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What I've Been Reading This Week


It was difficult to narrow things down this week and pick just a few articles to highlight.  With that being said, the article that touched on the NLRB's joint employer standard decision from last year was well thought out and certainly worth a read (even for those who do not follow NLRB/labor law developments).

As always, below are a couple articles that caught my eye this week.


Minnesota Supreme Court Blocks $15/Hour Minimum Wage Ballot Measure

Last week, I had pointed out to readers that the Minnesota Supreme Court would hear arguments this week on whether to allow a $15/hour minimum wage ballot measure would appear on the November ballot.  The Supreme Court issued a unanimous order the day after it heard the case and held that the ballot measure would not appear on the November ballot.  The Supreme Court agreed with the city of Minneapolis and held that the proposal to raise the minimum wage rate in the city was not a proper subject for an amendment to the city's charter (as proponents of the $15/hour minimum wage had argued).  I certainly do not think this is the end of the matter.  But for the time being, minimum wage rates in Minneapolis are not going up.


29 Major Companies Back White House Equal Pay Pledge

To date, 29 major companies including FaceBook, Apple, General Motors, and Nike (among others) have signed a pledge to back the White House equal pay measure announced earlier this year.  According to the pledge, these companies are committed to equal pay among its workers, conducting an annual analysis of its pay, and monitoring its hiring/promotion procedures to reduce bias.  Fascinating read to see how some of these major companies have come on board with the continued push for equal pay in the workplace.



Readers might remember an NLRB ruling from last year in which the Board expanded the instances in which one employer is liable for another employer's labor law violations.  In its decision, the Board held that joint employer liability may be established where one company exercises indirect or unexercised potential control.  Trey Kovacs over at The Hill writes that Congress should take immediate steps to reverse the Board's decision.  It is a well written article...but in an election year (and when many Republicans are up for re-election), I would be surprised if there is any substantial movement for the time being.


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