The findings come from Third Sector’s inaugural Charity Employer Index

“Union members and non-union members have a strong interest in seeing our economy grow," said Rusty Hicks, the new head of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, which represents over 300 unions.; Credit: Ben Bergman/KPCC

Labor unions have led the fight to raise the minimum wage in several American cities, including Los Angeles, where the City Council is considering two proposals right now that would give raises to hundreds of thousands of workers (to $13.25 an hour by 2017 and $15.25 an hour by 2019).

But few of the unions' members have benefited directly from the initiatives. So why do unions care about a $15 wage for non-union workers? 

It’s part of a long-term strategy to protect the interests of their members, labor leaders say. They also see an opportunity to raise the profile of unions after years of falling membership.

"We can’t be the movement that’s just about us," said David Rolf, an international vice-president of SEIU, who led the first successful $15 minimum wage campaign in SeaTac, the town in Washington that is home to the region's similarly named airport. 

“We have to be the movement that’s about justice for all," Rolf added. "The labor movement that people flocked to by the tens of millions in the 1930s wasn’t known for fighting for 500-page contracts. They were known for fighting for the eight-hour day, fighting to end child labor.”

The idea that workers should earn $15 dollars an hour first came to the public’s attention during a series of fast food strikes that started in New York City in late 2012. Those workers didn’t just walk off the job by themselves. They were part of a campaign organized by unions, led by SEIU, which is made up mostly of public sector and health care workers.

$10 million fast-food strikes

The Service Employees International Union spent $10 million dollars on the fast food strikes, according to The New York Times. But none of those restaurants have unionized, and because it’s been so hard to form private sector union these days, they probably never will, said labor historian Nelson Lichtenstein.

“In effect what you have now is the SEIU – its hospital membership or its members working at the Department of Motor Vehicles – helping to raise the wages of fast food workers, but not their own wages,” Lichtenstein said.

That's because unionized workers earn far more than the current or proposed new minimum wages, in L.A. an average of more than $27 an hour, according to UCLA's Center for Research on Employment and Labor. 

The spread of the $15 minimum wage from SeaTac to Seattle to San Francisco — and now possibly Los Angeles — is a huge victory for labor unions, but it’s unlikely most of the people getting raises will ever be part of organized labor.

Still, the rank and file seem to support their unions' efforts.

“I personally support using our organization as a way to advocate for those who don’t have a voice," said Rafael Sanchez III, a teacher's assistant at Bell High School who's a member of SEIU Local 99. 

A challenging time for the labor movement

In the 1950’s, about one in three American workers belonged to a union. Last year, just 11 percent did – or 6 percent of private sector workers – the lowest numbers in nearly a century.

Rolf says the minimum wage campaigns mark a change in tactics for organized labor; Rather than the shop floor, the focus is on the ballot box and city hall.

“Since at least the 1980s, winning unions in the private sector has been a Herculean task," Rolf said. "The political process provides an alternative vehicle.”

And an increasingly successful one. It was voters who approved the first $15 wage, in Washington state in 2013, and another one in San Francisco last year.  

In Los Angeles, the issue is before the city council. Mayor Eric Garcetti opened the bidding, proposing a raise of $13.25 on Labor Day before six council members countered with $15.25.

The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor – lead by Rusty Hicks — is pushing for the higher option.

“Union members and non-union members have an interest in seeing our economy grow," said Hicks. "You can’t continue to have a strong, vibrant economy if in fact folks don’t have money in their pockets.”

Other benefits for unions: A safety net and a higher floor

Some union members see a higher minimum wage as a safety net.

Robert Matsuda is a studio violinist represented by the American Federation of Musicians, part of the AFL-CIO. Even though he’s not working for the minimum wage now, he worries that may not last: He’s getting fewer and fewer gigs as more film and TV scoring is outsourced overseas.

“I might have to take a minimum wage job in the near future, so it might directly affect me,” said Matsuda.

There’s also a more tangible benefit for unions, says Nelson Lichtenstein, the labor historian: A higher minimum wage means a higher wage floor to negotiate with in future contracts.

“It’s one labor market, and if you can raise the wages in those sectors that have been pulling down the general wage level – i.e: fast food and retail – then it makes it easier for unions to create a higher standard and go on and get more stuff,” said Lichtenstein.

On Friday morning, union members will rally in front of Los Angeles City Hall, calling on the council to enact a $15.25 an hour minimum wage as soon as possible.

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Wide receiver Wes Welker #83 of the Denver Broncos tries to avoid the tackle of free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium in this file photo taken February 2, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Under a new drug policy agreed to by the NFL and the players union, Welker and two other suspended players will be allowed to return to the field.; Credit: Jeff Gross/Getty Images

The NFL said Wednesday that its new performance-enhancing drug policy will allow the Broncos' Wes Welker and two other suspended players to return to the field this week.

The deal with the players association also adds human growth hormone testing, ending several years of wrangling between the league and the union.

Welker, Dallas Cowboys defensive back Orlando Scandrick and St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey had been suspended for four games.

Under the new rules, players who test positive for banned stimulants in the offseason will no longer be suspended. Instead, they will be referred to the substance abuse program.

The league and union are also nearing an agreement on changes to the substance abuse policy. That could reduce Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon's season-long ban.

Testing for HGH was originally agreed upon in 2011, but the players had balked at the science in the testing and the appeals process for positive tests. Under the new deal, appeals of positive tests in the PED program will be heard by third-party arbitrators jointly selected by the NFL and union. Appeals will be processed more expeditiously under altered procedures

Testing should begin by the end of the month.

The new rules also change the length of suspensions. Previously, all first-time violations of the performance-enhancing drug policy resulted in at least a four-game suspension.

Now, use of a diuretic or masking agent will result in a two-game suspension. The punishment for steroids, in-season use of stimulants, HGH or other banned substances is four games. Evidence of an attempt to manipulate a test is a six-game suspension.

A second violation will result in a 10-game ban, up from a minimum of eight games. A third violation is at least a two-year suspension. Before, the ban was at least a year.

The OSCE Mission to Skopje on 28 June 2016 launched a two-day workshop for 22 members of the Police Union on countering gender-based discrimination with the aim of advancing the position of women in police services and increasing gender sensitivity among police officers.

The workshop focused on areas of gender-based discrimination in employment, education, health and family, explaining what gender inequality is and how it is addressed in international and domestic legislation and in practice.

Participants will learn how to identify harassment and sexual harassment as forms of discrimination, as well as workplace bullying. The legal protection, prevention and measures against such bullying will be illustrated through real cases.

This workshop is part of the Mission’s programme to support the democratization of the Police and is in line with the Mission’s efforts to encourage gender equality in all segments of society.

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'Zeus in Chains' from Steve Vai's full live G3 set has been released as a preview to the forthcoming G3 Reunion Live package

By JM McNab Published: November 13th, 2024

The celebrated Underground Railroad conductor received posthumous recognition for her service as a spy, scout, nurse and cook during the Civil War

The union representing Montreal dockworkers is planning a legal challenge of the federal labour minister's decision to end lockouts at ports by sending the disputes to binding arbitration.

South Africa's metalworkers' union said it will go on strike at ArcelorMittal South Africa Ltd on Thursday to protest job cuts that have impacted 107 workers.

The Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has decried the policies of the Bola Tinubu-led government, saying that they are adversely affecting chemical and non-metallic products in Nigeria. National President of the association, Mr Segun David, made the remarks at the opening session of the 29th Annual National Management/Industrial Relations Seminar on

Thai-born superstar Lalisa "Lisa" Manobal returns to Thailand for a special meet-and-greet session with her devoted fans on Wednesday. The atmosphere was filled with emotion as her fans overwhelmed her with heartfelt surprises and came together to sing the traditional Loy Krathong song.

Britney Spears first priority is reunion with her childrenBritney Spears’ recent reunion with son Jayden came as a shock to people close to her and the singer’s friends are reportedly feeling divided over her decision.The 42-year-old popstar, who had not seen her kids for over a year...

After a lengthy consideration, the National Labor Relations Board has ruled that Amazon’s “captive-audience meetings” are a violation of the National Labor Relations Act. These are mandatory meetings where an employer shares its stance on unionization.

“Ensuring that workers can make a truly free choice about whether they want union representation is one of the fundamental goals of the National Labor Relations Act. Captive audience meetings—which give employers near-unfettered freedom to force their message about unionization on workers under threat of discipline or discharge—undermine this important goal,” Chairman Lauren McFerran said of the ruling. “Today’s decision better protects workers’ freedom to make their own choices in exercising their rights under the Act, while ensuring that employers can convey their views about unionization in a noncoercive manner.”

The decision noted that employers may hold meetings about unionization as long as workers receive advanced notice about the topic, are told that attendance is voluntary and without consequences for opting not to participate, and that attendance records are not kept.

Today’s ruling centers on Amazon, which has a rocky history with its employees’ efforts to organize and with the NLRB. However, the decision could impact other big tech firms that have followed similar practices around unionization.

1. By the present petition, the petitioner prays for a direction to the respondents to transfer him to New Delhi from Jodhpur for further treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi.

2. Issue notice.

3. Notice is accepted by Mr.Shrey Sharawat, learned counsel on behalf of the respondents.

4. It is the case of the petitioner that pursuant to the Order dated 23.02.2022, passed by this Court in an earlier petition filed by the petitioner, being W.P.(C) 857/2022, the petitioner joined at STC, BSF, Jodhpur. AIIMS, Jodhpur, however, required all the medical documents and data of the petitioner's treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi to be forwarded to them. The respondents forwarded this request to AIIMS, New Delhi vide letter dated 28.04.2022, however, the said documents/data were not supplied by AIIMS, New Delhi to AIIMS, Jodhpur. The petitioner claims that because of this, he has to travel from Jodhpur to Delhi each time for his treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi. He, therefore, prays for being transferred back to Delhi in order to have proper treatment.

JYOTI SINGH, J. (ORAL)

1. This writ petition has been preferred on behalf of the Petitioner under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India laying a challenge to communication dated 24.06.2024, whereby her candidature for appointment to the post of TGT (Maths) has been cancelled by Respondent No.2/National Education Society for Tribal Students ('NESTS').

2. Factual matrix to the extent necessary is that NESTS is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. NESTS published an advertisement in 2023 inviting applications for EMRS Staff Selection Exam (ESSE)-2023 for filling up various posts in Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) which included 686 posts of TGT (Maths). The eligibility conditions including essential educational qualifications for the post of TGT (Maths) were prescribed in the advertisement.

1. This petition has been filed by the petitioners under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, inter alia, challenging the Orders dated 14.09.2024 and 26.10.2024 passed by the IG/Principal, CTC CRPF, Panihar, Gwalior, respondent no. 3 herein, directing the recovery of the alleged inadmissible training allowance granted to the petitioners.

2. In the Impugned Order dated 14.09.2024 itself, the petitioners have been granted an opportunity to make a representation against the same within fifteen days from the date of issuance of the said notice.

(BY SRI B.V.ACHARYA, SPL.PP A/W SRI V.G.BHANUPRAKASH, AAG AND SRI THEJESH P., HCGP FOR R-1 TO R-4;

SRI P.PRASANNA KUMAR, SPL.PP FOR R-5;

PROF.RAVI VARMA KUMAR, SR.ADVOCATE FOR SRI ADITYA BHAT, ADVOCATE FOR R-6;

SRI SUDHANVA D.S., ADVOCATE FOR I.A.NO. 1/2024 FOR IMPLEADING APPLICANT ) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA READ WITH SECITON 482 OF CR.P.C., PRAYING TO DIRECT THE RESPONDENT NO.1 TO 3 TO TRANSFER AND ENTRUST THE INVESTIGATION OF THE CASE CRIME NO. 118/2024 VIDE ANNEXURE - Q, LEVELING OFFENCES PUNISHABLE UNDER SECTIONS 149, 409, 420, 467, 468, 471 OF THE INDIAN PENAL CODE TO THE RESPONDENT NO.4-CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION AND FURTHER DIRECT THE R-4 TO CARRY OUT SPEEDY AND EXPEDITIOUS INVESTIGATION IN THE AFOREMENTIONED CASE WITHIN A SPECIFIED TIME.

Dr. A.K.Jayasankaran Nambiar, J.

These writ petitions raise an interesting question as regards the scope, content and extent of the right to freedom of speech and expression enuring to the media when they report facts about ongoing criminal investigations or the proceedings in cases pending adjudication before the various adjudicatory forums in the country. The writ petitions were initially considered by a Full Bench of this Court. However, by an order dated 24.05.2018, the Full Bench took the view that in the light of an earlier decision of another Full Bench of this Court in S. Sudin v. Union of India and Others - [2015 (2) KLT 296 (FB)], these matters needed to be referred to a Larger Bench of five Judges for consideration. It is thus, and pursuant to an order dated 02.09.2024 of the Hon'ble the Acting Chief Justice, that these matters are now before us.

Their tearful reunion touches many, as they witness the heartbreak of lost connections. We celebrated the previous election, but many who participated then are no longer with us, says a survivor. District administration designated three polling stations for the survivors, two at Neelicappu and one at Meppadi

‘Banking Regulations Act does not empower banks to seek transfer of probe into criminal cases registered by States to agency of its choice’

Alkami...

La Union has been named as the most competitive province in Ilocos region and placed seventh in the nationwide 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index for two consecutive years.

The kids from the BBC sitcom are all in their twenties now

Karan Oberoi, Sudhanshu Pandey and other band members of A Band of Boys talk about the inspiration behind the reunion of the boys' band after decades, and the revival of albums with it.

Describing the Opposition's Maha Vikas Aghadi grouping in Maharashtra as the Aurangzeb Fan Club, Union Minister Amit Shah said the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance abides by the ideals of Shivaji Maharaj and Veer Savarkar.

THOUGHTS ON COMMUNION: What a sweet comfort to us that our Lord Jesus Christ was once known in the breaking of the bread. In earlier Christian times, believers called the Communion "the medicine of immortality," and God gave them the desire to pray: Be known to us in breaking bread, But do not then depart; Savior, abide with us and spread Thy table **in our heart [not just in our mind]. Some churches have a teaching that you will find God only at their table-and that you leave God there when you leave. I am so glad that God has given us light. We may take the Presence of the table with us. We may take the Bread of life with us as we go. Then sup with us in love divine, Thy body and Thy blood; That living bread and heavenly wine Be our immortal food! In approaching the table of our Lord, we dare not forget the cost to our elder Brother, the Man who was from heaven. He is our Savior; He is our Passover!

A California African-American female high school teacher was subjected to a "hostile, offensive, oppressive, [and] intimidating work environment," including multiple instances of the "n-word," for years.

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The European Union on Tuesday took the debate about genetically modified crops to the public with a survey asking citizens to share their thoughts on organic farming, reports Phys.org in a recent article titled EU asks citizens to join debate on GM food Image credit: americanoverkill.com The article continues ... The bloc's 500 million consumers are invited to complete an anonymous online questionnaire on the European Commission's Agriculture and Rural Development website (ec.europa.eu/agriculture/consultations/organic/2013_en.htm). The consultation, which ends on April 10, is part of a review of European policy on organic agriculture. The survey is available in all official EU languages. English is the one linked here, but other languages are available from a drop-down menu at the top of the page. The Phys.org article, putting emphasis on the GM angle, goes on to say......

Rocana's recent experiences at ISKCON Portland temple.

General Motors has apparently figured out how to build the right car for the right market - in this case, $5,000 minivans that get 43 miles to the gallon in city driving. The minivans, which GM builds in a...

As we recall this Labor Day 2005, I'm inexplicably drawn to ponder the future of organized labor, which seems to have been dealt such crushing blows over the summer, the latest having been the Northwest Airlines mechanics strike that has,...

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Fr. Stephen speaks on prayer as an aspect of our participation in the life of God, taking it from words spoken to a presence shared.

Fr. Stephen looks at the pressures created by our secular culture, particularly how they affect our communion with God.

In his book For the Life of the World, Father Alexander Schmemann writes, "In the Bible the food that man eats, the world of which he must partake in order to live, is given to him by God, and it is given as communion with God. Rita explains how we can work toward making eating a time of communion with God.

Reflecting on the theological contributions of St. Gregory Palamas, Fr. Andrew talks about the priesthood in terms of how it unites us with God.

On this Sunday of the Myrrh-bearers, Fr. Andrew presents St. Theophylact's teaching on how Joseph of Arimathea's care for the body of Jesus is an image of receiving Holy Communion.

In Communion we meet the God of love and judgment. Are you ready?

Fr. John Oliver reflects on the recent hurricanes.

This is really not a sermon about so-called same-sex unions. Really, it's not.