Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley has signed a bill that will increase the state’s minimum wage in steps over several years from $7.25 to $10.10, reports The Washington Post. “It is not fair, it is not right, it is not just that people should play by the rules, work 16-hour days and still be raising their children in poverty — not in our state,” O’Malley said.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the Municipal Labor Committee, an umbrella group of New York City unions, has voted to support a proposal championed by Mayor Bill de Blasio expected to generate $3.4 billion in health care savings. Under the plan, unions would work from a menu of health-care options to achieve a savings target. If the city and a union fail to agree to a savings plan, the parties would agree to arbitration to reach an agreement.
A massive strike by 80,000 South African platinum miners that has lasted three months is set to continue after workers rejected a new wage offer by employers, reports the Wall Street Journal.
The Washington Post reports that Haiti has increased its minimum wage for 29,000 garment workers. The 25-percent raise means garment workers will now earn the equivalent of $5.68 per workday.
The Guardian reports on plans by shareholder activists to pressure the McDonald’s board to cut the wages of CEO Donald Thompson in an effort to reduce the massive wage gap between his wages and the average McDonald’s employee. Protests are planned for the annual shareholder meeting, to be held on May 22.
Daily News & Commentary
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January 14
The Supreme Court will not review its opt-in test in ADEA cases in an age discrimination and federal wage law violation case; the Fifth Circuit rules that a jury will determine whether Enterprise Products unfairly terminated a Black truck driver; and an employee at Berry Global Inc. will receive a trial after being fired for requesting medical leave for a disability-related injury.
January 13
15,000 New York City nurses go on strike; First Circuit rules against ferry employees challenging a COVID-19 vaccine mandate; New York lawmakers propose amendments to Trapped at Work Act.
January 12
Changes to EEOC voting procedures; workers tell SCOTUS to pass on collective action cases; Mamdani's plans for NYC wages.
January 11
Colorado unions revive push for pro-organizing bill, December’s jobs report shows an economic slowdown, and the NLRB begins handing down new decisions
January 9
TPS cancellation litigation updates; NFL appeals Second Circuit decision to SCOTUS; EEOC wins retaliation claim; Mamdani taps seasoned worker advocates to join him.
January 8
Pittsburg Post-Gazette announces closure in response to labor dispute, Texas AFT sues the state on First Amendment grounds, Baltimore approves its first project labor agreement, and the Board formally regains a quorum.