The Labor Department reported on Thursday that the U.S. added 288,000 jobs in June and that national unemployment has fallen to 6.1 percent. The New York Times reports that low-wage sectors, like retail and restaurants, also made gains.
In a victory for Illinois public-sector unions, the state’s highest court ruled on Thursday that the Illinois Constitution protects health insurance subsidies for retired state workers. The lawsuit challenged a 2012 law that permitted the state to charge retired workers for health insurance premiums, according to the Chicago Tribune. The Wall Street Journal reports that labor leaders plan to challenge a recent overhaul of the state’s pension system on similar grounds.
Cynthia Estlund and William E. Forbath published an editorial in the New York Times about the recent Harris v. Quinn decision. The law professors argue that “the real anomaly lies in according dissenters a right to refuse to pay for the union’s services — services that cost money to deliver, and that put money in the pockets of all employees.”
The Los Angeles police officer’s union and city officials have reached a tentative agreement which would increase cash payments for overtime but not provide a salary raise to most officers. Members of the Police Protective League have not yet ratified the agreement, according to the Los Angeles Times. In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio has reached an agreement with the city’s largest municipal union. If the contract is ratified, about 60 percent of city employees will be working under a labor contract, according to the New York Times.
In a controversial new law, German lawmakers have approved the country’s first minimum wage, according to the Wall Street Journal. The BBC reports that the wage will be 8.50 euros, higher than the minimum wage in the United States and the United Kingdom. Previously, German trade unions and business groups set the minimum wage.
Immigration protests continue in Murietta, California, reports the New York Times. The recent influx of migrants has revitalized the issue in a state where Latinos are an powerful voting bloc, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Daily News & Commentary
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September 27
The Trump Administration reaches a settlement with federal unions on reduction in force actions; the United Auto Workers file an en banc petition seeking review of a Second Circuit decision regarding labor arbitrations.
September 25
Healthcare workers rally to restore legal status for TPS holders; nurses at a Maine hospital overwhelmingly vote to form their union despite alleged aggressive union busting tactics.
September 24
NLRB abandons rule for offensive conduct during protected activity; New York home care workers seek a union election; maritime deck officers endure long fight for first contracts.
September 23
DoorDash settles delivery-worker pay claims; Philadelphia school workers win new contract; stock gains spur retirements.
September 22
Judge blocks ICE raids in Alabama; Chicago hotel workers vote to strike; AutoZone workers look to create first union
September 21
In today’s News and Commentary, the Seventh Circuit raises the bar for the NLRB to obtain preliminary injunctions, the California Primary Care Association sues SEIU-UHW for racketeering, and the Seventh Circuit finds that an employer group and think tank do not have standing to challenge an Illinois law banning captive audience meetings. On Friday, the […]