Linh is a student at Harvard Law School.
According to newly released data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, union membership in the U.S. reached a record low in 2023, dropping to 10%, slightly below the 2022 rate of 10.1%, despite notable successes in negotiations with large corporations like United Postal Services and automakers. The decline reflects a disparity between strong public support for unions and their actual membership growth. Notably, over half a million people participated in strikes last year, resulting in significant benefits for auto workers and Hollywood writers.
While reflecting on this paradox of increased union popularity and decreased membership, check out this creative video essay from the New York Times, in which comedian and visual journalist Jeff Seal advocates for the broader adoption of Minimum Standards Council, a labor industry tool, to enhance the labor movement and empower workers.
Southwest Airlines Co.’s flight attendants’ union, representing about 21,000 members, voted with over 98% approval to grant leaders the authority to call a strike if talks in federal mediation fail. The vote, in accordance with the Railway Labor Act, allows for a potential walkout after a multiphase process outlined by the National Mediation Board. This move follows similar authorizations by unions representing Southwest’s pilots and American Airlines Group Inc.’s flight attendants.
The Cheesecake Factory Restaurants Inc. and two janitorial contractors have agreed to a $1 million settlement following a California Labor Commissioner’s Office investigation for underpaying 589 janitorial workers. The investigation began in December 2016 after several complaints of possible wage and hour violations of janitors who cleaned Cheesecake Factory restaurants in San Diego County. The settlement, announced yesterday, addresses wage and hour violations, and as a result, Cheesecake Factory and contractors must adhere to strengthened California laws, closing subcontracting loopholes. Alongside financial compensation, the settlement requires the Cheesecake Factory to audit contractors and train managers for legal compliance.
Daily News & Commentary
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September 17
A union argues the NLRB's quorum rule is unconstitutional; the California Building Trades back a state housing law; and Missouri proposes raising the bar for citizen ballot initiatives
September 16
In today’s news and commentary, the NLRB sues New York, a flight attendant sues United, and the Third Circuit considers the employment status of Uber drivers The NLRB sued New York to block a new law that would grant the state authority over private-sector labor disputes. As reported on recently by Finlay, the law, which […]
September 15
Unemployment claims rise; a federal court hands victory to government employees union; and employers fire workers over social media posts.
September 14
Workers at Boeing reject the company’s third contract proposal; NLRB Acting General Counsel William Cohen plans to sue New York over the state’s trigger bill; Air Canada flight attendants reject a tentative contract.
September 12
Zohran Mamdani calls on FIFA to end dynamic pricing for the World Cup; the San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement opens a probe into Scale AI’s labor practices; and union members organize immigration defense trainings.
September 11
California rideshare deal advances; Boeing reaches tentative agreement with union; FTC scrutinizes healthcare noncompetes.