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Workers at Trinity Health Grand Haven Hospital voted 89 to 66 to keep their union — after their employer had already illegally stripped it from them. The NLRB went to court seeking an emergency order to restore recognition while the case was litigated. Two Trump-appointed Sixth Circuit judges said no. The dissent came from a Reagan appointee. On this episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, union attorney and Brooklyn Law School adjunct professor Andrew Strom breaks down what that ruling means, why the NLRA's four-year enforcement process makes preliminary injunctions the only real deterrent against illegal employer conduct and why the same court that gives employers automatic injunctions against workers who violate non-compete agreements refuses to apply the same logic when employers strip workers of their collective bargaining rights. Read the full analysis at onlabor.org.
At a live event hosted at Red Emma's Cooperative Bookstore and Coffeehouse in Baltimore, MD, TRNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez got to sit down for a deep and wide-ranging conversation with Chris Smalls, co-founder and former president of the Amazon Labor Union. Alvarez and Smalls discuss Smalls' new book, When the Revolution Comes: A Fight for the Future of the Working Class; they recount the incredible story of the formation of the Amazon Labor Union and the unionization of the first Amazon warehouse in the US; and they talk about Smalls' journey from warehouse worker and labor organizer to becoming an internationally recognized public figure and a human rights activist who has sailed with humanitarian flotilla missions to Gaza and Cuba. Additional links/info: Chris Smalls X page and InstagramChris Smalls, Penguin Random House, When the Revolution Comes: A Fight for the Future of the Working ClassMaximillian Alvarez, TRNN, “Chris Smalls: Sabotage attempts and death threats won't stop Gaza Freedom Flotilla”Featured Music: Jules Taylor, Working People Theme SongCredits: Audio Post-Production: Jules TaylorBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetworkBecome a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!
Labor Radio talks to a St. Mary's nurse as the NLRB sets June 11th as the date for a union representation election to join SEIU Wisconsin, organized labor sponsors a forum for candidates for Governor of Wisconsin ahead of the primaries, Cargill is closing its Milwaukee facility and laying off over 220 workers, Labor Radio speaks to the both the outgoing and incoming presidents at IBEW Local 2304, and there is an update on donation numbers for the National Association of Letter Carriers food drive. THIS IS A WORT PLEDGE WEEK EDITION.
In this episode, we kick things off with a grim warning from Wall Street about one of the industry's more specialized logistics players. S&P Global Ratings has slashed Odyssey Logistics' debt rating to CCC+ and warned of a possible default in 2027. The third-party logistics provider faces $125 million in revolving credit maturing in July 2027 and a massive $490 million term loan due that October, with S&P projecting the company will exhaust all available liquidity as utilization climbs to approximately $42 million by mid-2027. Next, we discuss a major legal victory for the e-commerce giant in a case that could have fundamentally reshaped its delivery network. A National Labor Relations Board judge has approved a settlement ending the process that could have declared Amazon a joint employer with its Direct Service Providers. The original complaint centered on Amazon's relationship with Battle Tested Strategies, a DSP operating out of the DAX8 facility in Palmdale, California, believed to be the only DSP where workers voted for Teamsters representation. Under the settlement, which includes a nonadmission clause specifically disclaiming Amazon's joint employer status, workers at BTS are entitled to two weeks' pay. Finally, we explore increasingly positive signals from a major bellwether for the less-than-truckload sector as Old Dominion Freight Line reported a 12.3% year-over-year revenue increase per day during May, significantly outpacing its previously reported 7.6% revenue increase in April. May tonnage declined just 3.8% year-over-year, a notable improvement from April's 6.1% decline, while yield increased approximately 16% during the month. The improving metrics are being bolstered by a broader industrial recovery, with the Purchasing Managers' Index registering a 54 reading for May, the highest in four years. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we kick things off with a grim warning from Wall Street about one of the industry's more specialized logistics players. S&P Global Ratings has slashed Odyssey Logistics' debt rating to CCC+ and warned of a possible default in 2027. The third-party logistics provider faces $125 million in revolving credit maturing in July 2027 and a massive $490 million term loan due that October, with S&P projecting the company will exhaust all available liquidity as utilization climbs to approximately $42 million by mid-2027. Next, we discuss a major legal victory for the e-commerce giant in a case that could have fundamentally reshaped its delivery network. A National Labor Relations Board judge has approved a settlement ending the process that could have declared Amazon a joint employer with its Direct Service Providers. The original complaint centered on Amazon's relationship with Battle Tested Strategies, a DSP operating out of the DAX8 facility in Palmdale, California, believed to be the only DSP where workers voted for Teamsters representation. Under the settlement, which includes a nonadmission clause specifically disclaiming Amazon's joint employer status, workers at BTS are entitled to two weeks' pay. Finally, we explore increasingly positive signals from a major bellwether for the less-than-truckload sector as Old Dominion Freight Line reported a 12.3% year-over-year revenue increase per day during May, significantly outpacing its previously reported 7.6% revenue increase in April. May tonnage declined just 3.8% year-over-year, a notable improvement from April's 6.1% decline, while yield increased approximately 16% during the month. The improving metrics are being bolstered by a broader industrial recovery, with the Purchasing Managers' Index registering a 54 reading for May, the highest in four years. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, our guest is Chris Smalls, discussing his new book, “When the Revolution Comes: A Fight for the Future of the Working Class.” Smalls, best known as the co-founder and former president of the Amazon Labor Union, led the first successful union drive at an Amazon warehouse in the United States. Smalls traces his path from growing up working class in Hackensack, New Jersey, to becoming a warehouse worker and supervisor at Amazon, leading a COVID walkout over unsafe conditions, and being fired and smeared from the very top of the company. From there, we get into the nuts and bolts of how a small group of workers with a shoe-string budget, a table at the bus stop, and a lot of persistence built enough trust and solidarity to beat a trillion-dollar corporation at its own facility. Along the way, we talk about the broken NLRB, Amazon's years long strategy of appeals to avoid bargaining, and why Smalls believes strikes and independent, worker led organizing are the only way to force the company to negotiate in good faith. We conclude our conversation with Smalls connecting his fight at the fulfillment warehouse to a broader internationalist politics, talking about meeting Amazon workers and militant unions in Europe and tying Amazon and Google's cloud and AI contracts for the Israeli military directly to the same surveillance infrastructure used on workers at home. He's candid about the cost of taking a public stand for Palestine including lost followers, speaking invitations, even a potential movie deals—and about how quickly liberal politicians and union leadership disappear when a labor struggle becomes explicitly anti-imperialist. If you're interested in what serious, unapologetic working-class politics looks like in practice, you will enjoy this conversation. About Chris Smalls Chris Smalls (born July 4, 1988) is an American labor organizer and prominent voice for worker rights, racial justice, and economic democracy. He has been widely profiled in major media outlets and was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People, while continuing to support union drives and picket lines. Order the book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/724036/when-the-revolution-comes-by-chris-smalls/ Chris's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.smalls_/ Greg's Blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/ Pat's Substack: https://patcummings.substack.com/ #AmazonLaborUnion#ChrisSmalls#WhentheRevolutionComes#labormovement#labororganizing#Amazonunion#Amazonwarehouse#JFK8#AmazonStatenIsland#ProjectNimbus#Palestinesolidarity#COVIDwhistleblower#JeffBezos#unionbusting#NLRB#DemocraticPartyandlabor#anticapitalism#Times100ChrisSmalls#radicalpolitics#Teamsters#Palestineandlabor#PatCummings#PatrickCummings#GregGodels#ZZBlog#ComingFromLeftField#Podcast#zzblog#mltoday
Labor momentum in D.C.'s entertainment industry isn't just growing—it's compounding. IATSE Local 22 Vice President Nick Arancibia and Business Agent Ryan Chavka join the show to discuss their third major regional theater victory in six years: Arena Stage. We dive into how a "bombshell" management demand for 60-hour workweeks at Signature Theatre sparked a movement that changed NLRB case law, and why the union is now expanding into iconic rock-and-roll venues like the 9:30 Club. In this episode, we discuss: The Signature Spark: How one disastrous management decision led to a 100% card-signing drive in six weeks. A Shifting Market: Why younger workers are prioritizing "predictable lives" over just higher wages. The Turning Tide: What it means when non-union venue managers start calling the union because they can't keep staff.
Oral Arguments for the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit
Preferred Building Services, Inc. v. NLRB
10,000 Nurses on the Edge, a Union Decertification & the GLP-1 Benefit Bomb Landing July 1Three stories in one week that cut across labor relations, trust, and total compensation strategy. Bo, Luke, and ASHHRA Executive Director Jeremy Sadlier break down what every healthcare HR leader needs to act on before July 1st — with ASHHRA26 in Savannah just days away.
The federal government may be swinging the hammer, but workers are building anyway. Jennifer Sherer, deputy director of the Economic Policy Institute's Economic Analysis and Research Network, joins the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a moment of startling contrasts. Despite a hostile federal environment, approximately 463,000 workers joined unions in 2025. Sherer breaks down how states like Virginia are becoming the new front lines for worker power—banning captive-audience meetings, repealing "right to work" laws and protecting the right to strike when Washington fails to act. But grassroots growth is being met by a "legal ghost" in the courts. In our second segment, labor lawyer Andrew Strom joins us for a post-mortem on the Bobby Reed case. After 13 years of litigation and two victories before the NLRB, the D.C. Circuit Court used a 73-year-old legal doctrine to strip Reed—a 34-year utility veteran—of his federal protections. His "crime"? Testifying before the Texas State Senate about workplace fires without explicitly mentioning a labor dispute. Strom explains how this ruling turns civic participation into a minefield for private-sector workers and why the current Supreme Court makes a rescue unlikely. Featured Guests: Jennifer Sherer: Deputy Director, EARN (Economic Policy Institute) Andrew Strom: Labor Lawyer, Brooklyn Law School professor and OnLabor contributor Inside the Episode: The data behind the 463,000-worker union surge The "Jefferson Standard" and the death of worker free speech Bobby Reed and his 13-year fight for justice
On today's Labor Radio Podcast Daily: the Labor Heritage Power Hour explores how unions are investing in arts and culture to build worker power. In labor history, the NLRB moved to speed union elections in 2012. Quote of the day: Barack Obama. @wpfwdc @AFLCIO #1u #UnionStrong #LaborRadioPod Proud founding member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network. Produced by Chris Garlock, Patrick Dixon and Harold Phillips.
What employers should know about key developments this week: NLRB Nomination Signals Shifting Board Majority: The nomination of James Macy—packaged with the renomination of Democratic Member David Prouty—could give the National Labor Relations Board ("NLRB" or "Board") a three-person Republican majority, providing the votes needed to overturn Biden-era precedents. Quorum Pressure Drives Confirmation Timeline: The Senate must confirm at least one nominee before Member Prouty's term expires in August to preserve the Board's quorum, making a swift confirmation process likely. Key Precedents on the Chopping Block: With a third Republican vote, the Board is expected to revisit the captive audience meeting rule, the Cemex bargaining order decision, Thryv's expanded remedies, and standards for evaluating employer work rules. In this episode of Employment Law This Week®, Epstein Becker Green attorney Michael S. Ferrell discusses what a three-person Republican majority on the NLRB would mean for employers and which Biden-era precedents are most likely to be reconsidered. Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw432 Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw-subscribe Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com - Epstein Becker Green is a national law firm that focuses its resources on health care, life sciences, and workforce management solutions, coupled with powerful litigation strategies. This video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this video does not create an attorney-client relationship. EMPLOYMENT LAW THIS WEEK® and #WorkforceWednesday® are registered trademarks of Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. © Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. All Rights Reserved. Attorney Advertising.
In this episode, Labor Law Insider host Tom Godar, and his special guest, Adam Doerr, continue to explore the momentum shift away from the extreme interpretations of the Biden-appointed National Labor Relation Board. In part 1, published earlier in April, the focus was on recent decisions of the Board, limiting the reach of the interpretation of authority imposed in decisions such as Thryv. Adam and Tom continue to offer play-by-play comments in part 2 of this podcast as they discuss the Courts of Appeal whistling fouls committed by the previous Board as it sought to rewrite the rules of the game. In Brown-Forman Corp v. NLRB, the Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit rolled back the clock to the long-standing Gissel standard, limiting the Board's authority to issue bargaining orders without an election or after a loss of an election by a union. It found that the Board lacked authority to create this new policy through a decision rather than rulemaking. Likewise, the Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit rejected the broad interpretations of possible damages for committing an Unfair Labor Practice under the prior Board's Thryv decision, ruling in Hiran Management v. NLRB that the broad remedies under that Board decision were “beyond the text of the NLRA.” Our insiders offer post-game analysis that the momentum shift will not only change the interpretation of the NLRA but will also change ways in which employers craft and interpret policies, and generally provide much greater freedom in applying supervisory oversight for their employees. Join us for part 2 of the Labor Law Insider.
Suzi speaks with Kate Levin, Janis Yue, and Sanjay Madhav, lead organizers of United Faculty-UAW, about their unionization drive at the University of Southern California (USC), one that would create the largest bargaining unit of non-tenure-track faculty at a private university in the US. Ballots go out April 24 and will be counted on May 18. The organizers describe two years of faculty-driven organizing, built one conversation at a time. Currently 75% of USC faculty are non-tenure-track, with no job security, no say over working conditions, and no recourse against healthcare cuts or wage freezes — the result of 40 years of academic corporatization. Now they're fighting back. USC's response? The administration has chosen to deploy the same constitutional wrecking-ball legal playbook pushed by SpaceX/Amazon, arguing that the NLRB itself is unconstitutional. No other university has taken such an extreme position. This is more than a labor story; it's an account of the assault on democratic institutions, the NLRB, worker rights, and higher education itself at a moment when universities are under attack from federal funding cuts and DEI rollbacks. USC's non-tenure-track faculty are fighting not just for a contract but for the principle that workers can organize at all. The organizers highlight the inspiration drawn from the successful NYU contract, and explain why winning this election in this political moment could change academic labor nationwide. Jacobin Radio with Suzi Weissman features conversations with leading thinkers and activists, with a focus on labor, the economy, and protest movements.
The National Labor Relations Board has sided with United Healthcare Workers petitioners and has scheduled a representation vote at Rogers Health facilities in Madison and West Allis, three University of Wisconsin-Madison employee unions join campus student groups to march to the UW administration and demand ICE Out of UW, after a sweeping strike vote the Teamsters hammer out a contract with B&G Foods in Stoughton, unemployment ticks up in Wisconsin, labor activists who are veterans of the recent Operation Metro Surge assault in Minnesota visit Madison to talk about lessons learned, Labor Radio talks to the Wisconsin Farmers Union about the farm labor shortage, and the non-for-profit Union Now is launched by the labor movement to give help to strikers and organizers.
What employers should know about key developments this week: DOL Proposes Opening 401(k) Investments: The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposed a rule establishing a process-based safe harbor for fiduciaries under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, opening the door to alternative assets—including cryptocurrency, private equity, and real estate—in 401(k) plans. NLRB Wants Its Removal Protections Stripped: The National Labor Relations Board ("NLRB" or "Board") asked a federal court to declare unconstitutional the statutory provisions limiting the U.S. president's ability to remove members of the NLRB and administrative law judges—marking the first time the Board itself has taken this position. Compliance with Military Leave Requests: Amid ongoing global conflicts, employers should prepare for an influx of military leave requests and review their obligations under the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, as well as any applicable state law. Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw430 Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw-subscribe Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com - Epstein Becker Green is a national law firm that focuses its resources on health care, life sciences, and workforce management solutions, coupled with powerful litigation strategies. This video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this video does not create an attorney-client relationship. EMPLOYMENT LAW THIS WEEK® and #WorkforceWednesday® are registered trademarks of Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. © Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. All Rights Reserved. Attorney Advertising.
Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 Stocks take another dive as the Trump regime plays fast and loose with tariffs; the en banc panel for the DC Circuit Court of Appeals has reinstated Cathy Harris and Gwynne Wilcox to their jobs at the NLRB and MSRP; the North Carolina Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a lower court ruling requiring 65,000 people to cure their ballots; NIH researchers have made a cancer breakthrough but layoffs are delaying it; a second unvaccinated child has died of measles and RFK Jr uses it as an opportunity for a photo op; the Trump administration is planning on spending $45M on immigrant detention; Trump is planning a giant North Korean style military parade on his birthday; and the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals REFUSED to pause an order forcing the Trump admin to return Maryland father Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. before midnight tonight; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News. Guest: Bobby Kogan@bbkogan - BlueSkyBobby Kogan - Center for American Progress Stories:Supreme Court delays midnight deadline for Trump administration to fix mistaken deportation of Maryland man | ABC News Stock Market Volatility Hits 5-Year High As Wall Street Grapples With ‘Manmade' Tariff Problem | ForbesBessent flew to Florida to lobby Trump on tariff message - POLITICO N.C. Supreme Court halts decision requiring verification of 65,000 votes in tight judicial race | NBC News NIH scientists have a cancer breakthrough. Layoffs are delaying it. | The Washington Post Appeals court halts Trump independent agency firings, spurring Supreme Court battle | The Hill RFK Jr. visits Texas after second child dies of measles amid outbreak | The Washington Post Trump Administration Aims to Spend $45 Billion to Expand Immigrant Detention - The New York Times Trump planning military parade through DC for 79th birthday | The Hill Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:https://apple.co/3XNx7ckWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?https://patreon.com/thedailybeanshttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/https://apple.co/3UKzKt0 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Labor and community activists who have been confronting ICE in Minneapolis will speak in Madison and Labor Radio talks to one of them ahead of the event, the April 7 election shows many big wins for labor-endorsed candidates, the NLRB has finally ordered Amazon to bargain with its union, state union worker Ben Gruber explains why he is running for a State Assembly seat, and Madison holds a Workers Assembly modeled after a similar action in Minnesota.
There seemed to be another type of madness going on this past month. NLRB called a foul on Jireh Plumbing as it tried to block imposition of a union without an election, ignoring historic precedent established by the Cemex decision. Join host Tom Godar and all-star guest Adam Doerr as they explore recent board decisions which continue NLRB's shift back in favor of Team Employer. Part 1 leans into the recent board rulings, and part 2, which will be published later this month, follows Courts of Appeals as they also block the Biden-board fast break to new and union friendly interpretations of labor law. Relevant NLRB Decisions: Jireh Plumbing, LLC St. John's College
What employers should know about key developments this week: Sixth Circuit Rejects Cemex Bargaining Order: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit refused to enforce a bargaining order issued under the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB's) 2023 Cemex standard. Cemex Remains in Effect Outside the Sixth Circuit: The NLRB continues to treat Cemex as binding policy in all other jurisdictions, leaving employers outside the Sixth Circuit's reach exposed to bargaining orders under the standard. A Formal Reversal May Be Coming: With its current composition, the NLRB is widely expected to reject Cemex outright when the appropriate case arises—thereby restoring the long-standing framework requiring unions to win a representation election before gaining recognition. In this episode of Employment Law This Week®, Epstein Becker Green attorney Steven M. Swirsky provides insights on the Sixth Circuit's decision and what it means for employers navigating union recognition demands. - Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw428 Download our Wage & Hour Guide for Employers app: https://www.ebglaw.com/wage-hour-guide-for-employers-app. Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw-subscribe Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com - Epstein Becker Green is a national law firm that focuses its resources on health care, life sciences, and workforce management solutions, coupled with powerful litigation strategies. This video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this video does not create an attorney-client relationship. EMPLOYMENT LAW THIS WEEK® and #WorkforceWednesday® are registered trademarks of Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. © Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. All Rights Reserved. Attorney Advertising.
Episode 14 The NLRB Asks a Court to Strip Its Own Independence Hosted by Mark G. Eskenazi The NLRB asked a Texas district court to sever from the NLRA job protections for board members and administrative law judges so that the president would have at-will removal authority over those officials. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and should not be considered the views of Fox Rothschild LLP or its attorneys. This podcast is for informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
In this inaugural episode of our Labor Law Solutions podcast, shareholders Tom Davis (Nashville) and Tom Stanek (Phoenix), who co-chair the firm's Traditional Labor Relations Practice Group sit down with co-chair and former NLRB member Brian Hayes (Washington) to discuss recent developments in labor law. The speakers discuss the new NLRB board members and general counsel, recent decisions and related rulemaking petitions, joint-employer standards, and constitutional challenges to the NLRA's removal restrictions. Whether you're navigating union organizing campaigns, unfair labor practice charges, or staying ahead of shifting NLRB precedent, this podcast offers practical guidance for management-side labor professionals.
Episode 13 From the NLRB to the Border: Labor Enforcement Goes Global Hosted by Mark G. Eskenazi and Ian Meklinsky How and why labor risk analysis expands beyond the U.S. boarder. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and should not be considered the views of Fox Rothschild LLP or its attorneys. This podcast is for informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
What employers should know about key developments this week: • National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Sets New Enforcement Priorities: NLRB General Counsel Crystal Carey directed regional offices to prioritize the resolution of current cases over initiating new enforcement actions. • Department of Labor (DOL) Targets Non-Union Workplaces: In an internal memo, DOL Solicitor of Labor Jonathan Berry emphasized that enforcement would focus on non-unionized environments, noting that unions were better equipped to address issues in unionized workplaces. • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Cracks Down on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policies: EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas issued a warning that preference-based diversity policies may violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and signaled a return to systemic investigations and large-scale litigation. Download our DEI Compliance Audit Checklist: Review DEI-related employment practices. Ensure compliance with applicable federal laws. Align organizational policies with established best practices. Download Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw426 Download our Wage & Hour Guide for Employers app: https://www.ebglaw.com/wage-hour-guide-for-employers-app. Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw-subscribe Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com - Epstein Becker Green is a national law firm focused on health care and life sciences; employment, labor, and workforce management; and litigation and business disputes. Our attorneys advise clients at every stage of their business lifecycle, delivering practical, results-driven counsel that shapes strategy, accelerates growth, and safeguards what matters most. We serve organizations of every size, from emerging startups to Fortune 100 companies, across the health care, life sciences, financial services, retail, hospitality, and technology industries, with sound legal solutions they can depend on when it counts. www.ebglaw.com This video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this video does not create an attorney-client relationship. EMPLOYMENT LAW THIS WEEK® and #WorkforceWednesday® are registered trademarks of Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. © Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. All Rights Reserved. Attorney Advertising.
We have a Huntsville City School Board member to talk about education, and an Alabama auto worker to talk about organizing.✦ ABOUT ✦The Valley Labor Report is the only union talk radio show in Alabama, elevating struggles for justice and fairness on the job, educating folks about how they can do the same, and bringing relevant news to workers in Alabama and beyond.Our single largest source of revenue *is our listeners* so your support really matters and helps us stay on the air!Make a one time donation or become a monthly donor on our website or patreon:TVLR.FMPatreon.com/thevalleylaborreportVisit our official website for more info on the show, membership, our sponsors, merch, and more: https://www.tvlr.fmFollow TVLR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheValleyLab...Follow TVLR on Twitter: @LaborReportersFollow Jacob on Twitter: @JacobM_ALFollow TVLR Co-Creator David Story on Twitter: @RadiclUnionist✦ CONTACT US ✦Our phone number is 844-899-TVLR (8857), call or text us live on air, or leave us a voicemail and we might play it during the show!✦ OUR ADVERTISERS KEEP US ON THE AIR! ✦Support them if you can.The attorneys at MAPLES, TUCKER, AND JACOB fight for working people. Let them represent you in your workplace injury claim. Mtandj.com; (855) 617-9333The MACHINISTS UNION represents workers in several industries including healthcare, the defense industry, woodworking, and more. iamaw44.org (256) 286-3704 / organize@iamaw44.orgDo you need good union laborers on your construction site, or do you want a union construction job? Reach out to the IRONWORKERS LOCAL 477. Ironworkers477.org 256-383-3334 (Jeb Miles) / local477@bellsouth.netThe NORTH ALABAMA DSA is looking for folks to work for a better North Alabama, fighting for liberty and justice for all. Contact / Join: DSANorthAlabama@gmail.comIBEW LOCAL 136 is a group of over 900 electricians and electrical workers providing our area with the finest workforce in the construction industry. You belong here. ibew136.org Contact: (205) 833-0909IFPTE - We are engineers, scientists, nonprofit employees, technicians, lawyers, and many other professions who have joined together to have a greater voice in our careers. With over 80,000 members spread across the U.S. and Canada, we invite you and your colleagues to consider the benefits of engaging in collective bargaining. IFPTE.org Contact: (202) 239-4880THE HUNTSVILLE INDUSTRIAL WORKERS OF THE WORLD is a union open to any and all working people. Call or email them today to begin organizing your workplace - wherever it is. On the Web: https://hsviww.org/ Contact: (256) 651-6707 / organize@hsviww.orgENERGY ALABAMA is accelerating Alabama's transition to sustainable energy. We are a nonprofit membership-based organization that has advocated for clean energy in Alabama since 2014. Our work is based on three pillars: education, advocacy, and technical assistance. Energy Alabama on the Web: https://alcse.org/ Contact: (256) 812-1431 / dtait@energyalabama.orgThe Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union represents in a wide range of industries, including but not limited to retail, grocery stores, poultry processing, dairy processing, cereal processing, soda bottlers, bakeries, health care, hotels, manufacturing, public sector workers like crossing guards, sanitation, and highway workers, warehouses, building services, and distribution. Learn more at RWDSU.infoThe American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union proudly representing 700,000 federal and D.C. government workers nationwide and overseas. Learn more at AFGE.orgAre you looking for a better future, a career that can have you set for life, and to be a part of something that's bigger than yourself? Consider a skilled trades apprenticeship with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. Learn more at IUPAT.orgUnionly is a union-focused company created specifically to support organized labor. We believe that providing online payments should be simple, safe, and secure. Visit https://unionly.io/ to learn more.Hometown Action envisions inclusive, revitalized, and sustainable communities built through multiracial working class organizing and leadership development at the local and state level to create opportunities for all people to thrive. Learn more at hometownaction.orgMembers of IBEW have some of the best wages and benefits in North Alabama. Find out more and join their team at ibew558.org ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
What employers should know about key developments this week: NLRB Reinstates 2020 Joint Employer Rule: Under the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB's) rule, a company is a joint employer only if it exercises substantial, direct, and immediate control over at least one of an employee's key employment terms. Employer Liability Outlook: The risk of joint-employer liability is lower without direct involvement in core employment decisions. DOL Proposes New Independent Contractor Rule: The U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL's) new proposal revives the 2021 standard, emphasizing economic realities and the actual practices of the parties rather than just the contractual agreements. In this episode of Employment Law This Week®, Epstein Becker Green attorneys Erin E. Schaefer and Jeffrey H. Ruzal provide insights on the NLRB and DOL regulations, examining what these developments mean for employers. Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw425 Download our Wage & Hour Guide for Employers app: https://www.ebglaw.com/wage-hour-guide-for-employers-app. Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw-subscribe Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com - Epstein Becker Green is a national law firm that focuses its resources on health care, life sciences, and workforce management solutions, coupled with powerful litigation strategies. This video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this video does not create an attorney-client relationship. EMPLOYMENT LAW THIS WEEK® and #WorkforceWednesday® are registered trademarks of Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. © Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. All Rights Reserved. Attorney Advertising.
Episode 10 NLRB Updates: Bargaining Remedies, Captive Audience Meetings, Joint Employer and More Hosted by Mark G. Eskenazi and Ian Meklinsky Two pro-employer steps taken by the new NLRB. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and should not be considered the views of Fox Rothschild LLP or its attorneys. This podcast is for informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Episode 9 High-Profile Labor Disputes to Watch Hosted by Mark G. Eskenazi and Ian Meklinsky What the court's decision on a Biden-era barging order standard could mean for your business. Also covered: new guidelines on EAJA letters and the Railway Labor Act is found to have jurisdiction over a space exploration company. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and should not be considered the views of Fox Rothschild LLP or its attorneys. This podcast is for informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
In today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, we explore two critical fronts of the labor movement: proactive workforce development in the trades and the legal defense of bargaining unit integrity. Segment 1: Masonry's Next Generation in Central NY Daren Gulliver, Training Director for BAC Local 2, discusses a successful partnership with New York's Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). Gulliver outlines how Local 2 is reaching students as early as age 17 to provide hands-on masonry fundamentals and clear pathways into registered apprenticeship programs. Key Insight: Why "bridge programs" and earlier recruitment are essential to combatting the skilled labor shortage while providing debt-free career stability. Segment 2: Protecting the Bargaining Unit from Technical Exclusions Kate Black, Field Director for AFSCME Council 65, breaks down a significant National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) unit clarification ruling involving Head Start teachers in Minnesota. Black explains how the employer used a "statutory supervisor" argument to narrow the bargaining unit and why this case serves as a warning for unions nationwide. Key Insight: How a single supervisory factor—effectively recommending discipline—can be used to strip workers of their union protections and what AFSCME is doing to prepare for future classification challenges.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and should not be considered the views of Fox Rothschild LLP or its attorneys. This podcast is for informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Episode 6 Early February NLRB Decision Round-Up Hosted by Mark G. Eskenazi and Katherine Cohodes Trends for employers to watch regarding refusal-to-bargain cases.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and should not be considered the views of Fox Rothschild LLP or its attorneys. This podcast is for informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Episode 7 Mid-February NLRB Decision Round-Up Hosted by Mark G. Eskenazi and Katherine Cohodes Breaking down the new board's first Unfair Labor Practice decision on appeal from an Administrative Law Judge.
The rules of the game are changing—both at the border and in the regional field office. On today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, we are joined by two leading experts to discuss the policy shifts threatening union leverage in 2026. Part 1: The USMCA 2026 Review with Adam Hersh Senior Economist Adam Hersh joins us to break down the high-stakes "NAFTA 2.0" review coming this July. While USMCA was sold as a fix for manufacturing, Hersh explains why loopholes in auto rules of origin and the threat of offshoring continue to chill collective bargaining. We discuss: What happens if the U.S., Mexico, and Canada don't agree by July. How "China-linked" supply chains are shifting the footprint in Mexico. The essential pillars of a truly worker-centered trade agenda. Part 2: The NLRB Staffing Crisis with Andrew Strom Brooklyn Law School professor and labor lawyer Andrew Strom returns to discuss a compounding crisis at the National Labor Relations Board. With staffing at a decade-long low and a post-shutdown backlog mounting, "justice delayed" is becoming a tactical weapon for employers. We dive into: How new ULP intake procedures are slowing down investigations. The "chilling effect" on witness statements when cases sit for months. Why funding the NLRB is the most cost-effective way to protect the NLRA. Listen in to hear how unions can navigate these legal and economic headwinds to keep building power.
The business of college sports is accelerating. So are the legal questions. Labor Relations Group Co-leader Laura Pierson-Scheinberg and her colleagues, former NLRB chair Marvin Kaplan and Michael Bertoncini, discuss what college and university athletic programs can expect from increased NIL activity and athlete mobility, shifting labor law interpretations, and growing state and federal levels of involvement.
This week, we discuss the Department of Labor's (DOL's) new compliance tools, its proposed pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) transparency regulation, and updated enforcement priorities from the DOL's Employee Benefits Security Administration. We also cover the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB's) revamped case intake process. DOL Releases Compliance Tools The DOL has introduced new resources—including interactive toolkits, industry-specific guidance, updated fact sheets, and self-audit checklists—to help employers avoid wage-and-hour violations. DOL Issues Proposed Regulation for PBMs The DOL has issued a proposed regulation, now open for comment, aimed at increasing transparency from PBMs. The proposal would mandate PBMs to disclose the full scope of fees, rebates, and compensation. Additionally, the DOL's Employee Benefits Security Administration has unveiled a significant overhaul of its enforcement priorities for 2026. NLRB Adjusts Intake Procedure Faced with a significant number of pending cases due to the government shutdown and staffing issues, the NLRB has instituted a new intake procedure for unfair labor practice charges. - Visit our site for this week's Other Highlights and links: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw421 Subscribe to #WorkforceWednesday: https://www.ebglaw.com/eltw-subscribe Visit http://www.EmploymentLawThisWeek.com - Epstein Becker Green is a national law firm that focuses its resources on health care, life sciences, and workforce management solutions, coupled with powerful litigation strategies. These materials have been provided for informational purposes only and are not intended and should not be construed to constitute legal advice. The content of these materials is copyrighted to Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. EMPLOYMENT LAW THIS WEEK® and #WorkforceWednesday® are registered trademarks of Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and should not be considered the views of Fox Rothschild LLP or its attorneys. This podcast is for informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Episode 2 Recent NLRB Decisions - A Unified Board Moving Cases Hosted by Mark G. Eskenazi and Katherine Cohodes The NLRB has issued more than 30 decisions in contested cases since the new members took office on Jan. 7, 2026.
Wednesday, January 29th, 2025Trump tried to seize the power of Congress by halting all appropriations - and a Biden appointed judge blocked it hours later; Trump has asked two million federal workers to voluntarily resign; the CDC has been ordered to stop working with the World Health Organization; top USAID staff have been put on administrative leave; federal employees have filed a lawsuit over the HR at OPM government wide email for privacy concerns; Republican state attorneys general are pressuring Costco to drop their DEI programs; Jim Acosta announces he's leaving CNN; Trump has moved to fire Dem members of the EEOC and NLRB; six transgender service members are suing Trump and Pete Hegseth over the ban on trans people serving in the military; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Guest: Steve VladeckSteve Vladeck | Substack@stevevladeck on BlueskyFederal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen. Stories:Republican attorneys general call out Costco for maintaining DEI policies - Kate Gibson | CBS NewsMore than 50 career civil servants at USAID are placed on administrative leave - Abigail Williams, Vaughn Hillyard and Raquel Coronell Uribe | NBC NewsCDC ordered to stop working with WHO immediately, upending expectations of an extended withdrawal - MIKE STOBBE | AP NewsTrump administration will offer the roughly 2 million federal workers a buyout to resign - Garrett Haake and Amanda Terkel | NBC NewsLawsuit alleges new Trump administration email system for federal employees raises privacy concerns - Tierney Sneed | CNN PoliticsD.C. federal judge temporarily blocks Trump plan to pause federal aid spending - Daniel Barnes | NBC NewsDem AGs set to challenge Trump's ‘clearly unlawful' federal aid freeze - KYLE CHENEY | POLITICOSix active duty service members file first lawsuit challenging Trump's transgender troop ban - TARA COPP | AP NewsGood Trouble Determine whether Wisconsin's highest court remains controlled by liberals — as it has since 2023 — or flips to conservatives, who had the majority for 15 years before then.You can volunteer for Judge Crawford's campaign atSusan Crawford - JUDGE CRAWFORD FOR WISCONSIN SUPREME COURTCheck out other MSW Media podcastsShows - MSW MediaCleanup On Aisle 45 podSubscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.com Follow AG and Dana on Social MediaAllison GillSubstack|Muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWrote, Threads|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewroteDana GoldbergTwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, BlueSky|@dgcomedyHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily BeansFrom The Good NewsContributors - TRANS MILITARY VOICESTwin Cities Pride ParadeTwin Cities Pride raises more than $70,000 to fill gap after dropping Target sponsorshipHelp Autumn I- FidoRescue.orgShiny Box PicturesThe Stewpot Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:https://apple.co/3XNx7ckWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?https://patreon.com/thedailybeanshttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/https://apple.co/3UKzKt0 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The views expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and should not be considered the views of Fox Rothschild LLP or its attorneys. This podcast is for informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Episode 1 New Leadership at the NLRB Hosted by Mark G. Eskenazi and Katherine Cohodes On January 7, Crystal S. Cary was sworn in as General Counsel of the NLRB, giving her tremendous influence over federal labor law. With the swearing in of two new board members, James R. Murphy and Scott A. Mayer, the board has its first quorum in months and has already started issuing decisions.
A year ago on the Heartland Labor Forum we predicted what was in store for working people in 2025. This week we'll look in our 2026 crystal ball and ask How will workers and unions do this year? Will organizing surge despite a paralyzed NLRB? Will Missourians reject gerrymandered maps? Will unions join the No Kings coalition? Will the Chiefs get a deal in Kansas?
This episode unpacks the real danger of a female-dominated profession being policed through male eyes, the seismic shift happening with NLRB independence, and what HR leaders need to prepare for as workplace regulation becomes a political ping-pong ball. Bryan breaks down why the next few years will be anything but predictable for your compliance calendar.What We Cover– The Michigan firefighter bra inspection case and why "professionalism" is being weaponized to keep workplaces male-dominated – Why this case matters even though it shouldn't exist—and how past court rulings could doom the firefighter's lawsuit – The NLRB's loss of independence and what it means when presidents can fire board members at will– How decades of stable labor policy will now swing with every election cycle – The real difference between independent agency oversight and direct presidential control – Why rapid policy reversals in employment law will crush compliance predictability – Union membership trends: will the NLRB chaos actually drive more unionization or accelerate decline? – Bryan's three bold bets for 2026: AI implementation, AI discrimination issues, and te blue state/red state divide – The impossibility of creating one handbook that works across incompatible state laws – Why HR is the only department in the room protecting the human impact of business decisionsConnect with Bryan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanjohndriscoll/ Connect with Traci here: https://linktr.ee/HRTraci Disclaimer: Thoughts, opinions, and statements made on this podcast are not a reflection of the thoughts, opinions, and statements of the Company by whom Traci Chernoff is actively employed.Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products or services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
This Day in Legal History: January 6 InsurrectionOn January 6, 2021, a significant and unprecedented legal and constitutional crisis unfolded in the United States. As a joint session of Congress convened to certify the Electoral College results of the 2020 presidential election, a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol. The attack followed weeks of false claims about election fraud and a rally earlier that day in which Trump urged his supporters to “fight like hell.” The violent breach forced lawmakers to evacuate, delayed the certification of Joe Biden's victory, and resulted in deaths, injuries, and extensive property damage.Legally, the event triggered a cascade of consequences. Hundreds of participants were arrested and charged with offenses ranging from unlawful entry and assaulting federal officers to seditious conspiracy. High-profile members of far-right groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys were prosecuted, with some leaders convicted of seditious conspiracy, a Civil War-era charge rarely used in modern times. The attack also led to Trump's second impeachment, the first time in U.S. history a president was impeached twice. He was charged with incitement of insurrection, although the Senate ultimately acquitted him.In the broader legal aftermath, January 6 prompted legislative and judicial scrutiny of the Electoral Count Act of 1887, with Congress passing reforms in 2022 to clarify the vice president's limited role in certifying election results. The attack also raised questions about the limits of First Amendment protections when political speech turns into violent action, and about the potential disqualification from office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits insurrectionists from holding public office.Barry Pollack, the U.S. attorney best known for securing WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's release deal, is now representing Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro in a high-profile U.S. narcotics case. Maduro, who was captured in a U.S. military operation along with his wife, pleaded not guilty this week in a Manhattan federal court to charges of leading a cocaine trafficking conspiracy involving guerrilla groups and drug cartels. Pollack plans to challenge the legality of Maduro's capture—calling it a “military abduction”—and is also expected to raise arguments about foreign leader immunity.These arguments face steep legal obstacles. The U.S. no longer recognizes Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate president, having rejected the results of his 2018 re-election. Furthermore, U.S. courts have historically been reluctant to dismiss cases based on how a defendant was brought to U.S. soil. Still, Pollack's involvement signals a serious defense strategy grounded in international legal questions and executive immunity claims.Pollack's experience with politically charged and internationally sensitive cases is extensive. He recently helped negotiate Assange's release from a British prison through a plea deal that allowed the WikiLeaks founder to avoid U.S. imprisonment and return to Australia. His track record also includes work on behalf of a former CIA officer and an acquitted Enron executive.Assange's lawyer Barry Pollack to fight Maduro's US narcotics charges | ReutersWith a new Republican majority appointed by President Donald Trump, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is expected to shift sharply away from pro-union policies that defined its recent Democratic era. After nearly a year of paralysis caused by Trump's unprecedented firing of Democrat Gwynne Wilcox—leaving the board without the quorum needed to issue decisions—the Senate confirmed two Republican nominees in December 2025, restoring its ability to act and giving conservatives control of the five-member board for the first time since 2021.Key Biden-era decisions are now vulnerable to rollback. These include expanded union rights such as representation without secret-ballot elections, bans on mandatory anti-union employer meetings, and broader remedies for fired workers. Critics say these moves strayed from precedent; federal courts are reviewing them, but outcomes will vary by jurisdiction unless the Supreme Court weighs in.Union election rules are also likely to change. Under Biden, the NLRB accelerated the election process and made it harder for decertification efforts to proceed—moves unions supported to counter employer delays. Republicans are expected to reverse these rules, potentially making it easier to dissolve existing unions.The board's political independence is also under scrutiny. A court recently upheld Trump's removal of Wilcox, challenging legal protections meant to shield NLRB members from dismissal without cause. If the Supreme Court supports similar arguments in upcoming cases, the NLRB's structural independence could be weakened, raising concerns about politicization and fairness in labor adjudications.Meanwhile, lawsuits by major companies like Amazon and SpaceX are targeting the board's role as both prosecutor and judge in its own cases, claiming constitutional violations. If courts side with these challengers, it could force Congress to restructure the agency—perhaps by limiting its powers or shifting cases to federal courts.NLRB poised for major policy shifts in 2026 with new Trump-appointed majority | ReutersWisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan resigned following her conviction for obstructing the arrest of a migrant in her courtroom, a case that became entangled in broader national tensions over immigration enforcement. Dugan, elected to the Milwaukee County Circuit Court in 2016, was found guilty in December 2025 of helping Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, a Mexican national facing domestic violence charges, evade U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who were present at the courthouse. She had denied wrongdoing, claiming she followed a courthouse policy requiring staff to notify supervisors of ICE's presence.Her conviction drew sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers, with some calling for impeachment, especially as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to crack down on local interference with federal immigration policy. Dugan had been suspended from her judicial duties during the legal proceedings. Prosecutors framed the case as a warning that public officials are not above the law, highlighting the Justice Department's willingness to pursue charges against judges who obstruct federal enforcement actions.Before serving as a judge, Dugan led a local Catholic Charities chapter that provided refugee resettlement services. Her background and the nature of the charges underscored the ongoing conflict between local protections for immigrants and federal efforts to expand deportations.Wisconsin judge resigns after being convicted of obstructing migrant arrest | ReutersMy column this week is on a novel cruise tax. Hawaii's attempt to expand its transient accommodations tax to include cruise ship passengers hit a temporary roadblock when the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a New Year's Eve stay, pausing enforcement of the new “green fee.” The law, which took effect January 1, aims to place cruise cabins on equal tax footing with hotels by imposing an 11% tax on the portion of a cruise fare linked to overnight stays while docked in Hawaiian ports. Hawaii argues this is a general, nondiscriminatory tax on short-term lodging rather than a fee tied to the ship itself. To bolster its legal case, the state is framing cruise cabins as equivalent to hotel rooms, and emphasizing that the tax is based on services consumed on land, not the ship's movement or port access.The cruise industry, however, contends the tax violates the Constitution's Tonnage Clause, which prohibits states from levying duties on ships for merely entering or staying in port. They've also invoked the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1884, which restricts port-related charges not linked to specific services. But Hawaii's defense is that the tax is not about access or vessel status—it is a consumption tax on guests staying overnight, regardless of whether the bed is on land or in a moored ship. The policy avoids targeting ships and instead captures revenue from tourism, aligning maritime and land-based lodging under a consistent legal framework.The Department of Justice has joined the cruise industry's challenge, suggesting the issue's seriousness. If litigation continues, the U.S. Supreme Court may ultimately decide whether this tax model is constitutionally sound. Still, Hawaii's approach—drafting a neutral, consumption-based tax rather than a maritime-specific charge—may serve as a blueprint for other coastal states looking to tap into cruise tourism revenue without triggering constitutional violations. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
Tuck chats with writer and union organizer Alma Avalle (she/her) about the Transparent finale, Trader Joe's dream to destroy the NLRB, and Alma's experience getting very publicly fired from Condé Nast in an egregiously illegal instance of union retaliation! Listen to the full episode on Patreon to hear discussions of Emilia Perez, paywalled Condé gossip, "Anna Wintour's elite fiefdom rocked by woke soap opera," and much more! Find Alma at @goodbyealma across platforms and @picnic_mag on IG. Download issue 1 of Picnic Magazine for pay-what-you-want, and don't forget to sign the petition to reinstate the Fired Four. ~ Senior Producer: Ozzy Llinas Goodman Logo: Ira M. LeighMusic: Breakmaster CylinderAdditional Music: Blue Dot Sessions
In this episode of The Daily, we break down the record-breaking peak retail season of 2025, which saw tender rejections soar above 13% amidst severe winter storms. We also explore why truckload order lead times continue to rise, hitting a six-year high as shippers adjust their strategies to cope with escalating trade tensions. The discussion turns to a critical regulatory standoff as California faces threats of federal funding cuts and CDL program decertification over improperly issued non-domiciled licenses. This potential "nuclear option" from the FMCSA could ground hundreds of thousands of drivers, creating a massive liability risk for carriers and brokers alike. On the labor front, we analyze a major court ruling where Amazon lost its bid to halt NLRB proceedings, keeping the controversial "joint employer" designation in play for delivery service providers. Meanwhile, in the rail sector, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern defend their merger application against competitors claiming the nearly 7,000-page filing is incomplete. Finally, we look south at the booming nearshoring trend where Chihuahua has emerged as Mexico's top exporting state driven by advanced manufacturing and electronics. We also discuss how Mexico's new tariffs on Asian imports are aligning with U.S. trade policy to reshape cross-border logistics in 2026. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This Day in Legal History: Fundamental Laws of 1906On December 30, 1905, Tsar Nicholas II signed the “Fundamental Laws of 1906,” marking a pivotal moment in the Russian Empire's struggle between autocracy and constitutionalism. This act came in response to the Revolution of 1905, a period of mass unrest fueled by political repression, economic hardship, and a humiliating defeat in the Russo-Japanese War. The October Manifesto, issued two months earlier, had promised the establishment of a legislative Duma and the expansion of civil liberties. However, the Fundamental Laws, signed in December, revealed the Tsar's intention to retain ultimate authority despite these concessions.The document laid out a framework for governance, establishing a bicameral legislature with the Duma as its lower house, but Article 4 made clear that “the All-Russian Emperor possesses the supreme autocratic power.” This meant that, legally, any legislative progress remained subordinate to the Tsar's will. The laws also granted the Tsar control over the military, foreign policy, and the ability to dissolve the Duma at his discretion.While the Fundamental Laws introduced formal legal structures and acknowledged the existence of limited civil rights, they were largely symbolic gestures rather than meaningful reforms. Instead of curbing autocratic rule, the laws codified it, cloaking absolute monarchy in the appearance of legality. This duality deepened public dissatisfaction and political fragmentation.Rather than stabilizing the empire, the signing of the Fundamental Laws sowed further distrust in the regime and highlighted the Tsar's unwillingness to relinquish power. These contradictions contributed to the failure of the Duma system and fueled revolutionary momentum that would ultimately culminate in the revolutions of 1917.The Trump administration reached an agreement to review certain NIH grant applications that had been stalled or rejected amid a broader legal challenge over cuts to diversity-related research funding. The agreement followed a federal court ruling in Boston that found the NIH acted unlawfully when it canceled grants based on their perceived ties to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Though the Supreme Court later paused part of that ruling and shifted some aspects of the litigation to a court specializing in monetary claims, the review process for future NIH funding remained in legal limbo.Under the new agreement, the NIH will re-evaluate previously frozen or withdrawn grant applications, though it is not required to fund any specific proposals. Plaintiffs in the case, including researchers and several Democratic-led states, argued that the impacted studies—focusing on topics like HIV prevention, LGBTQ health, Alzheimer's, and sexual violence—serve vital public health needs.One of the plaintiffs, University of New Mexico postdoctoral researcher Nikki Maphis, said the agreement allows important scientific work to resume after what she described as an “arbitrary and destructive freeze.” The underlying NIH policy change, which cut funding for projects deemed to reflect ideological rather than scientific priorities, remains contested. A prior ruling blocking the policy is still under appeal by the Department of Health and Human Services.Trump administration agrees to review stalled NIH research grants after lawsuit | ReutersThe Trump administration's aggressive defunding of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has pushed the agency to the brink of collapse, jeopardizing one of the few federal institutions explicitly designed to protect everyday Americans from financial harm. Created in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, the CFPB has long served as a crucial recourse for people facing predatory lending, credit reporting errors, identity theft, and financial discrimination. The agency has helped return more than $21 billion to consumers since its founding. And yet, under President Trump's second term, it's being systematically dismantled—through funding cuts, legal challenges, and staffing reductions—with the administration openly declaring its intent to shut the agency down.In the absence of the CFPB, those wronged by financial institutions—like Bianca Jones, who battled a credit reporting error that nearly cost her a home, or Morgan Smith, who turned to the agency after being targeted by identity theft—may find themselves with nowhere to turn. The administration claims the CFPB promotes a political agenda, but the result is fewer protections for those already vulnerable. Rules around medical debt, overdraft fees, credit card terms, and mortgage lending have been gutted. Investigations have been shelved. Enforcement is evaporating.Critics argue that other regulators can fill the gap, but the CFPB was created because no one else was doing the job. Without it, financial institutions are more likely to abuse their power with impunity.You should ask yourself: who benefits when a consumer watchdog is taken offline? Because it certainly isn't the teachers, the single parents, the sick, or the struggling borrowers trying to make sense of a system stacked against them. It's the companies who'd rather not answer for what they do in the dark.Trump's funding cuts put America's consumer watchdog on the brink of collapse | ReutersA federal appeals court ruled that it cannot hear Amazon's constitutional challenge to the structure of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), deepening a circuit split on the issue and increasing the likelihood of U.S. Supreme Court review. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals found that Amazon's case stemmed from a labor dispute and was therefore barred by the Norris-LaGuardia Act, which prohibits courts from intervening in active labor disputes. Amazon had filed the lawsuit to halt an NLRB case claiming it was a joint employer of unionized drivers working for a subcontractor and therefore obligated to bargain with their union.Amazon's broader claim—that the NLRB's structure is unconstitutional because its board members and judges are protected from at-will removal—has gained traction elsewhere. The 5th Circuit, in a recent case involving Elon Musk's SpaceX, ruled that such protections are unlawful and allowed a similar challenge to proceed. But the 9th Circuit firmly disagreed, emphasizing that courts should not interfere with labor board proceedings, regardless of the constitutional claims involved.This ruling aligns with a 3rd Circuit decision and stands in direct conflict with the 5th Circuit, setting the stage for a high-stakes resolution by the Supreme Court. Importantly, the 9th Circuit's ruling doesn't completely shut the door on such challenges—employers can still raise constitutional objections in NLRB proceedings and appeal after the fact. But for now, Amazon and other companies must make their case through the channels Congress established for resolving labor disputes.US court says it can't hear Amazon's NLRB challenge, deepening circuit split | ReutersA Utah judge has granted the release of most of the transcript and audio from a closed hearing in the high-profile case involving the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The hearing, held in October, addressed courtroom safety measures for the accused, Tyler Robinson, who is charged with aggravated murder and other serious offenses. Prosecutors allege Robinson fired a single fatal shot from a rooftop during a university event where Kirk was speaking, and they intend to seek the death penalty.Judge Tony Graf ruled that only about one page of the 80-page transcript would remain redacted, primarily for safety and security reasons. He also clarified that media organizations do not need special legal status to cover the proceedings, rejecting a request that would have guaranteed them advance notice of any future attempts to close hearings.Graf has already decided that Robinson can appear in civilian clothing but must remain physically restrained in court. However, media outlets are prohibited from photographing or filming his restraints, as defense attorneys argued such images could bias potential jurors. A hearing set for February will address whether cameras will be allowed in the courtroom at all.Kirk's death, which occurred during a campus debate, triggered widespread condemnation of political violence from across the ideological spectrum.Judge grants release of redacted transcript of Charlie Kirk case hearing | ReutersAs 2025 winds down, my Bloomberg column this week is a year-end piece reflecting not just on what was written, but on which ideas still resonate because the problems they address remain unresolved. The lasting relevance of several pieces underscores how little has shifted in tax and policy debates. A July column urging states to break free from federal tax volatility feels even more urgent now, as states still cling to unstable baselines. Early in the year, hopes that efficiency rhetoric (read: DOGE) might close the tax gap faded, with political discomfort around auditing the wealthy preventing any meaningful change. April's look at the step-up in basis revealed how death, not borrowing, remains the biggest capital gains loophole—and one Congress left untouched in the 2025 tax law. A May column on IRS immigration enforcement gains new resonance as the crackdown deepens, pushing some immigrant workers further from voluntary compliance. And October's piece on Pung v. Isabella County remains live, with the Supreme Court set to decide whether fairness in tax foreclosures means market value or simply what the government collects.Each of these columns anticipated weather patterns we're now standing in—proof less of foresight and more of inertia. If 2026 brings more engagement, even without clear solutions, there's hope that next year's retrospective won't feel like a reprint with new dates.Read the 5 Most Relevant Technically Speaking Columns of 2025 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
On Monday, Nov. 24, after more than 1,100 days on strike, Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh members were cheered on by supporters at a rally in downtown Pittsburgh before returning to work at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Even though strikers have returned to work, however, many issues at the center of the strike are still in legal limbo—and their fight for a fair contract is not over. In this episode of Working People, we speak with three Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh members—Bob Batz. Jr, Natalie Duleba, and Steve Mellon—about where things stand now, how their lives have changed since returning to work, and what it takes to hold the picket line for over three years. Additional links/info: Pittsburgh Union Progress website Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh website, Facebook page, and InstagramBob Batz Jr. & Steve Mellon, Pittsburgh Union Progress, “Pittsburgh journalists vote to end country's longest strike and notify the PG they are returning to work”Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, “Post-Gazette strikers send company return to work offer”Sara Scire, Nieman Lab, “What newsroom organizers learned from the years-long strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette”Featured Music: Jules Taylor, Working People Theme SongCredits: Audio Post-Production: Alina Nehlich Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetworkBecome a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!
What do the National Labor Relations Board, Blake Lively's lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, and Lindsey Halligan have in common? They're all swimming in the chaos soup cooked up by a Supreme Court that engages in motivated reasoning and jettisons precedent whenever it gets in the way. Eat up!Links: Richman v. UShttps://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71982634/richman-v-united-states/?order_by=descCorporate Union Busting in Plain Sight, Economic Policy Institute, January 28, 2025https://www.epi.org/publication/corporate-union-busting/Amazon Services LLC v. New York State Public Employment Relations Board (New York Litigation) [docket via CourtListener]https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71421477/amazoncom-services-llc-v-new-york-state-public-employment-relations-board/National Labor Relations Board v. State of California (California Litigaton) [docket via CourtListener]https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71657795/national-labor-relations-board-v-state-of-california/National Trust for Historic Preservation v. National Parks Servicehttps://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72028010/national-trust-for-historic-preservation-in-the-united-states-v-national/List of Trump Clemency Grantshttps://www.justice.gov/pardon/clemency-grants-president-donald-j-trump-2025-presentUS v. Abrego https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70475970/united-states-v-abrego-garcia/?order_by=descAbrego Garcia v. Noem https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71191591/abrego-garcia-v-noemShow Links:https://www.lawandchaospod.com/BlueSky: @LawAndChaosPodThreads: @LawAndChaosPodTwitter: @LawAndChaosPodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Anna-Marta Visky, Senior Campaign Lead for District 1 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), joined the podcast to discuss the pressing issue of healthcare affordability for public employees in New Jersey. Andrew Strom, labor lawyer and adjunct professor at Brooklyn Law School, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to warn listeners about the looming threats to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Strom's conversation centered on the ripple effects of the Supreme Court's consideration of Trump v. Slaughter. This case could significantly increase presidential control over independent agencies such as the NLRB.
In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with performance management, workplace dynamics, and employer liabilities. Mark F. Kluger practices exclusively in the area of labor and employment law on behalf of employers. For ten years, before founding Kluger Healey, LLC, he was Chairman of the Labor and Employment Department of one of New Jersey's oldest law firms. Mark is a frequent speaker and writer on sexual harassment and discrimination avoidance, workplace diversity, performance management, union avoidance, and a myriad of other employment-related subjects and regularly conducts training sessions for employers on these critical topics. In addition, Mark has extensive experience in counseling employers on issues involving discipline and discharge, reductions in force, mergers and acquisitions, compliance with wage and hour, disability, COBRA, and family and medical leave laws. He regularly drafts all forms of employment policies and handbooks, severance agreements, employment contracts, non-competition and confidentiality agreements, and affirmative action plans. Mark also represents employers in collective bargaining, grievance arbitration, NLRB proceedings, and picket line issues. Mark graduated from Vassar College in 1984 and Cornell University Law School in 1987. He was an Adjunct Professor at Seton Hall Law School from 1991-1996 and served as a member and President of the Board of Education in North Caldwell, New Jersey from 2002-2008. Check out all of the podcasts in the HCI Podcast Network!
Tuesday, December 9th, 2025Today, Alina Habba has surrendered from her position as the interim US Attorney in New Jersey; rumor has it that Donald will fire Kristi Noem this January and replace her with Glenn Youngkin; the boat at the center of the double tap strike was not headed to the United States; Hegseth told Admiral Bradly the passengers were on a kill list; Marjorie Taylor Greene told 60 Minutes that Republicans privately hate Trump but refuses to name names; Donald blasts Congressman Henry Cuellar for not switching parties after he pardoned him; the Supreme Court heard arguments on the President's authority to fire people from multi-member boards like the MSPB and NLRB; a federal judge has blocked the government's access to the Comey emails at the core of their now dismissed indictment; and Allison and Dana deliver and your Good News.Thank You, Helix27% Off Sitewide, when you go to https://HelixSleep.com/dailybeansSubscribe to the MSW YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@MSWMediaPodsStonewall Inn Brick Awards - https://stonewallinitiative.org/brick-awards-gala-fundraiserStoriesTrump's plans to shatter the bureaucracy have a green light at the Supreme Court | POLITICOBoat at center of double-tap strike controversy was meeting vessel headed to Suriname, admiral told lawmakers | CNNExpert Q&A on the U.S. Boat StrikesSteve Vladeck | SubstackTrump Blasts Henry Cuellar, Democrat Lawmaker, for Not Switching Parties After Pardon | The New York TimesGood Trouble - https://near.tl/sm/ik-ZushRaBrom Jess Craven over at Chop Wood, Carry Water on Substackhttps://chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com/p/chop-wood-carry-water-125-805“Donald Trump and his ballroom architect have parted ways, and Trump has hired a new firm, Shalom Baranes Associates - https://www.sbaranes.com, to do the project.Their email address is inquiries@sbaranes.com”From The Good NewsClaire Reynolds - https://bsky.app/profile/yeehawclaire.bsky.social Separation of Church and Hate Book - https://a.co/d/bp1JkMMLibby - https://libbyapp.com→Please submit your own at https://DailyBeansPod.com - click on ‘Good News and Good Trouble'Our Donation Linkshttps://www.nationalsecuritylaw.org/donate, https://secure.actblue.com/donate/msw-bwc, http://WhistleblowerAid.org/beansJoin Dana and The Daily Beans and support on Giving Tuesdayhttp://onecau.se/_ekes71Federal workers - email AG at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen. Dr. Allison Gill - https://muellershewrote.substack.com, https://bsky.app/profile/muellershewrote.com, https://instagram.com/muellershewrote, https://twitter.com/MuellerSheWrote, https://www.youtube.com/@MSWMediaPodsDana Goldberg - https://bsky.app/profile/dgcomedy.bsky.social, https://twitter.com/DGComedy, https://www.instagram.com/dgcomedy, https://www.facebook.com/dgcomedy, https://danagoldberg.comMore from MSW Media - https://mswmedia.com/shows, Cleanup On Aisle 45 pod, https://muellershewrote.substack.comReminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Our Donation LinksNational Security Counselors - DonateMSW Media, Blue Wave California Victory Fund | ActBlueWhistleblowerAid.org/beansFederal workers - feel free to email AG at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen. Find Upcoming Actions 50501 Movement, No Kings.org, Indivisible.orgDr. Allison Gill - Substack, BlueSky , TikTok, IG, TwitterDana Goldberg - BlueSky, Twitter, IG, facebook, danagoldberg.comCheck out more from MSW Media - Shows - MSW Media, Cleanup On Aisle 45 pod, The Breakdown | SubstackShare your Good News or Good TroubleMSW Good News and Good TroubleHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?The Daily Beans | SupercastThe Daily Beans & Mueller, She Wrote | PatreonThe Daily Beans | Apple Podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
10 Roads Express to shut down operations, end USPS contracts and terminate its postal agreements by late January. The major mail hauler plans to complete its remaining service obligations despite a recent history of labor disputes with the Teamsters. The episode also covers Inside the Amazon-Teamsters showdown: What's next?, highlighting a union victory for drivers in Kentucky alongside legislative battles in New York,. Additionally, federal proceedings at the NLRB continue to assess whether Amazon should be classified as a joint employer for delivery drivers. In regulatory news, the DOT kicks 3,000 truck driver trainers off registry for failing to meet federal service standards. The FMCSA has placed thousands more on notice regarding potential noncompliance issues involving falsified data and curriculum failures. Tune in to FreightWaves TV later today for new episodes of Check Call and Loaded and Rolling. Listen to this brief update to stay ahead of the most critical stories shaping the freight and logistics industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ahead of the central bank's big meeting in Jackson Hole this week, President Trump is ramping up pressure on the Federal Reserve, calling for Fed governor Lisa Cook to resign over accusations of fraud. We'll get into it. And, SpaceX got a win in federal court that could have lasting effects on the power of the National Labor Relations Board. Plus, what makes a good life?"Appeals court says NLRB structure unconstitutional, in a win for SpaceX" from Tech Crunch"The Government Just Made it Harder for The Public to Comment on Regulations" from 404 Media"Trump Says Smithsonian Focuses Too Much on ‘How Bad Slavery Was'" from The New York Times"Trump Considers Firing Fed Official After Accusation of Mortgage Fraud" from The Wall Street Journal"There's a path to a good life beyond happiness and meaning" from The Washington Post We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.