The Wall Street Journal reports that Gina Raimondo has won Rhode Island’s Democratic primary, beating labor-backed candidates. Raimondo was the state’s General Treasurer, and supported a controversial plan for pension reform while in office. Rhode Island’s public sector unions are suing Raimondo over the changes in pension plans.
The New York Times reports that small business owners should take a second look at their social media policies after the National Labor Relations Board’s recent decision in the Triple Play case. The agency found that Triple Play illegally infringed on its employees’ protected rights after the bar fired two workers who posted and “liked” comments on Facebook.
The New York Times reports that Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians, the union that represents musicians at the Met, have ratified the labor agreement that the union reached with their employer last month. The American Guild of Musical Artists, which represents the chorus, dancers, soloists, and stage managers, is the only remaining union whose members have yet to ratify the agreement. They are expected to do so this Friday. On Labor has covered the labor controversy at the Met extensively.
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is also experiencing labor issues, according to the New York Times. After a 2012 lockout, the Symphony’s musicians agreed to pay cuts and a shorter workweek (which reduced pay by 14-15%). The employees’ contract expires at midnight on Saturday. Management’s proposed contract would further reduce take home pay for the musicians.
Small companies are increasingly using a “temp to perm” hiring model, the New York Times reports. The employer either pays potential employees consulting fees as they work on a trial basis, or workers are hired on temporary contracts. Advocates say the model helps with recruiting employees who are wary of accepting a job after a short interview. During the trial period employers might ask potential workers to complete three weeks of work in one, with little guidance from management.
Daily News & Commentary
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November 27
Amazon wins preliminarily injunction against New York’s private sector bargaining law; ALJs resume decisions; and the CFPB intends to make unilateral changes without bargaining.
November 26
In today’s news and commentary, NLRB lawyers urge the 3rd Circuit to follow recent district court cases that declined to enjoin Board proceedings; the percentage of unemployed Americans with a college degree reaches its highest level since tracking began in 1992; and a member of the House proposes a bill that would require secret ballot […]
November 25
In today’s news and commentary, OSHA fines Taylor Foods, Santa Fe raises their living wage, and a date is set for a Senate committee to consider Trump’s NLRB nominee. OSHA has issued an approximately $1.1 million dollar fine to Taylor Farms New Jersey, a subsidiary of Taylor Fresh Foods, after identifying repeated and serious safety […]
November 24
Labor leaders criticize tariffs; White House cancels jobs report; and student organizers launch chaperone program for noncitizens.
November 23
Workers at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority vote to authorize a strike; Washington State legislators consider a bill empowering public employees to bargain over workplace AI implementation; and University of California workers engage in a two-day strike.
November 21
The “Big Three” record labels make a deal with an AI music streaming startup; 30 stores join the now week-old Starbucks Workers United strike; and the Mine Safety and Health Administration draws scrutiny over a recent worker death.