The Ninth Circuit struck down on Friday a Seattle ordinance that purported to give Lyft and Uber drivers the right to unionize. The panel said that Washington had not authorized the law specifically enough, but upheld the trial court’s ruling that Seattle’s law was not pre-empted by the National Labor Relations Act. Some workers’ advocates see the opinion as an overall win, as the court articulated how states could authorize such pro-unionization laws.
The New York Times reports that a high school principal in Queens has been reassigned to a new position after being accused of several acts of sexual misconduct. The New York City government has paid out over $600,000 to settle several lawsuits that accused the principal, Howard Kwait, of sexual harassment and discrimination. City agencies settled 32 such suits from 2014 to 2017 for a total of $4.7 million. Mr. Kwait was accused of making sexual advances on subordinates, discrimination against a teacher on the basis of pregnancy, and retaliation. The move comes as the City seeks to strengthen its sexual harassment responses.
Washington D.C. is grappling with the possible effects if Amazon chooses the city for its second headquarters. Some residents and city leaders are concerned that the influx of workers would burden infrastructure, create traffic, and exacerbate a housing shortage. Amazon has suggested that the average salary for the up-to 50,000 new jobs at HQ2, as it is known, would be $100,000. D.C. Council member Robert C. White, Jr. noted that the city is already experience dramatic gentrification and displacement, and the addition of thousands of high-earning workers may worsen the problem.
Daily News & Commentary
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July 30
In today’s news and commentary, the First Circuit will hear oral arguments on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) revocation of parole grants for thousands of migrants; United Airlines’ flight attendants vote against a new labor contract; and the AFL-CIO files a complaint against a Trump Administrative Executive Order that strips the collective bargaining rights of the vast majority of federal workers.
July 29
The Trump administration released new guidelines for federal employers regarding religious expression in the workplace; the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers is suing former union president for repayment of mismanagement of union funds; Uber has criticized a new proposal requiring delivery workers to carry company-issued identification numbers.
July 28
Lower courts work out meaning of Muldrow; NLRB releases memos on recording and union salts.
July 27
In today’s news and commentary, Trump issues an EO on college sports, a second district court judge blocks the Department of Labor from winding down Job Corps, and Safeway workers in California reach a tentative agreement. On Thursday, President Trump announced an executive order titled “Saving College Sports,” which declared it common sense that “college […]
July 25
Philadelphia municipal workers ratify new contract; Chocolate companies escape liability in trafficking suit; Missouri Republicans kill paid sick leave
July 24
Texas District Court dismisses case requesting a declaratory judgement authorizing agencies to end collective bargaining agreements for Texas workers; jury awards two firefighters $1 million after they were terminated for union activity; and Democratic lawmakers are boycotting venues that have not rehired food service workers.