As expected, the New York City Council voted yesterday to cap the number of Ubers allowed to drive within the city, in a win for taxi drivers, who had complained of deflated incomes. The move came despite opposition from the NAACP and other civil rights organizations, who argued that rideshare services like Lyft were more likely to serve customers of color equally. Mayor DeBlasio promised to sign the bill, saying that 100,000 workers would see a benefit from the law.
At the Upshot, a striking study showed that the gender pay gap begins in childhood. Teenage boys spend less time on household chores than teenage girls, but boys using a chore app earned double what girls did for doing chores — $13.80 a week on average for boys versus $6.71 for girls. Boys are also more likely to be paid for basic hygiene tasks, like brushing their teeth and showering, while girls are more likely to be paid for housework. Experts argue that this early practice entrenches gender roles and expectations that can be difficult to overcome later in life.
The number of unfilled jobs hit a 17-year high last quarter. There were 6.7 million job openings this spring, up 750,000 from last year, as the economy continues to strengthen. Yet workers haven’t seen much benefit, as real wages have been largely stagnant. Much of this stagnation can be traced to a decline in union membership, which has been shown to reduce income inequality.
Daily News & Commentary
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
February 20
An analysis of the Board's decisions since regaining a quorum; 5th Circuit dissent criticizes Wright Line, Thryv.
February 19
Union membership increases slightly; Washington farmworker bill fails to make it out of committee; and unions in Argentina are on strike protesting President Milei’s labor reform bill.
February 18
A ruling against forced labor in CO prisons; business coalition lacks standing to challenge captive audience ban; labor unions to participate in rent strike in MN
February 17
San Francisco teachers’ strike ends; EEOC releases new guidance on telework; NFL must litigate discrimination and retaliation claims.
February 16
BLS releases jobs data; ILO hosts conference on child labor.
February 15
The Office of Personnel Management directs federal agencies to terminate their collective bargaining agreements, and Indian farmworkers engage in a one-day strike to protest a trade deal with the United States.