Vivian Dong is a student at Harvard Law School.
In response to E.U. threats of retaliation against his proposed steel and aluminum tariffs, President Trump threatened that he would levy a new tax on cars imported from the European Union. Presently, the United States levies a 2.5 percent tariff duty on cars made in Europe. In addition to the European Union, China, Canada, and other major U.S. trading partners have threatened retaliatory measures if the president follows through on his decision to impose a 25% tariff on all steel imports and a 10% tariff on all aluminum imports.
The West Virginia teachers’ strike will go on at least through Monday. After the teachers’ unions struck a deal for a 5% raise with Republican Governor Jim Justice earlier in the week, the state senate refused the 5% deal and offered 4% instead. Dale Lee, the president of the West Virginia Education Association, consequently announced that all public school remain closed until the state senate honors the 5% deal.
Hot on the heels of West Virginia, Oklahoma teachers are planning to go on strike sometime in the coming weeks. A group of teachers met on Friday to discuss strike plans. After less than a week in existence, the Facebook group “Oklahoma Teacher Walkout – The Time is Now!” boasts nearly 30,000 members. Standardized state testing in Oklahoma occurs during the first week of April; some teachers have proposed strike action during that time.
A study by the MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research finds that Uber and Lyft drivers make a median wage of $3.37, after driver expenses like gas and depreciation are taken into account. The study also finds that 74% of drivers earn less than their state minimum wage, and 30% of drivers are actually losing money from driving. Uber’s in-house economist has responded to the claims, describing the study design as “flawed.”
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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.
July 10
Brigham and Women’s Hospital locks out 4,000 nurses after one-day strike; appeal filed challenging agency-shop agreements.