Holt McKeithan is a student at Harvard Law School.
In today’s News and Commentary, the NLRB withdraws its objections to SpaceX’s constitutional challenge, Whole Foods asks the NLRB to set aside a union election in Philadelphia, and the AFL-CIO launches a campaign to push back against Musk.
The NLRB filed a letter with the Fifth Circuit indicating it would not address SpaceX’s challenge to the agency’s constitutionality. John has been tracking the progress of various constitutional challenges to the Board, none of which has yet been endorsed by a court. SpaceX’s primary argument is that the Board’s structure is unconstitutional because it limits the removal of ALJs and Board members. As of yet, no interested parties have stepped in to address SpaceX’s constitutional arguments in the NLRB’s stead.
Less than two weeks ago, workers at a Philadelphia Whole Foods grocery store voted to unionize. They were the first group of workers at the Amazon-owned chain to form a union. Now, the grocer is asking the NLRB to set aside that election. While Whole Foods alleged the union unlawfully interfered with the election, UFCW Local 1776 says that the claims are baseless and a stall tactic to delay bargaining
The AFL-CIO is launching the Department of People Who Work for a Living to push back against Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. The group plans to take action through rallies and advertisements in front of key agencies who’s budgets are being slashed. “The government can work for billionaires or it can work for working people—but not both,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “
Daily News & Commentary
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November 19
A federal judge blocks the Trump administration’s efforts to cancel the collective bargaining rights of workers at the U.S. Agency for Global Media; Representative Jared Golden secures 218 signatures for a bill that would repeal a Trump administration executive order stripping federal workers of their collective bargaining rights; and Dallas residents sue the City of Dallas in hopes of declaring hundreds of ordinances that ban bias against LGBTQ+ individuals void.
November 18
A federal judge pressed DOJ lawyers to define “illegal” DEI programs; Peco Foods prevails in ERISA challenge over 401(k) forfeitures; D.C. court restores collective bargaining rights for Voice of America workers; Rep. Jared Golden secures House vote on restoring federal workers' union rights.
November 17
Justices receive petition to resolve FLSA circuit split, vaccine religious discrimination plaintiffs lose ground, and NJ sues Amazon over misclassification.
November 16
Boeing workers in St. Louis end a 102-day strike, unionized Starbucks baristas launch a new strike, and Illinois seeks to expand protections for immigrant workers
November 14
DOT rule involving immigrant truck drivers temporarily stayed; Unions challenge Loyalty Question; Casino dealers lose request for TRO to continue picketing
November 13
Condé Nast accused of union busting; Supreme Court declines to hear Freedom Foundation’s suit challenging union membership cancellation policies; and AFT-120 proposes a “Safe Sleep Lots” program for families facing homelessness.