Bernie Sanders opposes Elon Musk’s and the tech right’s support for the H-1B visa program, arguing that it exploits foreign workers and benefits corporations by suppressing wages. Sanders contends the program replaces higher-paying American jobs with lower-wage foreign labor, enriching corporations at the expense of both American and foreign workers. He advocates for reforms including increased fees for large corporations, a higher minimum wage for guest workers, and easier job switching for those on H-1B visas. This debate highlights a growing divide within the Republican party and pits Sanders against both Musk and some within the MAGA base.
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Walt Disney Co. settled a class-action lawsuit for $233 million, resolving claims of wage theft from over 50,000 current and former Disneyland employees. The settlement includes approximately $105 million in back pay owed since 2019, when Anaheim’s minimum wage law took effect, and additional penalties. The lawsuit alleged Disney violated the law by not adjusting wages accordingly, a claim initially dismissed but later overturned. A judge will review the settlement on January 17th, after which affected workers will receive notification of their payout.
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President Biden’s proposed overtime policy would significantly increase the salary threshold for overtime pay eligibility under the Fair Labor Standards Act, raising it from approximately $35,000 to $58,000 annually. This change would extend overtime protections to roughly four million additional workers currently misclassified as managers to avoid overtime pay. These workers, spanning various sectors including manufacturing, retail, and construction, often work excessive hours for insufficient compensation. The policy directly addresses the economic exploitation highlighted by the concerns expressed in the song “Rich Men North of Richmond.”
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The irony of GM’s profit nearing record highs a year after claiming it couldn’t afford to meet its workers’ pay demands seems almost comical at first glance, but beneath that surface is a grim reality that speaks volumes about the state of corporate America. I find myself reflecting on how often I’ve encountered this narrative, where companies cry poverty just as they are about to close negotiations that could lead to meaningful improvements for their employees. It’s a playbook that’s become all too familiar over the years.
When GM executives, led by CFO Paul Jacobson, proclaim about the strong revenue growth and profitable operations while simultaneously refusing to uplift workers’ wages, I can’t help but feel a knot in my stomach.… Continue reading
I can’t help but feel enraged and disheartened by Walmart’s recent decision to lay off hundreds of employees and require others to relocate. It’s a slap in the face to the hard-working individuals who have dedicated their time and effort to the company. The lack of loyalty and appreciation is evident, as they prioritize their bottom line over the well-being of their employees.
The idea of relocating for a job is daunting in itself, but when a company like Walmart demands that their employees uproot their lives and move across the country, it’s downright disrespectful. The personal cost and inconvenience of such a move are not worth the minimal reward or loyalty that the company offers in return.… Continue reading
Amazon, SpaceX, and Trader Joe’s are now joining forces to argue that the national labor board is unconstitutional. This move is not only concerning but also sheds light on the rampant corporate greed that permeates our society. As someone who has worked for Trader Joe’s for over a decade, I have seen the decline in the treatment of employees firsthand. What used to be a company that cared for its workers has now become just another corporation prioritizing profits over people.
The recent allegations against Amazon for unlawfully retaliating against workers who tried to unionize in New York City are just the tip of the iceberg.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker