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What I’ve Been Reading This Week


The recent development out of Washington, D.C. in regard to a delay in a hike to the tipped minimum wage is one article in particular that I want to call attention to this week.  While the three other articles are certainly worth a read, the news about the D.C. City Council delaying the wage hike is especially noteworthy.

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


The (Unknown) Labor Union Representing Austin Musicians

Earlier this week, an article was published which noted the relatively anonymous labor union that represents Austin musicians.  The Austin Federation of Musicians, which has been in existence since 1907, provides members with standard union contracts that they can use as well as the resources of the union if things go south with an employer, not to mention the ability to contribute to and draw from a pension.  The cost, $205 to join and then $200 a year afterward, is a relatively low bar for entry for many…yet the union still operates in a somewhat unknown capacity.  Will Austin musicians start to take notice and join the ranks of the union?  Time will tell.


D.C.’s Tipped Minimum Wage to Increase…Just Not Yet

Earlier this week, the D.C. City Council voted unanimously to delay an increase to the tipped minimum wage in the District until May.  The reasoning, in part, is to allow employers to get their ducks in a row and ensure conformity with the hike to the tipped minimum wage rate.  As well, Congress must also approve the wage hike…which is destined to take a bit longer.  For those waiting/expecting the wage increase to have taken effect January 1st (as originally intended), unfortunately it will be a few more months of waiting.


Michigan Democrats Turn Focus to State’s Right to Work Law

A few weeks ago, I had made note of Democrats in Michigan gaining majority control of the state Legislature.  In doing so, speculation started to swirl that the Democrats would seek to do away with the state’s right to work law.  It did not take long for that speculation to become reality, following House Democrats introductions legislation earlier this week to do away with the right to work law.  While it is too soon to predict how things will play out, this is the first of many steps I expect Democrats to take to repeal the state’s right to work law in the coming months.  Stay tuned.


Some Trader Joe’s Workers Take Issue With Companies Alleged Tactics to Combat Unionization

Khorri Atkinson recently wrote an article in which he noted the growing frustration among some Trader Joe’s workers that are alleging the company is trying to quell unionization efforts (and force out workers receptive to unionizing) by requiring part time workers to take on more hours.  The workers allege that the company has instituted a new policy that requires part time workers to be available to work at least three days a week.  The argument follows that requiring part time workers to keep their schedules open is meant to force them to move on to another employer where they have more freedom/flexibility in regard to their part time schedule.  Is this an actual attempt by the company to strong arm its part time workers into quitting (and therefore taking the wind out of the sales of those workers attempting to unionize)?  I do not necessarily think so, but the company’s policy is certainly ruffling a few feathers.

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