COVID-19
Federal Relief – The U.S. Senate reconvenes next week and is expected to consider a $500 billion package that includes additional funds for the Paycheck Protection Program, unemployment aid, and liability protections, among other things. However, sides are still far apart with Democrats demanding at least $2 trillion in funds and the White House attempting to bridge the gap even as President Trump sends conflicting signals about what he wants. At this stage, even if a deal is struck there is unlikely enough time between now and Election Day to draft and approve a legislative package.
Liability – The Michigan legislature approved liability protections for employers in the state.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Wages
Portland, ME – This week, the mayor and the entire city council except for one member announced their opposition to the pending ballot initiative to raise the local minimum wage to $15/hr.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Paid Leave
Study – A new report from a group of Cornell University researchers among others suggests that the emergency paid sick leave provisions passed as part of the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) was “a highly effective tool” in flattening the curve of the pandemic in the U.S.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Labor Policy
Mastercard – The credit card company partnered with Aspen Institute months ago to explore the viability of creating a portable benefit system for gig workers.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Activism
McDonald’s – The Fight for $15 campaign earned headlines again this week promoting a new racial discrimination lawsuit.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Alcohol
Ohio – The governor signed legislation making the state the second in the country (Iowa being the first) to permanently allow restaurants and bars to sell alcoholic beverages for carry-out and home delivery with the purchase of a meal.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Sustainability
Panera Bread – The company announced, in cooperation with the World Resources Institute, that it will begin labeling menu items that are “climate friendly” by affixing “Cool Food Meal” labeling to those items with carbon footprints of less than 5.38 kilograms of carbon dioxide.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe