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What I’ve Been Reading This Week


Earlier this week, a regular reader of the blog brought to my attention an update following a recent lawsuit filed against Whole Foods in regard to what employees can/cannot wear while at work.  As noted below, the situation is still evolving but well worth leading things off this week.

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



Last month, I made note of a complaint that had been filed with the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) which alleged Whole Foods violated federal labor law by not allowing its workers to wear Black Lives Matter (“BLM”) face masks or apparel at work.  The complaint alleged that Whole Foods retaliated against workers that chose to do so.  However, Whole Foods recently responded and alleged that being forced to allow its workers to display BLM on their face masks or apparel would amount to a First Amendment violation.  The company went a step further and accused NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo (“Abruzzo”) of “unlawfully infringing upon and/or diluting WFM’s protected trademarks” by way of Abruzzo forcing Whole Foods to allow for political messaging on its uniforms.  This will be an interesting one to keep an eye on in the weeks and months ahead.



As reported by Brendan Case over at Bloomberg, Publix, the supermarket chain, has begun to offer paid parental leave to eligible full and part time employees.  While details are still somewhat sparse, Publix is offering these employees paid time off within the first year after the birth or adoption of a child.  With an already tight labor market, this is a noteworthy move by Publix to retain (and draw in) workers.

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