COVID-19
Federal Relief – U.S. Senate Democrats blocked Republicans’ “skinny bill” from advancing out of the chamber. Had it passed the upper chamber, the bill never had a chance in the U.S. House. It is, however, the most robust relief bill that the Senate Majority Leader could advance with full Republican support, indicating the gulf that still exists between the Republican caucus and Congressional Democrats. At this juncture, negotiations appear to be at an impasse. Meanwhile, the extra $300 federal boost to unemployment benefits that was created under an executive action is already running out for some states, less than a month after the program launched. More details.
Wages
Joe Biden – In a Labor Day Twitter message, the former Vice President and current Democratic nominee reiterated his strong support for a national $15/hr minimum wage as well as “ending the tipped minimum wage.”To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Paid Leave
California – The governor signed into law a new requirement that every California employee that has been exposed to or tests positive for COVID-19 will have access to paid leave for the rest of the 2020 calendar year.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Virginia – Legislation stalled in a house committee that would provide two weeks of paid leave for workers exposed to COVID-19 or to care for family members who must quarantine due to exposure.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Labor Policy
Joint Employer – A federal judge struck down part of the Labor Department’s new joint employer standard, reversing a key industry win.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
California – The ballot initiative sponsored by Uber and Lyft to repeal AB-5 is officially the most expensive ballot measure in the history of California, topping $181 million from five donors – Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Postmates and Instacart.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Labor Activism
North Carolina – Labor activists have organized strikes at two QSR locations, a Raleigh-area Bojangles’ and a Durham-area Freddy’s, within the past month.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Delivery
Alameda County, CA – A proposal to cap commission fees on third-party delivery platforms at 15 percent passed its first county committees.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Alcohol
New York – The governor issued an additional 30-day extension of the takeout alcohol waiver that he first put in place in mid-March allowing for both pickup and delivery.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Alpharetta, GA – The city approved the first reading of an ordinance taking advantage of the new state law allowing municipalities to permit restaurants, supermarkets and liquor stores to make home deliveries of beer, wine and distilled spirits.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Packaging
Cincinnati, OH – The city council passed an ordinance banning plastic bags at all grocery stores, restaurants, and any other food retailers, effective January 2021. Shoppers will have to provide their own reusable bags or pay a 5 cents fee for each bag.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe