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What I've Been Reading This Week


'Ban the box' developments have been rather light as of late.  While some cities or counties have taken steps to approve these bills, nothing major has jumped out.  However, I recently came across an article that looks at the possibility of Michigan passing a statewide 'ban the box' bill.  If accomplished, this would be a major development (and possibly spur other states to follow suit).  Needless to say, I think it is appropriate to lead off with that article.

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


Is Michigan On Deck For Passing a "Ban the Box" Bill?

Lindsay Vanhulle over at Crain's has an in depth article on the possibility that Michigan could pass a "ban the box" bill sooner rather than later.  Lindsay points out that while Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has indicated he will consider a "ban the box" bill, there appears to be broad support for this legislation.  Time will tell if Michigan can pass this legislation (or if cities across the state take the initiative).


Unions Have Been on the Brink As of Late; What's Next?

Unions and labor law related issues have been a big talking point as of late, in no small part because of recent right to work developments as well as uncertainty over how a Republican controlled Congress and a Republican President might deal with labor unions.  Richard Berman over at The Monitor recently wrote an article that suggests labor unions have been in decline over the past few years.  With fewer and fewer union members in the workforce, a less than stellar favorable view of unions, and right to work laws now in effect in a majority of states, among other developments, the article does not paint a rosy picture of the future for unions.  With that being said, there is a nod to the 'Fight for $15' movement which has sought to detail Andy Puzder's nomination for Labor Secretary.  For the time being, unions might be best served to pick and choose their battles and try to simply ride out what will likely be a contentious next few years.


Right to Work Legislation Headed to Missouri Governor's Desk

Missouri has been quite progressive in recent weeks, with its Republican controlled state legislature aggressively pushing a right to work bill.  After Democrats made several attempts to unsuccessfully stall the legislation or attach a referendum to the bill (such as a referendum to put the right to work issue before voters this year), it was announced yesterday that the proposed legislation would go to Governor Eric Greitens' desk for his is expected signature.  The Governor has indicated his prior support for the legislation and is expected to sign it shortly.  Once the Governor puts pen to paper, Missouri will become the 28th right to work state.  Next up:  New Hampshire (although as noted that will likely continue to be a tougher battle).

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