Workplace Issues Today

Germany’s service sector continues to grow, which is a sign that domestic labor is still contributing to growth in the economy. Currently, manufacturing is slowing down which has brought about concerns for the German economy. In the labor market specifically, job growth is at a three year low. The lagging labor market has just started to impact workers, with increasing unemployment for the first time in two years.

See Joseph Nasr, Reuters, Jun 5 2019

Currently, employees at the Nutella factory in Normandy, France are on strike. Not only has production ceased, but people have been blocked from entering or exiting the factory. A Nutella spokesperson has reassured customers that there is a large enough reserve to prevent a shortage. Employees are striking due to stalled wage negotiations- workers are demanding salary increases, bonuses, and better conditions.

See THERESA BRAINE , The New York Daily News, Jun 5 2019

According to the Thomson Reuters Foundation, 80% of canned tuna brands do not know where their fish is coming from- which puts workers at risk. Only seven firms are able to identify the entirety of their supply chains. Slavery is far too common in the fishing industry. Tuna companies are now being pressured to identify where their fish is coming from, and are failing to do so. The canned tuna industry is growing, and so is the slavery and violence associated with it.

See Lin Taylor, Reuters, Jun 3 2019

The head of an oil workers union in Libya was released Thursday, after being held by security officials for nearly a month. The union leader was held for a “routine interrogation.” A week ago, the oil firm NOC, requested that he be released. The oil firm is based in Tripoli, which is still controlled by the country’s government.

See Ayman al-Warfalli & Ahmed Elumami, Reuters, May 31 2019

Next week, members of the graduate student union at the University of Chicago are planning a work stoppage and protest in hopes of gaining University recognition of their organization. Graduate Students United voted to authorize the action last Monday. As of now, there is little information regarding strike specifics. Graduate students have cancelled their classes for the coming week due to the strike. Students have stated that during the strike, they will not be completing any of their typical tasks such as grading, answering emails, or engaging in research.

See Matthew Lee, The Chicago Maroon, May 31 2019

A union representing around 200 Norwegian oil workers has announced that workers intend to strike on June 4 if an agreement is not reached with management. A strike would stop halt production at two of seven offshore fields, at least. In accordance with Norway’s labor laws, a mediator is scheduled to work with the union and management and has set a deadline for negotiations. Norway is the largest oil producer in Western Europe, this strike would lead to significant losses if it were to occur.

See Terje Solsvik, Reuters, May 29 2019

A family that owns a 7-Eleven franchise in Japan struggles to keep their business afloat. The owner of one store has stated that the works 500 hours each month. When his wife is at work with him, their children play in a backroom. As a result of the labor shortage in Japan, many franchise owners are struggling to keep their stores open. Less workers means less time spent with family members, and for one business owner it means long hours and frequent illness.

See Chunichi Shimbun, The Japan Times, May 27 2019

This year workers at three different college campuses in Chicago went on strike. Currently, another strike is being authorized by graduate students at the University of Chicago. In an attempt to explain the increase in industrial activity seen amongst this population, some turn to statistics regarding unionization rates on college campuses. Since the 1970s, unions have grown in academia- university instructors have stated that they are starting to view themselves as laborers. Additionally, graduate students are starting to organize in order to secure higher wages and greater benefits. Many feel that unionization leads to greater accountability for colleges because it makes labor practices more visible.

See Dawn Rhodes, The Chicago Tribune, May 27 2019

On Thursday, hundreds of McDonald’s workers staged a walkout in order to protest low wages and sexual harassment complaints. As a result of the walkout, some franchises have had to close temporarily. The strike was staged at this time in order to catch the attention of McDonald’s execs who are meeting with company shareholders in Dallas. Interestingly, the strike has gained the support of three Democrats who are running for presidential office in the 2020 election.

See Alexia Fernández Campbell, Vox, May 24 2019

After nearly seven years of negotiations, Southwest Airlines mechanics have ratified a new contract. The new contract will give mechanics approximately $160 million in back pay, increase pay by 20 percent, and includes annual raises. The union has stated that the ratified agreement was approved of by more than 90 percent of union members. The major concession that the union made in order to achieve the desirable contract was allowing the firm to continue outsourcing some work to foreign contractors.

See Zach Wichter, The New York Times, May 22 2019

Twenty-three new complaints of sexual harassment have been filed against McDonald’s. Most of these complaints have been filed with the EEOC, and three have been filed as civil rights suits. The complaints include inappropriate touching, and retaliation for reporting inappropriate conduct. Employees have stated that upon reporting sexual harassment, their scheduled work hours were reduced by managers. As a result of the company failing to take a strong stance against sexual harassment, inappropriate conduct continues. The firm has stated that it is committed to preventing sexual harassment, and is working to strengthen its current policies.

See Richard Gonzales, NPR, May 22 2019

Japan has requested that an arbitration board be assembled to assist in the resolution of South Korean labor compensation issues. Japan ruled over South Korea from 1910-1945. A pact was forged between the two countries in 1965 that was intended to cover any issues that might arise from Japan’s former rule over the Korean Peninsula. Last year, South Korea’s courts ordered Japan to compensate South Korea for wartime labor. Japan is now asserting that South Korea has violated the pact, and is requesting arbitration in order to settle the dispute.

See Reija Yoshida, The Japan Times, May 20 2019

A large union in Lebanon is threatening to strike if the government decreases wages as part of its new 2019 budget. The cabinet has been meeting frequently to create a budget that will address the country’s large deficit. Employees fear that wage and benefit cuts will be part of the new budget, and are threatening to go on strike and protest if that is the case. Protests have already occurred in the public sector, as bank employees have gone on strike.

See Ellen Francis, Reuters, May 17 2019

On Thursday, executives from global retailers stated that as artificial intelligence becomes more advanced, stores will offer more training to employees. Many fear that automation and AI are taking away jobs- retailers “played down” this threat by stating that the jobs are not gone, and retailers intend to train employees to do other things as jobs are automated. Execs have stated that AI’s strength lies in completing repetitive tasks. However, robots are not good at interacting with people and so employees will still be needed for customer-facing work.

See Emma Thomasson , Reuters, May 17 2019

More than two million workers will benefit from legislation that was passed on Tuesday, that expands the rights of domestic laborers in Mexico. Many of these laborers are women, who were not recognized as part of the labor market or receiving protections. Now, domestic laborers will have legal rights, written contracts, and benefits including minimum wage and maternity leave. Additionally, the new legislation regulates teen labor by banning domestic work for individuals under the age of 15 and limiting the amount of time that older teenagers can work per day.

See Paulina Villegas, The New York Times, May 15 2019

Amazon has created technology that packages customer orders, a job that has previously been completed by human employees. The new technology is intended to replace workers, which could result in more than 1,000 job losses across the country. The order-packaging machines cost $1 million each, and pay for themselves in less than two years. These machines are another example of how Amazon is attempting to automate warehouse tasks in order to reduce labor costs.

See Jeffrey Dastin , Reuters, May 13 2019

Unionized Macy’s employees have just authorized a strike, in response to more than four months of negotiations. The union has stated that it is hoping to achieve higher wages and less expensive healthcare. It is clear that the union, which represents more than 1,000 Macy’s employees, intends to strike if an agreement is not reached in a timely manner. The union representing Macy’s employees is the same union that represents the Stop & Shop employees that recently had a successful strike.

See Aviva Luttrell, Mass Live News, May 13 2019

The United Nations refugee agency has opened a camp that serves Venezuelans who have fled to Colombia in order to escape the crisis occurring in their home-country. Hyperinflation in Venezuela has made basic necessities, such as medicine, unaffordable for most citizens. The camp is temporary, and is intended to allow migrants to be housed while they look for jobs.

See Steven Grattan, Reuters, May 10 2019

Teachers in Clark County, Las Vegas, will vote this week to determine whether or not to strike at the beginning of the upcoming school year. The proposed collective action is in response to the lack of a state plan to give teachers higher pay and greater resources. According to the union president, teachers are currently facing excessively large class sizes, and a lack of school supplies. Additionally, teachers are dissatisfied with their wages which they believe to be stagnant.

See Miranda Willson, The Las Vegas Sun, May 8 2019

Historically, upward mobility within the Japanese labor market was largely reliant on age. This meant that young people were unable to develop their skills at work until they were older. Now, due to a labor shortage, firms are facing far less competition for their job openings which has resulted in faster career advancement for young people. Additionally, some employers allow workers to work from home, take more vacation days, and create their own goals.

See Stanley White & Kaori Kaneko, Reuters, May 8 2019

Christine Cieplinksi, Director of Labor Relations at UConn Health is claiming a gender discrimination case against UConn Health. Cieplinkso says not only was she was paid less than her male counterparts but she is suffered retaliatory action for a case she handled in the past regarding fraud and sexual harassment which led to the subject’s resignation. Cieplinksi filed her discrimination case in federal court and is awaiting next steps.

See MARC E. FITCH, Yankee Institute, May 7 2019

The AFSCME Local 3299, which represents UC employees, has filed an unfair labor practices charge against the UC system. The employer has allegedly been engaging in negotiations that would allow low-wage employees to be replaced by contractors via outsourcing companies. The union represents more than 25,000 employers- many of whom have service jobs on UC properties. If UC is, in fact, engaging in negotiations regarding outsourcing service jobs, this would be in violation of the requirement of the employer to discuss this potential decision with employees and their representatives.

See Vanessa Arredondo , The Daily Californian, May 6 2019

In Taipei, flight attendants who work for the airline, EVA Air, held a protest yesterday to pushback against unfair labor practices. Employees have alleged that their employer released a report that states that another employer with unionized employees, pays the same wages to flight attendants. This report was released by the company right before a union vote. It appears that the report released by the company does not contain entirely valid information, and thus gives employees a “one-sided” view of the situation. Ministry officials have encouraged the company to negotiate fairly with the union and not do anything to disrupt union activities.

See Ann Maxon , The Taipei Times, May 6 2019

In Colorado, a union representing thousands of grocery store workers has reached an agreement with King Soopers and City Market. The agreement came just in time, as workers were intending to strike over low wages, high health care costs, and other issues. Additionally, following the agreement that King Soopers workers reached, employees at Albertsons and Safeway were able to reach new agreements. These wins for unions are exciting as they come after months of negotiations.

See Joe Rubino, The Denver Post, May 3 2019

Olecia James, a recent high school graduate at Cleveland Central High, had her grade point average tampered with to avoid giving her the salutatorian title due to her race. The school administration internally reduced James’ quality points from the school she attended prior to the high school merger, claiming that those classes were less rigorous. James originally had a 4.41 GPA, however, the Salutatorian distinction was given to a white male student with a 4.34 GPA, and consequently, James’ GPA was reduced to 4.33. The suit alleged that the school officials lowered quality points of black students who took classes at East Side while not altering the quality points of white students who took classes at Cleveland High School, actions indicative of racial discrimination.

See Minyvonne Burk, NBC News, May 2 2019

Luke Paper Mill in western Maryland will be closing the mill in response to reduced customer demand and increasing input costs. Maryland state agencies are working with affected workers by providing state and federal funding, and grant options. The state’s labor and commerce departments are also partnering with local economic development offices to help displaced workers find employment.

See Associated Press, The Washington Post, May 2 2019

The union that represents over 3,000 Stanford nurses has reached tentative bargaining agreements with management, just in time to avoid a strike that had been authorized. A union spokesperson has stated that the agreements include increased wages, “workplace-violence prevention provisions,” and protection of other benefits. A hospital spokesperson has stated that the hospital is glad to have come to an agreement. The union will vote on the agreements on May 8.

See Catherine Ho , San Francisco Chronicle, May 1 2019

Uber’s upcoming initial public offering is estimated to be around 9 billion dollars, the largest IPO in history. Although early investors can expect to gain a lot from this IPO, the drivers that make the company possible won’t be gaining anything. Uber drivers are planning to go on strike on May 8th in seven US cities. Drivers find it difficult to earn a living wage as an app-based driver, and two-thirds of drivers depend on Uber as their largest source of income. In February, New York City passed a law that required ride-hailing companies to pay their drivers at least $17.22 an hour after expenses, a figure that's meant to account for idle time as many drivers spend half of their time waiting for their next job. Unions in other large cities are looking to push for a similar law, as well as ways to appeal the deactivation of a driver's account.

See Michelle Rodino-Colocino, International Business Times, Apr 30 2019

Philippine unionist are planning to protest at the presidential palace in Manila tomorrow for an increase in minimum wages among other issues. The nation’s police chief, Oscar Albayadlde warned the public from joining in on the protest, stating that these demonstrations are causing joblessness and will discourage investments from foreign companies. However, the Kilusang Mayo Uno, May 1st movement (KMU) are not wavering and will continue their plan to strike. They are lobbying for a national wage hike to address the rising costs of living and fundamental human rights in the workplace. An employee at a packing plant in the Philippines’ south saw one of their members shot and killed under police orders due to a strike last year.

See Michael Beltran, South China Morning Post, Apr 30 2019

Bangladesh government officials have produced a website, or a job portal, that is intended to help migrant employees by connecting individuals to licensed recruitment agencies. Evidently, there are “unofficial middlemen” who impose high fees on migrant workers, and otherwise abuse them as they attempt to gain employment. The job portal is intended to eliminate the need/ use of middlemen in order to combat these abuses faced by vulnerable migrant laborers. Additionally, on the job portal, workers will be able to identify jobs that best match their skills- which will aid employers in acquiring employees who have desirable skills.

See Naimul Karim , Reuters, Apr 29 2019

Following an industry-wide strike led by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union, the South African government’s Registrar of Labour Relations threatened to deregister the union. The union has decided to pursue legal action in an attempt to remain registered, insisting that it remains in compliance with the law. The President of the union considers the deregistration threat a “political attack” and intends to meet with the Registrar on Tuesday.

See Paul Burkhardt, Bloomberg, Apr 26 2019

An unidentifiable individual has filed a claim against Google with the NLRB accusing the company of retaliation. The case accuses the company of retaliating against individuals who have been involved in collective action. As of now, the identity of the complainant has not been revealed- the attorney representing the individual who filed the suit has refused to reveal any information. This week, leaders from the walkout that took place recently accused Google of retaliation. Google has refused to comment, but previously stated that the company prohibits retaliation and has asserted that no retaliation has been taking place.

See Josh Eidelson & Mark Bergen, Bloomberg, Apr 26 2019

This past Tuesday, Andowah Newton, former VP of legal affairs and litigation counsel at LVMH sued the company for sexual harassment and retaliation. Newton claims that she was sexually harassed by a male colleague who made suggestive comments, leered at her, tried to kiss, and even lunged his body across hers to thrust his pelvis and genitals into her face. Newton has reported his behavior informally to LVMH personnel, but her case was not further as he worked for the legal department. Newton then took matters into her own hands and told him to stop harassing her through email which led to her manager to officially file the incident. The issue was escalated, however, at the expense of Newton’s treatment at the workplace.

See Amanda Robert, ABA Journal, Reuters, Apr 25 2019

The South African mining union, AMCU, that recently organized a successful industry-wide strike is facing deregistration. The labor registrar has stated that the union is “not a genuine trade union,” because it is not “function[ing] in terms of its constitution.” This decision comes just before the union prepares to enter wage talks in the platinum-industry. If the union is removed from the register, it can still organize strikes but companies would be allowed to forgo giving the union its fees.

See Felix Njini & Paul Burkhardt, Bloomberg, Apr 24 2019

Nearly three million Americans over the age of 55 have entered the workforce over the last three years. Older workers joining or rejoining the workforce have helped the economy immensely, however, experts believe that this growth may be slowing down. Many companies are currently struggling to find employees due to a labor shortage. As a result of less available laborers, companies have had to increase wages- however, the wage increases may not be profitable for much longer.

See Howard Schneider , Reuters, Apr 24 2019

Late last month, Ford announced that they would be ceasing production of all passenger cars in Russia due to inadequate returns on invested capital. Over 900 employees will be let go due to this business disruption. Many employees are unsure of what to do once the plant closes as they have limited education and have been working at the plant for over 10 years. Ford has offered workers severance packages equal to up to 12 months’ salary, but union representatives are unhappy with it as workers in other plants have received up to 2 years’ salary. The union has organized demonstrations, pickets, and work to rule at the Vsevolozhsk factory and will halt productions if its demands are not met in the months before it closes.

See Daniel Kozin, Moscow Times, Apr 23 2019

Following the unionization of Mighty Good Coffee baristas, the coffee chain has decided to shut down. This means that the newly unionized employees are negotiating a cessation contract with their employer, following the news that they are all being laid off. After receiving news of the layoffs, employees held a demonstration outside of the coffee chain’s location- then met with employers to discuss severance pay. Employees are now discussing opening their own coffee shop where workers receive good pay and working conditions.

See Leah Graham , The Michigan Daily, Apr 22 2019

Norwegian airlines’ cabin crew at Charles de Gaulle airport is planning a strike from April 24 to April 26. While a formal strike vote has not taken place, union members generally seem supportive of the idea of engaging in collective action. 70 percent of the cabin crew is represented by the union. A cabin crew strike would likely disrupt the airline’s ability to engage in normal operations.

See The Daily Times, Apr 22 2019

The Association of Mineworkers and Construction union in Africa just ended a five-month strike by signing a wage agreement that will last for three years. The violent strike resulted in at least nine deaths, halted production, and negative financial outcomes for the company. The AMCU went on strike in November following its refusal to approve of a wage agreement that the company had negotiated with other unions. As a result of the strike, employees will now receive greater wages and benefits.

See Felix Njini & Paul Burkhardt, Bloomberg, Apr 19 2019

Britain, hailed as a global leader in the anti-slavery initiative, is undergoing a review of its landmark 2015 law due to criticism that it is not being used effectively. Critics claim the law wasn’t being used to jail traffickers, nor was it enforced on firms to cease forced labor, or help victims. Currently, victims are able to enter the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) program in which they would have access to support ranging from healthcare to legal aid, while the British government determines whether or not to recognize them as victims. Once they’re recognized as a victim, support through the NRM program ends. Activists claim that the short period of support is problematic as it leaves victims at risk of homelessness, destitution or being exploited again. Two trafficking survivors have challenged the court on this policy.

See Kieran Guilbert, Reuters, Apr 18 2019

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc (TEPCO) has informed its subcontractors that foreigners coming to Japan for employment can engage in decommissioning work at the plant. Decommissioning work raises several concerns, particularly with radiation exposure. To prevent excess exposure, TEPCO has required foreign workers to have Japanese language abilities in order to accurately understand the risks communicated to them. Due to the new visa system, in which its goal was to bring in mainly blue-collar foreign workers, Japan is trying to increase its number of subcontractors. However, concerns about labor exploitations were raised; the Justice Ministry issued an ordinance requiring employers to pay wages equivalent to or higher than those of Japanese national. Notably, other major utility companies will not be following suit due to the risk of quality control, terrorism and information leaks.

See Japan Today, Apr 18 2019

Rutgers University was able to avoid a faculty strike by achieving an agreement with the faculty union late Tuesday night. The union has stated that the new agreement promises equal pay for female faculty members, and for members of color. Additionally, the union expressed that the lowest paid union members will be receiving a significant pay increase as a result of the new agreement. The new contract will also provide increased protections for graduate students, and allocate funding towards diversity hiring.

See Kelly Heyboer, NJ.com, Apr 17 2019

The United Auto Workers were in negotiations with the Volkswagen unit back in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Originally it had intended for the company to negotiate a contract with a group of skilled trade workers, however, they have moved to withdraw the case. Prior to reaching its current state, the UAW representative had accused the automaker of illegally refusing to bargain with a unit of about 160 workers who voted to join the union in 2015.

See Daniel Wiessner, Reuters, Apr 16 2019

The Yale Law Women’s group has identified the top 10 law firms for gender equity and family friendliness. The student organization was created to advance women at the university, and in the profession. In creating the top 10 law firms, members of the organization examined over 50 law firm’s policies around family leave and gender equality. They also had firms complete surveys, from which they discovered that the issue of gender inequality has not improved Last year 36% of women made equity partner promotion, however, this year only 29.8% of the women did.

See Meaghan Tribe, Law.com, Apr 16 2019

Amazon employees are currently on strike at four different locations in Germany. Employees are attempting to achieve a collective bargaining agreement that will include higher wages and better conditions. Management at Amazon argues that employees earn wages that are higher than the industry average. Additionally, management argues that the firm is not part of the retail and mail order industry, but the logistics industry. Strikes will last until Thursday in some locations, and deliveries will most likely not be affected.

See The Local Germany, Apr 15 2019

At a recent conference for game developers, workers participated in roundtables to discuss ways to organize and increase worker power. Game Workers Unite is a group that emerged last year that is advocating for unionization in the game development industry. Workers who develop video games frequently work long hours without overtime, experience layoffs, and earn minimal wages while company executives take home millions. While white-collar activism has been increasing in the tech space, game developers may be the first group to organize due to their long hours and the prevalence of cyclical layoffs.

See Sam Dean, The LA Times, Apr 12 2019

On Thursday, thousands of Stop & Shop workers went on strike to protest low wages and inadequate benefits. Union contract negotiations reached a standstill, even with the help of federal mediators, which began the strike. Many Stop & Shop locations have been forced to close. Stores will not be reopening until the company is able to recruit temporary workers. It is estimated that over 30,000 employees in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island are participating in the strike.

See Nicholas Rondinone , The Hartford Courant, Apr 12 2019

T-Mobile and Spring have proposed a merger in order to build a 5G network, which will increase connectivity speeds over cellular wireless. Labor unions, particularly the Communication Workers of America (CWA), are unsupportive of the merger. Unions claim that the merger will eliminate over 30,000 jobs in the industry. In defense of T-Mobile, Sprint’s Chairman, Marcelo Claure, claimed that T-Mobile is being targeted by CWA for unfair labor practices, and this is because of the union's contractual relationship with AT&T. The merger between the two telecommunication companies is still on hold.

See Ken Blackwell, CNS News, Apr 11 2019

Volkswagen employees in Chattanooga Tennessee have filed yet another petition to join the United Auto Workers. This is the third petition that employees have filed with the NLRB in the past five years. According to the petition, of the 1,709 employees that make up the bargaining unit, at least 30 percent of them are seeking union representation. Volkswagen management has declined to comment on the issue, and appears to be remaining neutral until the petition has been reviewed.

See The Washington Post, Apr 10 2019