The New York Times reports that union leader Eliseo Medina is on the 13th day of a water-only fast. Mr. Medina, the second highest official in his union, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), began fasting to bring attention to immigrants’ rights, arguing that “unions should embrace unauthorized foreign workers, rather than shun them as job stealers.” At 67 years old, Mr. Medina has said that he will continue fasting until his body gives out. The fast is taking place on the National Mall.
The Los Angeles Times reports that the Los Angeles police union issued a press release in an effort to protect the reputations of LAPD officers being accused of using excessive force during an arrest. The press release included a recording of the arrestee, made by police a few days before the arrest, wherein the arrestee admits to having used a synthetic drug than can cause paranoia. The LA Times cites this case as offering a glimpse into “how the union mobilized in an effort to defend officers they believe have been wrongly accused.”
In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the city has been debating the issue of employee pay for the past several weeks. The Associated Press reports that public sector employees are arguing for merit increases and longevity bonuses. The city acknowledges that a pay increase for public employees is necessary to raise pay to a rate that is comparable to similarly situated communities. A task force is being created to examine ways the system might be overhauled to free up funding for these raises. It is estimated that almost $9 million per year will be needed. The consultants tasked with this effort found that employee benefits are better than those in comparable communities and younger employees are more concerned with immediate pay than retirement.
The San Francisco Chronicle repots that, Diamond Resorts International, a large hospitality company, has begun using biometric finger print time clocks at its different properties across the United States.
Daily News & Commentary
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
August 1
The Michigan Supreme Court grants heightened judicial scrutiny over employment contracts that shorten the limitations period for filing civil rights claims; the California Labor Commission gains new enforcement power over tip theft; and a new Florida law further empowers employers issuing noncompete agreements.
July 31
EEOC sued over trans rights enforcement; railroad union opposes railroad merger; suits against NLRB slow down.
July 30
In today’s news and commentary, the First Circuit will hear oral arguments on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) revocation of parole grants for thousands of migrants; United Airlines’ flight attendants vote against a new labor contract; and the AFL-CIO files a complaint against a Trump Administrative Executive Order that strips the collective bargaining rights of the vast majority of federal workers.
July 29
The Trump administration released new guidelines for federal employers regarding religious expression in the workplace; the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers is suing former union president for repayment of mismanagement of union funds; Uber has criticized a new proposal requiring delivery workers to carry company-issued identification numbers.
July 28
Lower courts work out meaning of Muldrow; NLRB releases memos on recording and union salts.
July 27
In today’s news and commentary, Trump issues an EO on college sports, a second district court judge blocks the Department of Labor from winding down Job Corps, and Safeway workers in California reach a tentative agreement. On Thursday, President Trump announced an executive order titled “Saving College Sports,” which declared it common sense that “college […]