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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April 9
California labor backs state antitrust reform; USMCA Panel finds labor rights violations in Mexican Mine, and UPS agrees to cap driver buyout offers in settlement with Teamsters.
April 8
The Writers Guild of America reaches a tentative deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers; the EEOC recovers almost $660 million in compensation for employment discrimination in 2025; and highly-skilled foreign workers consider leaving the United States in light of changes to the H-1B visa program.
April 7
WGA reaches deal with studios; meatpacking strike brings employer back to table; union leaders take on AI.
April 6
Trump to shrink but not eliminate CFPB, 9th Circuit nixes use of issue preclusion to invalidate arbitration agreements.
April 5
Trump proposes DOL budget cuts; NLRB rules in favor of cannabis employees; Florida warehouse workers unanimously authorize strike.
April 3
NLRB says Amazon failed to bargain with union; Harvard graduate workers authorize strike, and states move to preempt local employment law.