The rally comes after the city agreed to hear its workers’ concerns and bargain with them to reach a labor agreement which promises better wages, better working conditions, a manageable workload and better health benefits. The agreement, established by city ordinance, set a Friday deadline.
The National Labor Relations Board recently issued a rule change that may have wide-ranging impacts for workers and businesses. The update to the joint employer rule would require parent companies to negotiate collective bargaining agreements with employees even when using a staffing agency or subcontractor. It also means franchisors and franchisees can both be held liable for unfair labor practices. .
States such as Minnesota have seen a tidal wave of union organizing amid public support to improve pay and workplace conditions. However, labor leaders acknowledge the slow growth of membership, prompting questions about the movement s future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says nationwide, the number of union jobs last year increased by nearly 2%, but the actual membership rate declined to 10.1%. .
Pennsylvania needs more economic opportunities and a new report from the Keystone Research Center showed federal investments in climate and infrastructure projects would help grow a skilled construction workforce. Diana Polson, senior policy analyst at the center, said the report revealed federal money would create thousands of trade jobs through expanding union construction apprenticeships leading to quality careers, as electricians, operating engineers, carpenters, and laborers. "In Pennsylvania, for example, these apprenticeships train workers for jobs that pay more than most college-educated workers earn, and 61% more than the average worker in Pennsylvania," Polson pointed out. " .
City employees in Richmond are frustrated by the city s unwillingness to negotiate a union contract. Earlier this year, the workers voted to unionize, seeking a fair wage, affordable health care and paid leave benefits. Workers feel the city is not taking their effort seriously, and they are on a deadline. .