NEWS ROUNDUP
What voters want | Restricting non-competes | Delta organizing
Thursday, January 5, 2023
THIS WASHINGTON
► From Crosscut — What WA voters want to see from the 2023 legislative session — As Washington lawmakers get ready to return to Olympia Monday, the economy remains top of mind for residents, according to a new Crosscut/Elway poll. Just over a third of the 403 Washington registered voters polled said economic issues – including housing costs and price inflation – should be a main focus.
► From the Seattle Times — WA Democratic Party Chair Tina Podlodowski stepping down — After six years in the post, Podlodowski leaves on a high note for state Democrats, who in the November midterms held on to their majorities in the state Legislature, won the secretary of state’s office and scored a surprise win in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District.
SOUTH OF THE BORDER
► From the NW Labor Press — Five New Seasons stores now unionized — Workers at all five stores unionized with the New Seasons Labor Union (NSLU), which formed in mid-2022 at the Seven Corners store.
THAT WASHINGTON
► From Reuters — U.S. moves to ban non-compete provisions that hurt workers — The U.S. Federal Trade Commission, which enforces antitrust law, proposed a rule that would ban companies from requiring workers to sign noncompete provisions as well as some training repayment agreements, which companies use to keep workers from leaving for better jobs, the agency said on Thursday. The proposal seeks comment on a potential rule, which is months away, if not longer, from taking effect.
EDITOR’S NOTE — In 2019, labor-backed legislation was approved in Washington state that limits the application of non-compete contracts to workers who earn more than $100,000 per year, $250,000 for independent contractors, and limits the length of time they can be in effect. If employers lay off workers and enforce the non-compete, they must continue paying those workers. Musicians and other performers are also protected from long blackout dates before and after shows, which prohibit them from earning a living.
► From the Seattle Times — To protect cannabis workers and customers, approve federal banking act (editorial) — As federal lawmakers rushed to pass last-minute bills before the new Congress convenes, they failed to pass one piece of legislation, a failure that ensures Washington workers in cannabis businesses will continue to be at risk.
► From the Spokesman-Review — Northwest Republicans remain united for Kevin McCarthy as GOP fails to select House speaker in six votes
► From the Washington Post — House Republicans’ dysfunction points to more chaos ahead — After six votes for speaker, Republicans appear no closer to a resolution. Will the new speaker, whoever that is, be able to lead effectively?
► From Politico — McCarthy bid sees glimmer of hope after late-night concessions — He caved to most of his opponents’ demands, but McCarthy’s most ardent detractors still appear dug in.
NATIONAL
► From the Guardian — Delta workers accuse airline of ‘culture of fear’ amid attempts to unionize — Workers at Delta Air Lines are currently holding union organizing drives, citing tough working conditions in the U.S. airline industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and stagnant wages despite the airline making hefty profits. Flight attendants are organizing with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, ramp agents with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), and mechanics with Teamsters. Workers say arbitrary write-ups have created a culture of fear at the airline and scheduling cuts have also reduced paid time off for workers, which have driven workers into signing union authorization cards.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Ready for a voice at work? Get more information about how you can join together with co-workers and negotiate a fair return for your hard work. Or go ahead and contact a union organizer today!
► From NPR — Amazon CEO says company will lay off more than 18,000 workers — It’s the single largest number of jobs cut at a technology company since the industry began aggressively downsizing last year. The cuts will primarily hit the company’s corporate workforce and will not affect hourly warehouse workers.
► From NPR — America needs carpenters and plumbers. Try telling that to Gen Z. — While Gen Z — often described as people born between 1997 and 2012 — is on track to become the most educated generation, fewer young folks are opting for traditionally hands-on jobs in the skilled trade and technical industries.
The Stand posts links to Washington state and national news of interest every weekday morning by 10 a.m.