According to the June jobs report released on Friday, the labor participation rate increased slightly from 62.7% in May to 62.8% in June. The labor participation rate, or the share of American civilians over the age of 16 who are working or looking for a job, has declined steadily since 2008. An August 2015 analysis by the President’s Council of Economic Advisers suggests that about half of the drop comes from structural, demographic factors, like aging baby boomers dropping out of the work force. Last week, economists from Goldman Sachs weighed in that the opioid crisis may be limiting the labor participation rate as well. Use of both legal prescription pain relievers and illegal drugs may be limiting individuals’ participation, as employers surveyed noted that many applicants could not pass drug tests. Bloomberg reports.
The increase of 220,000 jobs in June was partly driven by the increase in consumer online shopping. Parcel carriers and delivery firms added 4,200 jobs last month, ramping up hiring for the third month in a row. Online retail sales are expected to reach $436 billion in 2017, up about 10% from 2016. TheWall Street Journal reports.
Lambda Legal announced Thursday that they would be appealing the case of Jameka Evans, a hospital security guard who alleges that she was forced out of her job because of her sexual orientation. As previously reported on the blog, the 11th Circuit decision in Evans v. Georgia Regional Hospital conflicted with the 7th Circuit’s decision in Hively v. Ivy Tech Community College, which found that Title VII’s prohibition against sex discrimination did include discrimination based on sexual orientation. CNN reports.
The Senate Labor Committee has set confirmation hearings for Marvin Kaplan and William Emanuel for the National Labor Relations Board for July 13. Business groups have expressed concern about lingering vacancies on the 5 member board. The Wall Street Journal reports.
Daily News & Commentary
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October 8
In today’s news and commentary, the Trump administration threatens no back pay for furloughed federal workers; the Second Circuit denies a request from the NFL for an en banc review in the Brian Flores case; and Governor Gavin Newsom signs an agreement to create a pathway for unionization for Uber and Lyft drivers.
October 7
The Supreme Court kicks off its latest term, granting and declining certiorari in several labor-related cases.
October 6
EEOC regains quorum; Second Circuit issues opinion on DEI causing hostile work environment.
October 5
In today’s news and commentary, HELP committee schedules a vote on Trump’s NLRB nominees, the 5th Circuit rejects Amazon’s request for en banc review, and TV production workers win their first union contract. After a nomination hearing on Wednesday, the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee scheduled a committee vote on President Trump’s NLRB nominees […]
October 3
California legislation empowers state labor board; ChatGPT used in hostile workplace case; more lawsuits challenge ICE arrests
October 2
AFGE and AFSCME sue in response to the threat of mass firings; another preliminary injunction preventing Trump from stripping some federal workers of collective bargaining rights; and challenges to state laws banning captive audience meetings.