That Union Thing
The National Labor Relations Board has issued a "common law" rule on joint employers and their responsibilities.
The ruling states that when two employers have control over employees, they both have responsibilities under labor law. The ruling will prevent companies from hiding behind subcontractors or staffing agencies. It also means that employees will be able to collectively bargain with both companies and not just the subcontractor.
UAW auto workers have reached an agreement with Ford, ending rotating strikes. Wages will rise 11 percent immediately and 23 percent by 2028. Cost of living adjustments have been reinstated and a lower-wage tier has been eliminated. Retirement benefits have been increased and existing temps will be made permanent employees.
Library and cafe student workers at Harvard have voted to be represented by the Harvard Undergraduate Workers-UAW in an election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board. They join graduate students, who are also represented by a UAW-affiliated union. Their goals in negotiating a contract include higher compensation, job security, and transparency in hiring and firing decisions.
Writers, graphic designers, and coordinators at Google contractor Accenture have voted in favor of union representation. At their request, the National Labor Relations Board has also ruled that Alphabet is a joint employer, so they will be bargaining wages and working conditions with both Accenture and Alphabet.
