Several commentators have offered their takes on yesterday’s oral argument in Harris v. Quinn: Jess Bravin and Melanie Trottman of the Journal, Adam Liptak of the New York Times, and Lyle Denniston of SCOTUSblog all chime in. And at the Washington Post Harold Meyerson opines more broadly on the potential implications of a decision by the Court to reconsider Abood.
Reporting on the goings on at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the New York Times discusses the efforts of Welsh union leader Philip Jennings to carry the message of labor to the forum. Jennings message focuses on the growing gap between the rich and poor, and the need to “rediscover collective bargaining” as a means to close that gap. The Times notes that Jennings comes to Davos “with some rhetorical wind at his back,” citing recent comments made by the President as well as Pope Francis on economic inequality and social mobility.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Target will stop offering health coverage for its part-time employees, citing new coverage options available on public health insurance exchanges. “By offering them insurance,” Target said, “we could actually disqualify many of [our part-time employees] from being eligible for newly available subsidies that could reduce their overall health insurance expense.”
A Norwegian airline is trying to expand its trans-Atlantic presence through an aggressive plan that calls for using crews and planes from low cost countries. But, as the Journal notes, the world’s largest pilot union has called on the Department of Transportation to block the airline’s application for a foreign-carrier license; they argue the plan illegally circumvents Norwegian labor laws and will promote a “race to the bottom.” The head of the airline’s long-distance business disagrees, claiming those seeking to block the license are “just afraid of the competition.”
Daily News & Commentary
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
October 16
Department of Labor reduces wage-and-hour enforcement at unionized workplaces; Fain's victory poses question of federal monitor's extension.
October 15
New reporting examines the rollback of child labor protections; California tries to block a strike; NLRB charges Wisconsin mental health provider with firing workers during union drive.
October 14
Eleventh Circuit overturns ERISA exhaustion rule; DHS finalizes removal of automatic renewal for work permits; AFGE challenges SSA over flexible scheduling policy.
October 13
Chicago hotel workers remain on strike; a coalition of Democratic states sues the Labor Department over canceled unemployment insurance grants; the Federal Labor Relations Authority establishes a new mediation framework for federal worker disputes.
October 12
Workers at the Obama Foundation begin organizing; MLB submits its latest collective bargaining agreement proposal; Brigham & Women's nurses postpone strike.
October 11
UAW President Shawn Fain succeeds in his reelection bid, and Spanish unions call for a general strike.