Nikita Rumsey is a student at Harvard Law School.
Maryland’s Republican governor Larry Hogan vetoed a statewide paid family and medical leave bill this week. The bill would have guaranteed up to 12 weeks annually for workers with medical need or up 24 weeks for a parent requiring medical need during pregnancy followed by parental leave. However, the state legislature passed the bill with more than the three-fifths majority needed for a veto override, so the bill may yet become law. The legislature will likely need to take another vote before their regular session adjourns on April 11.
Meanwhile, as Bloomberg reported, David Weil, former DOL Wage and Hour administrator during the Obama administration, withdrew his name from consideration for the role this week after failing to garner the necessary support among Senators to advance his nomination. Republicans and business community allies accused Weil of stifling franchising and independent contracting due to his criticism of gig-economy companies’ labor practices and support for broad joint employer rules. Additionally, three moderate Senate Democrats joined Republicans to oppose Weil’s nomination.
In the other news, the historic union victory by the fledgling Amazon Labor Union at the JFK8 fulfillment center may face a protracted legal battle. Amazon filed an appeal this week seeking to overturn the election, outlining 25 objections, including a claim that ALU did not meet the required threshold of employee signatures to compel a vote as well as an objection to undue influence of the NLRB. According to Bloomberg, labor experts do not expect the Board to grant Amazon’s petition, but the ensuing legal fight could hinder the ALU for months or years to come.
Daily News & Commentary
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September 10
Amazon workers allege pregnancy discrimination; federal unions challenge USDA reorganization; NYC warns of silicosis risks.
September 9
Wynn Las Vegas employees allege anti-union retaliation; Amazon faces a class action over pregnancy accommodations; H-1B demand plunges following a six-figure visa fee.
September 8
In today’s News and Commentary, workers and unions across America celebrate Labor Day, California’s SEIU Local 1000 prepares for a strike authorization vote, and New York City creates the Office of Worker Power. On Monday, labor unions and workers gathered in cities across the United States in celebration of Labor Day. Parades and rallies took […]
September 7
Eighth Circuit finds DOL order violates Seventh Amendment; 1,300 workers at Encore Boston Harbor go on strike.
September 6
Encore casino workers strike; President Trump commutes sentence of former Philadelphia IBEW leader; Durham labor activist ends his hunger strike against Amazon.
September 4
NLRB advice memo narrows political protest protections; NLRB asks federal appeals court for deference.