The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times report that Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposed minimum wage increase that would have been the world’s highest. Swiss trade unions were seeking a minimum hourly wage of $24.65 in an effort to ensure fair salaries for workers in the lowest-paid sectors, such as retail. Switzerland currently has no national minimum wage.
The Los Angeles Times reports that organized labor groups across Brazil have begun a series of strikes and protests for higher pay and better working conditions as the World Cup nears. Associations of police officers, teachers, transportation workers, public employees, security guards, homeless people, and political activists alike are engaging in these demonstrations.
The Associated Press reports that Connecticut has the largest part-time labor force. The percentage of those working fewer than 35 hours weekly now comprises 22.2% of Connecticut’s employment, outpacing the Northeast, South, Midwest, and West.
The Washington Post reports that D.C. Public Schools have reached a tentative collective-bargaining agreement with the Council of School Officers, the union representing principals, assistant principals, business managers, master educators, and other non-teachers who work in schools.
Daily News & Commentary
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August 23
Hyundai Motors workers launch full-day strike; federal judge rules in favor of Vermont dairy plant in closure dispute
August 21
Tyson workers respond to abrupt plant shutdown; DOL ends its power to police federal contractor bias.
August 20
Unions sue the government over new visa rule; Judge declines to dismiss former Amazon worker's suit.
August 19
NLRB swears in third Trump-appointed Member; Teamster file complaint against Amazon in New York; unions and college students sue Trump admin for international student immigration restrictions
August 18
New Trump administration rules will remove the Merit Systems Protection Board's independence; a CFPB union leader suspended alleges retaliation; the National Treasury Employees Union requires its members to pay dues as it battles to stay financially afloat.
August 17
Tensions rise between New York City's teachers' union and City Hall; NLRB judge finds Brooklyn hospital violated labor law.