Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has authored an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal arguing that “[i]t is time for Congress to save the Postal Service, not dismantle it.” Senator Sanders argues in support of the Postal Service Protection Act, proposed legislation that he introduced in the Upper House. The bill proposes two changes: ending prefunding of the future retiree health fund and ending restrictions on the Postal Service’s flexibility to offer new products and services, such as financial services.
The New York Times reports on rising tensions between NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and Eva Moskowitz, who runs the City’s Success Academy Charter Schools. Last week, the Mayor’s office cancelled plans for 3 new Success Academy schools. Mayor de Blasio has said that the Success Academy charters—staffed by nonunionized employees—have a “destructive impact” on public schools. Supporters of the charters note that Success Academy students consistently outperform their public school peers on state tests.
In a New York Times op-ed, Thomas B. Edsall examines economic literature on the relationship between inequality and economic performance. He analyzes the work of both conservative and liberal economists, as well the politics surrounding issue of wealth and inequality.
In international news, after being criticized for demanding government assistance as a condition for continuing its minivan production in Canada, Fiat-Chrysler withdrew its request. Instead, the New York Times reports that the automaker plans to make big investments in two Ontario factories without government aid. Jerry Dias, national president of Unifor—the union formerly known as the Canadian Auto Workers—reacted positively to the news, but noted “the importance of developing a long-term strategy, including public investment, if we want to have a strong, competitive advanced manufacturing sector.”
Daily News & Commentary
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
August 31
California lawmakers and rideshare companies reach an agreement on collective bargaining legislation for drivers; six unions representing workers at American Airlines call for increased accountability from management; Massachusetts Teamsters continue the longest sanitation strike in decades.
August 29
Trump fires regulator in charge of reviewing railroad mergers; fired Fed Governor sues Trump asserting unlawful termination; and Trump attacks more federal sector unions.
August 28
contested election for UAW at Kentucky battery plant; NLRB down to one member; public approval of unions remains high.
August 27
The U.S. Department of Justice welcomes new hires and forces reassignments in the Civil Rights Division; the Ninth Circuit hears oral arguments in Brown v. Alaska Airlines Inc.; and Amazon violates federal labor law at its air cargo facility in Kentucky.
August 26
Park employees at Yosemite vote to unionize; Philadelphia teachers reach tentative three-year agreement; a new report finds California’s union coverage remains steady even as national union density declines.
August 25
Consequences of SpaceX decision, AI may undermine white-collar overtime exemptions, Sixth Circuit heightens standard for client harassment.