Anjali Katta is a student at Harvard Law School.
In today’s news and commentary, CFPB mass layoffs paused again, Mine Safety agency rejects union intervention, and postdoctoral researchers petition for union election.
A temporary pause on mass firings at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has been restored. After a trial court initially blocked the administration from mass firings, the appeals court modified that order to allow the CFPB to continue its lay-off program with a “particularized assessment” showing that any fired workers were not necessary for the agency to perform their legal duties. The pause comes after internal emails revealed that agency leaders rushed to fire 90% of workers after the appellate court ruling that had allowed the layoff process to move ahead.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) rejected union intervention in challenge to the agency’s silica suit. MSHA argued that the motion to intervene—filed by the United Mine Workers of America and the United Steelworkers—was untimely and failed to show that the agency was not adequately representing the public interest. MSHA further contended that the unions had not sufficiently established associational standing to bring the case. The unions wanted to join the lawsuit to defend a rule that requires employers to limit the amount of silica dust in the air in mines. The rule, which was to take effect on April 14th, was challenged by an industry group with MSHA issuing a notice temporarily pausing enforcement of the final rule the day after the challenge. The Eighth Circuit paused the rule compliance deadlines while it determines whether to grant or deny an administrative stay.
Postdoctoral researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have filed a petition with the NLRB to form a union. Of the 1,500 postdoctoral researchers, 1,000 have signed authorization cards in support of forming “Research Associates and Postdocs United,” affiliated with the UAW. This petition follows a similar filing by 1,600 postdoctoral researchers at Johns Hopkins University, also seeking recognition under the UAW. Postdoctoral researchers have cited concerns about inadequate wages, limited healthcare coverage, and insufficient workplace protections. International researchers have also raised issues related to visas, travel, and reimbursement. If successful, these postdoctoral researchers will join 17 other bargaining units representing more than 12,000 postdoctoral researchers nationwide.
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July 30
In today’s news and commentary, the First Circuit will hear oral arguments on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) revocation of parole grants for thousands of migrants; United Airlines’ flight attendants vote against a new labor contract; and the AFL-CIO files a complaint against a Trump Administrative Executive Order that strips the collective bargaining rights of the vast majority of federal workers.
July 29
The Trump administration released new guidelines for federal employers regarding religious expression in the workplace; the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers is suing former union president for repayment of mismanagement of union funds; Uber has criticized a new proposal requiring delivery workers to carry company-issued identification numbers.
July 28
Lower courts work out meaning of Muldrow; NLRB releases memos on recording and union salts.
July 27
In today’s news and commentary, Trump issues an EO on college sports, a second district court judge blocks the Department of Labor from winding down Job Corps, and Safeway workers in California reach a tentative agreement. On Thursday, President Trump announced an executive order titled “Saving College Sports,” which declared it common sense that “college […]
July 25
Philadelphia municipal workers ratify new contract; Chocolate companies escape liability in trafficking suit; Missouri Republicans kill paid sick leave
July 24
Texas District Court dismisses case requesting a declaratory judgement authorizing agencies to end collective bargaining agreements for Texas workers; jury awards two firefighters $1 million after they were terminated for union activity; and Democratic lawmakers are boycotting venues that have not rehired food service workers.