Tufts Medical Center nurses returned to work yesterday, ending a four-day lockout. As we recapped this weekend, the Massachusetts Nurses Association struck last Wednesday in the midst of a contract dispute. Tufts hired replacement nurses, whose five-day contracts led to the lockout. The Boston Globe raises the possibility that patient care worsened during the strike and lockout. Despite Mayor Marty Walsh’s urging that parties return to the bargaining table, no bargaining sessions are scheduled.
The Department of Homeland Security made 15,000 additional H-2B visas available for temporary nonagricultural workers on Monday. To obtain these visas, businesses must show that they are necessary to avoid irreparable harm—either severe financial loss or an inability to meet contract obligations. The announcement comes in the middle of the Trump Administration’s ‘Made in America’ week, which we wrote about yesterday.
Where other states have defanged non-compete clauses in employment contracts, Idaho has doubled down. Formerly, an employer alleging breach of the non-compete was required to demonstrate that a worker’s move harmed legitimate business interests. Now, the worker defending such a lawsuit must show that she cannot harm the former employer. This change impacts only “key” employees and independent contractors. We have written previously about non-competes here.
The NLRB’s recent brief in the Ninth Circuit case Wal-Mart Stores v. NLRB argues that a brief work stoppage organized by a union-backed group is statutorily protected activity. It was therefore an unfair labor practice for Wal-Mart to punish participating workers. Wal-Mart’s brief contends that the stoppage was a form of union solicitation, which is prohibited. Amici business groups emphasize the distinction between strikes where workers walk off the job and in-store work stoppages, asking if restaurant staff should be permitted to picket at customers’ tables.
Daily News & Commentary
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
July 18
NLRB General Counsel issues memorandum reaffirming commitment to using 10(j) injunctions; Labor Department obtains a landmark anti-retaliation injunction; and a new report investigates the rise in union curious workers.
July 17
Senator J.D. Vance joins Donald Trump’s campaign, targeting pro-labor voters, Project 2025 includes gutting the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and Seattle Boeing workers prepare for a strike vote.
July 16
Teamsters president speaks at RNC; Starbucks decertification campaign fails; Biden taps new PBGC leader
July 15
Workday bias suit moves forward; DOL proposes new LMRDA rule; Bronx Defenders to go on ULP strike
July 14
Teamsters president to speak at RNC; youth work permit requirement rollbacks; eulogies to Jane McAlevey.
July 12
Dollar Tree and OSHA settle; union leaders split over Biden support; new report on low wages.