Both the New York Times and Wall Street Journal are reporting on yesterday’s non-partisan CBO report on the expected impact of the Obama administration’s proposal to raise the minimum wage to $10.10/hour. As the Times notes, the report yielded mixed results: “Republicans contended the policy would be a job-killer, while Democrats asserted it would help alleviate poverty. Economists said both might be right.”
In remarks yesterday, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman tried to reconcile the Obama administration’s push for new free trade agreements with the President’s progressive labor, environmental and jobs-oriented goals. As the Washington Post notes, Mr. Froman argued that it’s possible to draft trade agreements that raise environmental and labor standards, help build a stronger American middle-class, and help American companies compete.
A short piece in the Wall Street Journal explores the relationship between New York organized-crime and labor unions in a larger historical context. The article examines the everyday effects of this relationship, and notes that “while the Mafia’s hold on unions today has weakened, the Mafia’s influence isn’t totally lost.”
Holman Jenkins at the Wall Street Journal is chiming in on the UAW’s recent defeat at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga factory. He notes that “the UAW would undermine its own existence if its goal were really (as claimed) to help VW become more competitive against the Big Three, whose 130,000 members constitute the union’s dues-paying majority.”
George Will at the Washington Post is also weighing in on what he describes as the UAW’s “shattering defeat” at Chattanooga. He concludes that the vote will allow Southern States to “continue to practice entrepreneurial federalism,” allowing those States to create regulatory environments that are conducive to job creation, instead of following the path of Detroit.
Daily News & Commentary
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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 […]
July 25
Philadelphia municipal workers ratify new contract; Chocolate companies escape liability in trafficking suit; Missouri Republicans kill paid sick leave
July 24
Texas District Court dismisses case requesting a declaratory judgement authorizing agencies to end collective bargaining agreements for Texas workers; jury awards two firefighters $1 million after they were terminated for union activity; and Democratic lawmakers are boycotting venues that have not rehired food service workers.