The largest US border patrol union has endorsed Republican Donald Trump for president, raising eyebrows among AFL-CIO constituents. Up until this election cycle, the National Border Patrol Council had followed a longstanding policy of not throwing its support behind a presidential candidate, reports Quartz. Now, not only has the Council chosen a contender, but it has chosen the candidate who has attracted public criticism from AFL-CIO leadership and its constituents. Although the AFL-CIO has yet to endorse a candidate, safe to say it was not going to be the man who Richard Trumka, the AFL-CIO president, described as “hot air” and “full of baloney and bluster” just last week. In response to the Council breaking rank, a prominent immigrants rights group is now demanding that the AFL-CIO sever their relationship with the border patrol union, reports the Inquisitr. According to a petition being circulated by Not1More, the Council’s endorsement of Trump is evidence of the disconnect between the “Border Patrol, immigrant communities, and the rest of the labor movement across the United States.” AFL-CIO has yet to act or comment on the petition.
Uber drivers in Texas now have insurance coverage tailored to the ride-sharing business, reports Reuters. Last Friday Progressive Insurance and Uber Technologies launched a pilot program that covers Uber drivers with Progressive’s new TNC (transportation network companies) insurance product. Stoked by recent changes in Texas insurance rules, the TNC product is specifically designed to protect individuals who use their vehicles for profit and not for personal use. The partnership is a positive step towards bridging the gap between personal insurance policies, which often do not cover ride-hailing services, and the reality that we live in sharing economy.
The Obama administration is slated to announce a long-awaited proposal on retirement advice later this week, according to Reuters. The rule, which is required by the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act, seeks to regulate brokers by “end[ing] potential conflicts of interest by brokers who advise on individual retirement accounts and to protect consumers from buying unnecessary investment products.” The Labor Department withdrew its first retirement proposal five years ago, in 2011, after generating a firestorm of criticism. And although the content of the current rule is still unknown, many expect a similar fight over this version.
Daily News & Commentary
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September 13
Documents released on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks show that city officials encouraged workers to return to Ground Zero despite knowing the risks of asbestos exposure, and new polls demonstrate continued widespread support for labor unions.
September 10
Amazon workers allege pregnancy discrimination; federal unions challenge USDA reorganization; NYC warns of silicosis risks.
September 9
Wynn Las Vegas employees allege anti-union retaliation; Amazon faces a class action over pregnancy accommodations; H-1B demand plunges following a six-figure visa fee.
September 8
In today’s News and Commentary, workers and unions across America celebrate Labor Day, California’s SEIU Local 1000 prepares for a strike authorization vote, and New York City creates the Office of Worker Power. On Monday, labor unions and workers gathered in cities across the United States in celebration of Labor Day. Parades and rallies took […]
September 7
Eighth Circuit finds DOL order violates Seventh Amendment; 1,300 workers at Encore Boston Harbor go on strike.
September 6
Encore casino workers strike; President Trump commutes sentence of former Philadelphia IBEW leader; Durham labor activist ends his hunger strike against Amazon.