Hannah Belitz is a student at Harvard Law School.
The Los Angeles Times reports that a coalition of unions representing over 20,000 Los Angeles city employees has voted to support a proposed contract with the city. According to union officials, they secured pay raises and a commitment to hire thousands of new workers. In addition, union members will not have to pay any added out-of-pocket costs for healthcare premiums and pension plans will be kept in place for existing employees. The agreement does reduce the retirement benefits offered to new hires, however, and it also holds off on raises until summer 2017. The proposed contract, which follows over a year of bargaining, is expected to go to City Council for approval in October.
Health insurance deductibles are outpacing wage increases, according to an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation and reported in the New York Times. Kaiser estimates that, since 2010, deductibles have risen over six times faster than have workers’ earnings. Kaiser’s chief executive said that many of the insurance policies rely on high deductible to keep premiums low, and some employers have also increased their deductibles to defray the higher costs associated with the federal health care law. This coincides with a stagnation of wages, leaving many workers unable to pay for the healthcare services they need.
Politico weighs in on Walker’s exit from the GOP presidential primary, cautioning that Walker’s political career may not be truly over. IAFF President Harold Shaitberger had a different perspective, however. “I think this ends his national political career, and maybe his political career,” Shaitberger said. “I can’t imagine anyone considering him for anything in national politics, much less a place on the ticket.” AFSCME President Lee Saunders used Walker’s withdrawal to warn Republican presidential candidates against nominating Supreme Court justices who would “further rig the rules for the wealthy.” Politico notes that Saunders was probably referring to Friedrichs.
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