Luke Hinrichs is a student at Harvard Law School.
In today’s news and commentaries, Amazon workers launch strike as Teamsters continue labor contract negotiations, Hyundai supplier terminates Alabama prison labor contract, and Starbucks Workers United baristas authorize strike.
Thousands of Amazon workers at seven facilities are on strike as of Thursday, December 19 as part of an organizing campaign launched by the Teamsters union. The workers at locations in Skokie, Illinois, Southern California, New York City, and Atlanta have joined picket lines after Amazon failed to respond to a Sunday deadline the Teamsters set for contract negotiations. As the holiday season approaches, the Teamsters are calling for the largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history as Amazon workers at other facilities prepare to join in the nationwide action.
Ju-Young, a car-part manufacturer and supplier of Hyundai, ended its labor contract with the Alabama Department of Corrections after facing scrutiny for the company’s use of prison labor. Under the prison labor program in Alabama, thousands of incarcerated persons are compelled to work at private businesses with the risk of disciplinary action and adverse consequences if they refuse. The Alabama prison system collects 40 percent of an inmate’s paycheck, leaving a worker with an effective wage of only a few dollars per hour.
Starbucks Workers United baristas overwhelmingly voted in favor of authorizing a strike as collective bargaining continues with Starbucks. 98 percent of voting members support initiating a strike, if necessary, to end unfair labor practices, resolve outstanding litigation between workers and Starbucks, and secure fair raises, benefits, and staffing. Bargaining delegates continue to negotiate with Starbucks for a comprehensive agreement. The Starbucks Workers United union represents workers at more than 525 stores across D.C. and 45 states.
Daily News & Commentary
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October 15
An interview with former NLRB chairman; Supreme Court denies cert in Southern California hotel case
October 14
Census Bureau layoffs, Amazon holiday hiring, and the final settlement in a meat producer wage-fixing lawsuit.
October 13
Texas hotel workers ratify a contract; Pope Leo visits labor leaders; Kaiser lays off over two hundred workers.
October 12
The Trump Administration fires thousands of federal workers; AFGE files a supplemental motion to pause the Administration’s mass firings; Democratic legislators harden their resolve during the government shutdown.
October 10
California bans algorithmic price-fixing; New York City Council passes pay transparency bills; and FEMA questions staff who signed a whistleblowing letter.
October 9
Equity and the Broadway League resume talks amid a looming strike; federal judge lets alcoholism ADA suit proceed; Philadelphia agrees to pay $40,000 to resolve a First Amendment retaliation case.