In the Wall Street Journal, President Trump’s failed Labor Secretary nominee, Andy Puzder, comments on Amazon’s decision to withdraw its plan to build a second headquarters in New York City. Puzder argues that progressive groups won a victory for workers in the Amazon case — but not for the reason they think. He says that workers will win when Amazon relocates its plans to Virginia, Tennessee, or other rumored states because their salaries will go much further in these low-cost, “more capitalist than socialist” regions. Of course, Puzder is speaking only of Amazon’s highly paid white-collar workers, not its warehouse workers, who might appreciate New York’s higher minimum wage. Puzder also blames unions for Amazon’s withdrawal, and notes appreciatively that unions are much weaker in Virginia and Tennessee. Puzder is the the former CEO of CKE Restaurants, which was recently sued by Towards Justice and several state attorneys general for its illegal use of noncompete clauses for fast-food workers. David Seligman and Brian Shearer discussed the application of antitrust law to such employer activity recently right here at OnLabor.
Southwest Airlines blamed its mechanics’ union for flight delays and cancellations last week. The airline and the union have been locked in contract negotiations for years over issues of pay, benefits, overtime, staffing shortages, and safety concerns. The FAA has increased its oversight of the airline during the labor dispute, concerned that it could harm passenger safety.
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October 10
California bans algorithmic price-fixing; New York City Council passes pay transparency bills; and FEMA questions staff who signed a whistleblowing letter.
October 9
Equity and the Broadway League resume talks amid a looming strike; federal judge lets alcoholism ADA suit proceed; Philadelphia agrees to pay $40,000 to resolve a First Amendment retaliation case.
October 8
In today’s news and commentary, the Trump administration threatens no back pay for furloughed federal workers; the Second Circuit denies a request from the NFL for an en banc review in the Brian Flores case; and Governor Gavin Newsom signs an agreement to create a pathway for unionization for Uber and Lyft drivers.
October 7
The Supreme Court kicks off its latest term, granting and declining certiorari in several labor-related cases.
October 6
EEOC regains quorum; Second Circuit issues opinion on DEI causing hostile work environment.
October 5
In today’s news and commentary, HELP committee schedules a vote on Trump’s NLRB nominees, the 5th Circuit rejects Amazon’s request for en banc review, and TV production workers win their first union contract. After a nomination hearing on Wednesday, the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee scheduled a committee vote on President Trump’s NLRB nominees […]