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
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
October 23
Employers increasingly shift health care costs onto workers and NYC proposes placing restrictions on fully automated customer service.
October 22
SCOTUS declines Wilcox appeal; Penn State research assistants win bargaining rights; SEIU sued over military leave firing.
October 21
DOL withdraws tipped-worker rule; Instacart settles hiring-bias claims; Phillips 66 locks out New Jersey refinery workers.
October 20
Korean unions oppose labor exemption bill; Portland city workers prepare for strike; UPenn grad student union looks to dismiss university filing
October 19
FDA reverses course on policy prohibiting off-duty union activity; FAA and NATCA reach deal to secure pay increase for air traffic controllers.
October 18
Federal judge again halts cancellation of the Bureau of Prisons’ CBA; tabletop gaming workers face roadblocks in union recognition.