In today’s News and Commentary, University of Michigan health workers unionize, a Major League Soccer (MLS) referee lockout ends, and a Domino’s Pizza owner is sued for child labor violations.

Over 2,300 employees at University of Michigan have joined SEIU Healthcare Michigan. One new member explained that the differences in working conditions between the University’s unionized and non-unionized employees became more apparent during COVID-19. Now, about 80% of Michigan Medicine staff belong to a union. The new union includes a range of healthcare positions like patient care techs, patient service employees, and phlebotomists.

An employer lockout which kept Major League Soccer referees from working the first six matches of the season ended yesterday with a new collective bargaining agreement. But coaches, players, and broadcasters noted frustration at referees’ absence so far. Replacement referees during the first games of the season made questionable or incorrect decisions according to spectators, despite guidance circulated by MLS instructing commentators not to discuss the lockout while broadcasting.

Pennsylvania Department of Labor fined the owner of multiple Domino’s pizza shops for over 700 child labor violations. Violations included excessive working ours, employment outside of legal working hours for children during the school year, not getting parent authorization, and failing to provide breaks. Each violation can hold a fine of up to $5,000.