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
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
August 23
Hyundai Motors workers launch full-day strike; federal judge rules in favor of Vermont dairy plant in closure dispute
August 21
Tyson workers respond to abrupt plant shutdown; DOL ends its power to police federal contractor bias.
August 20
Unions sue the government over new visa rule; Judge declines to dismiss former Amazon worker's suit.
August 19
NLRB swears in third Trump-appointed Member; Teamster file complaint against Amazon in New York; unions and college students sue Trump admin for international student immigration restrictions
August 18
New Trump administration rules will remove the Merit Systems Protection Board's independence; a CFPB union leader suspended alleges retaliation; the National Treasury Employees Union requires its members to pay dues as it battles to stay financially afloat.
August 17
Tensions rise between New York City's teachers' union and City Hall; NLRB judge finds Brooklyn hospital violated labor law.