Looking back on 2014, it is clear that this has been (for better and worse) a major year in labor. From the Supreme Court to Chattanooga, TN, and from Northwestern football to McDonald’s restaurants, a lot has happened. Here at OnLabor, we’re interested in your views on what the most important labor developments have been over the past twelve months. So, to take advantage of the expertise and experience of our readership, we’re running our first ever reader poll.
To get things started, we’ve put together a partial list (not in any particular order) of what seem to us major developments from 2014. But we want to hear from you. So let us know your thoughts by completing the poll. You can use the options we’ve provided or suggest ones we’ve left out. Once we hear from you, we’ll post the results at OnLabor.
1. The Supreme Court’s decision in Harris v. Quinn. (We extensively covered the pre-game analysis, the decision, and some of its implications).
2. The Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss Mulhall. (We covered the lead-up to the case, our reactions to the oral arguments, some perspectives from around the political spectrum, and the implications of the dismissal).
3. The UAW’s loss at VW in Chattanooga, TN. (Which we explained, covered, and analyzed)
4. VW’s decision to engage in “constructive dialogue” with worker organizations at the Chattanooga plant. (Which we covered and provided some analysis of the legal issues).
5. The ALJ decision that Northwestern football players are “employees” within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act. (We covered the decision, its background, and some of its implications for football players and other athletes).
6. The NLRB general counsel’s decision to authorize complaints against McDonalds as a joint employer. (We covered the decision, some of its implications, and some disagreeing viewpoints).
8. The new NLRB election rule.
9. The political success of minimum wage laws.
10. Market Basket.
Vote below!
[polldaddy poll=8525553]
(To add your own answer, select “other” and start typing after the colon — the textbox will appear).
Daily News & Commentary
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
December 7
Philadelphia transit workers indicate that a strike is imminent; a federal judge temporarily blocks State Department layoffs; and Virginia lawmakers consider legislation to repeal the state’s “right to work” law.
December 5
Netflix set to acquire Warner Bros., Gen Z men are the most pro-union generation in history, and lawmakers introduce the “No Robot Bosses Act.”
December 4
Unionized journalists win arbitration concerning AI, Starbucks challenges two NLRB rulings in the Fifth Circuit, and Philadelphia transit workers resume contract negotiations.
December 3
The Trump administration seeks to appeal a federal judge’s order that protects the CBAs of employees within the federal workforce; the U.S. Department of Labor launches an initiative to investigate violations of the H-1B visa program; and a union files a petition to form a bargaining unit for employees at the Met.
December 2
Fourth Circuit rejects broad reading of NLRA’s managerial exception; OPM cancels reduced tuition program for federal employees; Starbucks will pay $39 million for violating New York City’s Fair Workweek law; Mamdani and Sanders join striking baristas outside a Brooklyn Starbucks.
December 1
California farmworkers defend state labor law, cities consider requiring companies to hire delivery drivers, Supreme Court takes FAA last-mile drivers case.