The Wall Street Journal reports that McDonald’s has removed its “McResource” site, citing controversy over some of the information and advice that had been provided to its workers on the webpage. Workers’ rights groups, who have been pushing for higher wages for fast food workers, had mocked the website for including advice about applying for government benefits, how to find a second job, and stretching food budgets by portioning food differently.
One of Spain’s largest trade unions is accused of misappropriating nearly $2.5 million worth of funds intended to aid unemployed workers, according to the New York Times. The General Union of Workers denies wrongdoing, but is accused of diverting funds to pay for union events and gifts for union officials. A government investigation is ongoing and the amount of alleged missing funds could grow significantly.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is caught in a political bind as she seeks to introduce a federal minimum wage, reports the Wall Street Journal. The proposal was a vital concession to secure the support of the left-leaning Social Democrats for Merkel’s Christian Democratic Party, but is running into trouble over employer efforts to carve out exceptions for certain sectors of the labor market.
Paul Krugman of the New York Times writes that the weak job market and high unemployment is harmful not just to unemployed workers, but to those who have jobs as well, as it reduces their bargaining power with employers while they “live in a climate of economic fear”.
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 […]