Prime Minister Mark Carney is aiming to lure tech sector employees from the US to Canada. He believes that new US visa charges under the Trump administration may make Canada an attractive alternative. Carney stated that this presents an opportunity to recruit individuals who previously held H-1B visas. Many of these potential recruits are in the tech industry and open to relocating for work.
Amazon is investing $1 billion to enhance compensation and benefits for its U.S. fulfillment and transportation workers. This includes raising the average hourly wage to over $23 and increasing pay for some tenured employees by up to $1.90 per hour. Furthermore, the company is significantly reducing the cost of its entry-level health care plan, lowering weekly contributions by 34% and co-pays for primary care and mental health visits. This move follows recent labor actions and a settlement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regarding workplace safety.
Air Canada flight attendants rejected the airline’s wage offer by a significant margin, according to their union, CUPE. The tentative agreement, which followed a recent strike, proposed a 12% salary increase for junior flight attendants and 8% for senior members this year. CUPE stated that the rejection was due to concerns over wages remaining below the federal minimum wage. The wage issue is now being mediated and will proceed to arbitration if necessary, while Air Canada has confirmed the situation.
Over 11,000 Starbucks baristas, represented by Workers United, will begin a five-day strike on Friday, impacting hundreds of stores by Christmas Eve unless a deal is reached. The union demands improved wages, staffing levels, and scheduling, citing a significant pay disparity between baristas and CEO Brian Niccol’s substantial compensation. Starbucks counters with claims of above-average pay and benefits, averaging over $30 per hour for 20-hour-per-week employees. The strike coincides with other labor actions, including a Teamsters union protest against Amazon, highlighting broader concerns about worker compensation and conditions.
John Q. Hosedrinker