According to the New York Times, the IRS recently ruled that employers may not give their workers tax-free stipends to buy health insurance in the individual marketplace. Instead, large employers must provide insurance coverage for their employees, or pay a penalty. The ruling prevents large employers from shifting the cost of providing health insurance to the government.
The Washington Post reports that a coalition of unions and activist groups is pushing to raise D.C.’s minimum wage to $12.50 an hour by 2017. The proposal would greatly benefit restaurant employees who earn tips. Under current law, these workers are only entitled to a small portion of the minimum hourly wage.
According to the New York Times, New York City’s teachers are debating whether to ratify an agreement that Mayor de Blasio forged with the teachers’ union. The fate of the agreement will be determined by a secret ballot election. The union expects to count the ballots on June 3.
Finally, the New York Times Editorial Board is “deeply disturb[ed]” by the results of a recent United Nations survey. The survey suggests that forced labor generates $150 billion in business revenues each year. Illegal operations in economically developed countries account for nearly one third of these revenues.
Daily News & Commentary
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January 14
The Supreme Court will not review its opt-in test in ADEA cases in an age discrimination and federal wage law violation case; the Fifth Circuit rules that a jury will determine whether Enterprise Products unfairly terminated a Black truck driver; and an employee at Berry Global Inc. will receive a trial after being fired for requesting medical leave for a disability-related injury.
January 13
15,000 New York City nurses go on strike; First Circuit rules against ferry employees challenging a COVID-19 vaccine mandate; New York lawmakers propose amendments to Trapped at Work Act.
January 12
Changes to EEOC voting procedures; workers tell SCOTUS to pass on collective action cases; Mamdani's plans for NYC wages.
January 11
Colorado unions revive push for pro-organizing bill, December’s jobs report shows an economic slowdown, and the NLRB begins handing down new decisions
January 9
TPS cancellation litigation updates; NFL appeals Second Circuit decision to SCOTUS; EEOC wins retaliation claim; Mamdani taps seasoned worker advocates to join him.
January 8
Pittsburg Post-Gazette announces closure in response to labor dispute, Texas AFT sues the state on First Amendment grounds, Baltimore approves its first project labor agreement, and the Board formally regains a quorum.