Plus, the dialogue on a federal minimum wage hike becomes clearer
The labor shortage continues to challenge the industry and operators are struggling to keep doors open. Data continues to emerge putting more and more context around the complexity of the issue and what challenges are short-term and which are likely chronic. The team at Align Public Strategies takes a look at some polling data from a leading university-based restaurant and hospitality management program that examines worker attitudes which could provide meaningful clues to the industry in this week’s episode of Working Lunch.
And the Congressional dialogue around a federal minimum wage hike is slowly becoming clearer and it looks like there is emerging agreement on some broad concepts, namely wage levels and the treatment of tips. The team takes a look at that as well as the subsequent political calculations facing many industry leaders.
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The team at Align Public Strategies takes a look at what President Joe Biden said in his latest address and how it impacts the restaurant industry.
Working Lunch: President Biden makes his case for significant federal expansion Plus, the team at Align is joined once again by Aaron Frazier, director of healthcare and tax policy at the National Restaurant Association, to provide operators with the latest information on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund so they can be ready when the doors open May 3
The Biden Administration concluded its first 100 days in office with a speech before a joint session of Congress. The team at Align Public Strategies takes a look at what President Joe Biden said and how it impacts the restaurant industry. Also, the team discusses how successful Biden’s first 100 days have been.
Labor legislation could alter how the segment does business in the state
California is heating up in a big way and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) appears to be in the driver’s seat. This week on the Working Lunch podcast, the team from Align Public Strategies is joined by Jeff Hanscom, vice president of state government relations and public policy for the International Franchise Association. He walks listeners through comprehensive labor legislation that could permanently alter how the quick-service sector, and potentially all restaurants, do business in the state going forward.
Then, the team takes a look at the aftermath of the Amazon vote last week in Alabama and how their surprising margin of victory could change the game for union organizing efforts going forward.
Also, restaurant operators begin utilizing American Rescue Plan loan programs
The American Rescue Plan is in full swing and restaurant owners across the country are taking advantage of the new loan programs. This week on the Working Lunch podcast, the team from Align Public Strategies sits down with Aaron Frazier, the director of healthcare and tax policy at the National Restaurant Association. He gives a full debrief on the programs, how to access the loans, and how the industry is working to make the programs successful.
The corporate elephant in the room is Georgia. Align Public Strategies talks about the political situation there, and how, even if, our industry leaders should engage in this toxic conversation. And California is up to its old tricks again. The team is watching a piece of legislation being pushed by the labor community that takes direct aim at the quick-service restaurant sector.
Plus, a look at the restaurant industry’s financial outlook
This week on the Working Lunch podcast, the team from Align Public Strategies is joined by two guests. Phil Wilson from the Labor Relations Institute comes on to discuss organized labor’s most important piece of legislation to pass the U.S. House in generations, the PRO Act. The group discusses the bill’s chances of passing in the Senate, and if unsuccessful, which parts could be enacted by regulation. More importantly, Wilson talks about the ramifications for employers and what they need to know.
Wilson also gives some insight into the Amazon unionization vote underway in Alabama, and regardless of the outcome, what it means to both the labor and business communities.