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What I’ve Been Reading This Week


I found myself short on time this week with several work trips, but I did manage to come across a few good updates (in regard to right to work and minimum wage).  In particular, I call attention to a Court of Appeals decision from earlier this week.  That case is one to keep an eye on going forward.

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


A Closer Look at the Unique Nature of the Upcoming Rught to Work Vote in Missouri

As I have covered over the past few months, this August, voters in Missouri will have an opportunity to cast their vote in regard to whether the Missouri Legislature’s passage of a statewide tight to work law will remain in place.   Brian Hausworth at Missourinet notes that this upcoming vote is on an actual referendum, something that has not occurred in the state in more than 35 years.  Hausworth does a good job summarizing the right to work fight up until this point, and notes the poor performance of referendums in the state’s history.  (Apparently only two referendums have ever been approved in Missouri).  Well worth a quick read ahead of the August 7th vote.


11th Circuit Issues Major Decision in Minimum Wage Case Out of Alabama

On Wednesday, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision in a minimum wage case that has started to garner national attention.  That lawsuit involved several claims, but the claim that was reinstated by the Court of Appeals centered on an allegation that the Alabama Legislature improperly nullified a Birmingham City Council minimum wage hike for workers in predominantly black Birmingham, Alabama.  The lawsuit alleged that this pre-emption action violated the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.  While the Court’s opinion is somewhat lengthy, it is worth a review.

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