Uber has reached a settlement with 5,000 drivers who argue they were misclassified as independent contractors. The drivers were not covered by an arbitration agreement, though most drivers are now required to sign such an agreement before driving for the company. The agreement will pay $1.3 million to the drivers, or about $150 per driver on average after subtracting attorneys’ fees and costs.
Senator Bernie Sanders continued his public attacks on Amazon, this time alleging it has interfered with efforts of Whole Foods employees to unionize. Senator Sanders was joined by Senator Elizabeth Warren in writing a letter to the company demanding an explanation for a leaked video that appeared to show managers making anti-union threats to Whole Foods employees.
The Labor Department’s regulatory agenda for the next few months includes attempts to roll back the joint employer rule and changes to overtime pay. Franchise businesses like McDonald’s have been pushing to overturn the Obama-era joint employer rule, which holds the parent corporation liable for the labor violations of the franchisee. However, Labor Department attempts to turn back the rule have been complicated by conflicts of interest at the NLRB.
Daily News & Commentary
Start your day with our roundup of the latest labor developments. See all
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.
October 16
Department of Labor reduces wage-and-hour enforcement at unionized workplaces; Fain's victory poses question of federal monitor's extension.
October 15
New reporting examines the rollback of child labor protections; California tries to block a strike; NLRB charges Wisconsin mental health provider with firing workers during union drive.