The New York Times profiles stories on unemployed workers, as the emergency federal unemployment-insurance program – which extended benefits by up to 73 weeks beyond state maximums – is set to expire at the end of the month. Meanwhile, the Washington Post highlights the impact the change will have on each state’s maximum weeks of benefit eligibility in two stark graphics.
The number of asylum claims from immigrants who have entered the U.S. illegally has tripled this year, according to the L.A. Times. The sharp spike in claims is leading some to conclude that many may be fraudulent claims designed to delay deportation, but others say such suspicions shouldn’t alter a process that is vital to protect vulnerable people from persecution abroad.
The nation’s highest municipal minimum wage, $15/hr in SeaTac, Washington passed by referendum earlier this year, is facing a crucial court test today, reports the New York Times. As labor advocates anxiously await the law’s effective date of January 1, 2014, a challenge to the law brought by Alaska Airlines and the Washington Restaurant Association is being heard in a Seattle courtroom today.
New York University teaching assistants have voted by a 620 to 10 margin to join the United Automobile Workers, reports the New York Times. The workers will become the first union of graduate assistants recognized at a private university anywhere in the country.
The Washington Post highlights a cost-of-living pay increase for federal workers contained in the new Budget deal that obtained bi-partisan support in Congress.
Talks between Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers have collapsed, according to the Wall Street Journal, in the latest wrinkle in the ongoing drama over where the company’s planned 777x jetliner will be manufactured. A Boeing spokesperson stated they had no plans to go back to the negotiating table, characterizing the most recent proposal as their “best and final” offer.
Laura D’Andrea Tyson in the New York Times reviews the evidence on what effect a minimum wage hike has on job numbers and prices.
Daily News & Commentary
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
March 11
Chavez-DeRemer confirmed as Labor Secretary; NLRB issues decisions with new quorum; Flex drivers deemed Amazon employees in Virginia
March 10
Iowa sets up court fight over trans anti-bias protections; Trump Administration seeks to revoke TSA union rights
March 9
Federal judge orders the reinstatement of NLRB Board Member Gwynne Wilcox; DOL reinstates about 120 employees who were facing termination
March 6
A federal judge hears Wilcox's challenge to her NLRB removal and the FTC announces a "Joint Labor Task Force."
March 5
In today’s news and commentary, lots of headlines for the United Auto Workers as the union comes out in support of tariffs, files for an election at a Volkswagen distribution center in New Jersey, and continues to bargain a first contract at the Chattanooga VW plant they organized last spring. The UAW released a statement […]
March 4
In today’s news and commentary, the Tennessee Drivers Union allegedly faces retaliation for organizing, major hospital groups are hit with a wage suppression lawsuit, and updates from Capitol Hill. The Tennessee Drivers Union announced on social media that its members are facing retaliation from Uber and Lyft for their rideshare organizing activities. Specifically, 34 members […]