Walmart announced yesterday that it would allow its workers to take their pay before their payday. Workers would be able to access the wages for hours which they have already worked before the 2-week pay period mark. The new initiative is meant to help workers avoid costly payday loans and other debt traps. The New York Times reports.
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates yesterday for the fifth time since the financial crisis. Unemployment reached 4.55%, indicating that the economy may be at full employment. A Planet Money analysis discusses the shift of the Fed’s attention from unemployment to inflation and what the magic number might be where unemployment can be its lowest without triggering a rise in inflation.
On Monday, the Supreme Court denied cert to hearing Jameka Evans’ case against her employer. Evans alleged that her boss at Georgia Regional Hospital tried to force her to quit because she wore a male uniform and did not conform to female stereotypes. The Supreme Court is expected to hear a case like this in the future, as there is a circuit split of whether Title VII protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Reuters reports.
Daily News & Commentary
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August 16
New documents show that federal surveillance operations targeted Minnesota labor unions during the ICE surge, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission denies halting federal class discrimination complaints.
August 14
Hollywood unions diverge in response to the Paramount-Warner merger saga; Tesla defeats a years-long strike in Sweden, and labor scholars advocate for state sectoral bargaining policy innovation.
August 13
EEOC complaint process expected to harm federal workers; former UAW leaders endorse Fain challenger; Xbox employees protest layoffs.
August 12
Third Circuit affirms dismissal of driver’s bias and retaliation claims against CBS and Teamsters; employment litigation surges in Washington state; MIT Sloan professor argues the rise of “disposable workers” is transforming American employment.
August 11
Rideshare drivers nearing union certification in California; UFCW campaigns against electronic shelf labels; Teamsters support NYC delivery driver bill.
August 10
Employee sues for a fossil-fuel-free 401(k) plan as a religious accommodation; DHS submits a proposed rule eliminating 60-day grace period for H-1B workers; Eighth Circuit dismisses constitutional challenge to the FMSHRC.