, drivers marched to Uber headquarters to deliver an open letter. According to posts on X, Uber executives refused to receive the letter. Drivers shared their stories with one another, with many describing being deactivated with no explanation or recourse after driving for Uber for many years, having their income suddenly cut off.
On Prime Day, Amazon’s two day sale event for Prime members, Amazon workers spoke out about their poor treatment at the hands of the company and ways Amazon can improve conditions for workers. In a series of videos posted on X, Amazon workers discussed their need for fair workloads, safe working conditions, and higher wages. Amazon workers at a warehouse in Queens, New York are also demanding that two of their coworkers are reinstated after alleging that they were fired unfairly.
Companies in Florida have faced criticism for not closing early enough in advance of Hurricane Milton, with many concerned employees will be put in harm’s way. Walt Disney announced on October 8 that it would be monitoring the storm, and other reporting indicated that Disney’s Florida parks were still open the morning and early afternoon of October 9. Waffle House faced similar criticism after a post on X indicating many of their Florida stores had closed as of 2 PM on October 9. Waffle House is known for staying open during extreme weather, giving rise to what the Federal Emergency Management Agency has called the “Waffle House index” as a way to measure how severe weather is. This phenomenon has been criticized as unfairly putting workers at risk.
Daily News & Commentary
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
October 15
Boeing workers prepare for rally; Supreme Court receives an emergency application to consider NLRB’s constitutionality.
October 14
Wells Fargo employees vote to unionize; Apple store employees organize while the company faces unfair labor practice charges; Boston University graduate student workers consider ratifying a contract that will end their strike
October 13
Boeing and Machinists' talks stall; Sweden rebukes Tesla; AFL-CIO secures worker participation in AI research.
October 11
In today’s News & Commentary, Uber drivers protest the deactivation policy, Amazon workers continue the fight for fair treatment, and Florida companies face criticism for putting workers in harm’s way while facing Hurricane Milton. Drivers with the Activate Respect campaign have long protested Uber’s “deactivation” policy, where the app terminates a driver’s ability to work […]
October 10
DOL obtains a federal consent decree against Tennessee sawmill for employing children as young as 13- and 14-years-old, Michigan Governor Whitmer signs legislation to restore bargaining rights to home care workers, and the all-male Chippendales Dancers seek to unionize with the Actors’ Equity Association.
October 9
A 5th Circuit Appeals court panel suggested that companies lack standing to sue over a 2022 memo from National Labor Relations Board General Counsel, Jennifer Abruzzo, Chippendales Dancers seek to unionize under the Actors’ Equity Association, and the AFL-CIO urges members to vote for Vice President, Kamala Harris.