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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July 17
Canadian wildfires endanger rail workers; 26 Meta employees allege targeted layoffs for those on paid leave; FIFPRO pushes for more rigorous heat protections for players.
July 16
Trump's NLRB nominee set for Senate vote, federal district court grants partial win on WARN Act claims, Brigham and Women's nurses return to work.
July 15
U.S. labor productivity climbs at its fastest pace in decades; a federal judge grants a preliminary injunction to anti-abortion groups challenging Michigan’s civil rights law; and Jackson, Mississippi’s bus workers walk off the job.
July 14
DOJ opens investigation of UAW president; LIUNA protests Pfizer building collapse; national park workers unionize
July 13
New York Times files retaliation suit against the EEOC; US government pushes back TPS designation termination for Haiti; federal judge grants preliminary injunction to federal workers seeking reasonable telework accommodations.
July 12
Postal workers demand investigation into Atlanta distribution center conditions following deaths; University of Chicago Press Workers vote to unionize.