Hong Kong hospital workers are set to strike today, in an effort meant to push the Hong Kong government to close its borders to mainland China. The hospital workers union voted to strike with a landslide – 3,123 to 10. It is aiming to shut down about 5% of hospital staffing. Hospital workers fear infection from the coronavirus and claim the government has not taken enough precautionary steps to protect the semi-autonomous region.
A new law in New Jersey protects workers’ rights in the case of corporate downsizing. Employers must give 90 days of notice – an extension from the previous 60-day requirement – to employees when downsizing is underway. Employers must also pay severance to full- and part-time workers. Applicable to companies that have been operating in the state for at least three years, this legislation is in response to the massive layoffs the state has seen in its retail sector. Opponents of the law, including the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey members, worry that it creates an unrealistic standard for companies that are downsizing precisely because they lack resources. New Jersey is the first state to enact such legislation.
Last Thursday, 8,000 hospital workers in Seattle’s Swedish Medical Center chain ended their three day strike. Represented by SEIU 1199NW, strikers allege unfair labor practices including retaliation for union organizing and failure to engage in good-faith bargaining. Workers demand higher pay, more benefits, better staffing, and adherence to safety standards. For example, they lament racist pay policies for janitorial staff, the deliberate understaffing of nurses, and the use of cheaper tubing that results in medical spills. Following this strike, the union will return to bargaining with management.
Daily News & Commentary
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
April 1
In today’s news and commentary, Aramark workers at Philly stadiums reach tentative agreement, Crystal Carey is poised to take general counsel at NLRB, President Trump’s nominees for key DOL positions, and the National Treasury Employees Union sues the Trump administration. UNITE HERE Local 274, which represents thousands of food service workers in the Philadelphia region, […]
March 31
Trump signs executive order; Appeals court rules on NLRB firing; Farmworker activist detained by ICE.
March 28
In today’s news and commentary, Wyoming bans non-compete agreements, rideshare drivers demonstrate to recoup stolen wages, and Hollywood trade group names a new president. Starting July 1, employers will no longer be able to force Wyoming employees to sign non-compete agreements. A bill banning the practice passed the Wyoming legislature this past session, with legislators […]
March 27
Florida legislature proposes deregulation of child labor laws, Trump administration cuts international programs that target child labor and human trafficking, and California Federal judge reversed course and ruled that unions representing federal employees can sue the Trump administration over mass firings.
March 25
Illinois warehouse quota bill vetoed; Minnesota residents organize; circuit split on NLRB deference continues
March 23
Mahmoud Khalil and labor; CA Fast Food Council's slow start; debating worker-to-worker organizing