Latest news with #MorningShift
Politico
7 days ago
- Business
- Politico
Trump's DOL bets the house on apprenticeships
QUICK FIX TRAINING DAY: There are two things Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer talks about: the string of stronger-than-expected job reports under President Donald Trump and expanding the number of apprentices across the country. She has visited several training facilities on a 50-state tour since being sworn in in March, and signed a deal in April to launch a national apprentice program for firefighters and emergency responders at the DOL's D.C. headquarters. 'We know that we're not going to see four-year universities deliver all of that workforce,' Chavez-DeRemer said during a keynote speech at the Western Governors' Association conference last month. Trump has set a goal of having at least 1 million active apprentices, and Chavez-DeRemer told WGA attendees that she personally would like to go well beyond that mark and reach 1.2 million apprentices to 'really deliver on this.' More than 145,000 people have entered apprenticeship programs since Trump returned to the White House earlier this year and there are nearly 700,000 registered apprentices nationwide, according to the Labor Department. But the high-stakes bet is happening at an awkward moment. The Trump administration has spent months hobbling labor regulators, rolling back worker-friendly rules, antagonizing unions, slashing jobs across the federal government and paring back money for other workforce development programs. 'People talk a good game about, 'Oh, we need more [apprentices],'' AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in an interview. 'But if you're not willing to invest in the infrastructure around that, it's meaningless.' Even some employers who make extensive use of apprentices are wary of relying on it as the sole solution to fill the need for skilled labor. 'We see Registered Apprenticeships as one of many different workforce development solutions,' said Michael Altman, senior manager of federal regulatory affairs at the Associated Builders and Contractors. 'There are many construction contractors that have their own kind of on-the-job training that do not align with Registered Apprenticeships.' Trump talked a big game on apprenticeships during his first term, but DOL spent much of those four years establishing a parallel apprenticeship model that would give employer groups a greater hand in designing and overseeing training programs that was subsequently short-circuited by the Biden administration. As such the emphasis on Registered Apprenticeships — which unions and Democrats also favor — is a marked shift for Trump this go-around. More for Pro subscribers here. GOOD MORNING. It's Monday, July 14. Welcome back to Morning Shift, your go-to tipsheet on labor and employment-related immigration. Send feedback, tips and exclusives to nniedzwiadek@ lukenye@ rdugyala@ and gmott@ A new Clipse album and a Tiny Desk concert is the stuff of your aging millennial host's dreams. Follow us on X at @NickNiedz and @Lawrence_Ukenye. And Signal @nickniedz.94. Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You'll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day's biggest stories. LEGAL BATTLES INJUNCTION JUNCTION: The Trump administration on Friday told a federal judge in Manhattan that his order barring DOL from shutting down Job Corps centers across the country violates a recent Supreme Court ruling against sweeping nationwide injunctions and needs to be substantially pared back. Late last month Judge Andrew Carter Jr., an appointee of former President Barack Obama, blocked DOL from moving forward with its plan to indefinitely suspend operations at all privately run Job Corps centers. (A group of centers run by the Agriculture Department's Forest Service was unaffected.) But shortly thereafter, he asked the two sides to brief him on how to adjust his ruling in light of the high court's holding in Trump v. Casa. In their brief, administration attorneys told Carter that instead of applying to all 99 centers threatened by DOL's plan, his order should be limited to just 30-plus operated by the contractors or attended by students who brought the lawsuit. The challengers have argued that the Supreme Court's ruling does not apply in this circumstance and that the universal relief should stay in place. AROUND THE AGENCIES TRANS TURNABOUT: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is taking a step toward evaluating workplace discrimination claims filed by transgender people after the agency began automatically classifying them as meritless upon Trump taking office and designating Andrea Lucas acting chair, The Washington Post reports. In a July 1 email to staff, 'Thomas Colclough, director of the agency's field operations, said the EEOC will process cases that 'fall squarely' under the 2020 Supreme Court precedent Bostock v. Clayton County, which found that firing transgender workers because of their gender identity violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964. … If the agency finds enough evidence that discrimination took place, gender identity cases will still be reviewed by a senior attorney as well as the office of the chair, Colclough wrote.' Immigration FICKLE AMERICA: A new poll shows record-high support for immigration amid President Donald Trump's controversial mass deportation campaign, our Giselle Ruhiyyih Ewing reports. Seventy-nine percent of American adults think immigration is good for the country, according to a new Gallup poll released Friday. And the share of Americans who want immigration reduced dropped sharply from 55 to 30 percent since last year's poll. Meanwhile, disapproval of Trump's immigration approach outweighs approval by 27 percentage points, potentially complicating the president's strategy on a policy area that he has made a cornerstone of his presidential agenda. K STREET ON E VISAS: The U.S. Immigration Fund, a Florida-based company that helps foreign investors secure permanent residency, is enlisting Greenberg Traurig as Trump's idea to let affluent people buy their way into the country threatens its business, POLITICO Influence reports. USIF acts as a broker for EB-5 visas by connecting businesses with foreign investors, but the so-called gold card program proposed by Trump earlier this year has been eyed to replace the program. Opinion: 'The Economic Drain of Mass Deportation,' from The Wall Street Journal. Unions SMOKED UP: A New York City cannabis licensee is rankling against a provision in the state's legalization law designed to promote 'labor peace' and asked a federal court to do away with the requirement, our Mona Zhang reports for Pro subscribers. Gotham — a self-described 'mission driven, arts-and-culture-forward' New York City cannabis dispensary — is arguing that it violates the company's constitutional rights. 'We are proceeding with legal action to not only protect our business … but more importantly, our right to be heard,' Joanne Wilson, the owner of Hybrid NYC LLC, Gotham's parent company, said in a statement to POLITICO about the lawsuit. '[T]he current law stifles the growth of this young industry.' In the Workplace SUB-PRIME: The Trump administration's termination of Temporary Protected Status and similar programs that allow foreign-born people to legally work in the U.S. is pulling the rug on thousands of workers and big-name employers like Amazon, The New York Times reports. Hundreds of workers were let go at a West Jefferson, Ohio, facility alone that had a sizable number of Haitian immigrants, and others were given just days to come up with alternative work authorizations or risk losing their jobs. Cold comfort: ''Change is never easy, and I know this news may be difficult for many of you,' Amazon's internal talking points advised managers to tell their workers at the start of the next shifts,' according to the Times. More workplace news: 'How AmeriCorps Kept Young Talent in Rural Communities,' from Washington Monthly. WHAT WE'RE READING — 'Trump Loves ICE. Its Workforce Has Never Been So Miserable,' from The Atlantic. — 'Vance plans to kick off admin efforts to tout Trump's agenda bill with Pennsylvania visit,' from CNN. — 'Immigration Raids Reveal Holes in Government's Tool to Verify Workers,' from The Wall Street Journal. — 'Bill in Congress would prevent schools from using student fees to bankroll college sports,' from The Associated Press. THAT'S YOUR SHIFT!
Politico
07-07-2025
- Business
- Politico
Washington prepares to take on portable benefits
QUICK FIX BENEFITS YOU CAN KEEP: Congress is finally getting into the portable benefits game. Senate HELP Chair Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) are up with three bills aimed at providing workers the flexibility to carry their benefits from one job to another. The proposal comes after the committee spent months gathering input from business groups before ultimately releasing a framework for what portable benefits legislation could look like. Here's what's in the bills. What to watch for: Labor groups are fiercely opposed to portable benefits plans, which they say are inferior to traditional employer-provided plans, even as Democratic-led states advance legislation aimed at shoring up benefits for gig workers. The Wisconsin AFL-CIO protested a bipartisan bill passed last month by the state legislature to make delivery drivers eligible for benefits without making them employees, with its president Stephanie Bloomingdale calling the legislation 'an attempt to deprive workers of important rights to which employees are entitled.' However, Cassidy is encouraged by the progress he's seen in the states and hopes that Democrats in Congress will eventually hop on the bandwagon. Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) have previously signed onto legislation aimed at expanding the Labor Department role in facilitating portable benefits. Lawrence has more for Pro subscribers. GOOD MORNING. It's Monday, July 7. Welcome back to Morning Shift, your go-to tipsheet on labor and employment-related immigration. Send feedback, tips and exclusives to nniedzwiadek@ lukenye@ rdugyala@ and gmott@ Follow us on X at @NickNiedz and @Lawrence_Ukenye. And Signal @nickniedz.94. Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You'll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day's biggest stories. AROUND THE AGENCIES BIG OOPS: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce last week seemingly leaked who the White House planned to tap to serve on the National Labor Relations Board, our Daniel Lippman wrote in Playbook. 'In the lead-up to the long Independence Day weekend, the White House today announced several much-anticipated appointments of two members of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): Scott Mayer, Chief Labor Counsel at The Boeing Corporation, and James Murphy, a former career official with the NLRB,' the Chamber wrote in an email. The Chamber sent out an email 15 minutes letter telling recipients to disregard their previous message. A White House official told Playbook that no selection has been made, while Mayer and Murphy did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the Chamber acknowledged the error was a mistake but declined to comment on the mishap. More agency news: 'Trump wants more skilled tradespeople. His Labor Department is trying to cut off a pipeline of workers,' from CNN. Even more: 'Workers died in high heat as OSHA debates protections,' from Ariel Wittenberg for POLITICO's E&E News. ANOTHER ROLLBACK: The Trump administration will no longer pursue a Biden-era effort to end the subminimum wage for disabled workers. DOL announced in a filing that the administration doesn't have the authority to halt granting 14(c) certificates — which allow employers to pay disabled workers less than the minimum wage. House Education and Workforce Chair Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) expressed support for the move. 'These programs make it easier for job creators to employ individuals with disabilities, empowering them to contribute to their community and build a satisfying life,' Walberg said in a statement. 'I am proud to work with the Trump administration in our continued effort to expand—not limit—opportunities for every American to thrive.' Nick has more. Unions JOINING THE FRAY?: A second Philadelphia public-sector union is planning on holding a strike authorization vote after a major group walked off the job recently, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Roughly 9,000 workers represented by AFSCME District Council 33 announced a work stoppage after stalled negotiations with Mayor Cherelle Parker prompted the union — which represents trash collectors and other city workers — to strike. Although DC 47 has a more complicated structure that could make striking more difficult, a second work stoppage could have a major effect on city operations as Philly grapples with overflowing trash cans. THUMBS DOWN: Several unions panned Trump's megabill, which was signed into law by the president's self-imposed Independence Day deadline. 'Today, Donald Trump signed into law the worst job-killing bill in American history,' AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler wrote in a statement. 'It will rip health care from 17 million workers to pay for massive tax giveaways to the wealthy and big corporations, amounting to the country's largest money grab from the working class to the ultra-rich.' In separate statements, United Auto Workers called the legislation a 'gut punch' and the American Postal Workers Union said the bill is a 'crushing blow' to families. More union news: "A second union for Philadelphia city workers is holding a strike authorization vote,' from The Philadelphia Inquirer. Even more: 'Safeway strike ends as Albertsons and local union reach agreement,' from Colorado Public Radio. In the Workplace WORSE THAN YOU THINK: Business leaders are becoming increasingly adamant about predictions that artificial intelligence could eliminate swaths of white collar jobs. 'In interviews, CEOs often hedge when asked about job losses, noting that innovation historically creates a range of new roles,' WSJ's Chip Cutter and Haley Zimmerman write. 'In private, though, CEOs have spent months whispering about how their businesses could likely be run with a fraction of the current staff.' Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned that government and CEOs need to be honest how disruptive the technology will be amid growing projections that many firms may begin cutting entry-level jobs that could push unemployment rates between 10 percent and 20 percent. Related: 'Don't let AI steal your job,' from Vox. More workplace news: 'America has two labor markets now,' from Axios. IMMIGRATION WAITING GAME: Foreign medical residents who fill jobs in U.S. hospitals are unable to start their assignments due to the Trump administration's visa and travel restrictions. The administration lifted its pause for J-1 visa interviews. But four foreign medical residents told the AP that U.S. embassies have been slow to offer interview slots. The U.S. is likely to face a physician shortage in the next 11 years, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. The Associated Press has more. WHAT WE'RE READING — 'How Trump's megabill could slam the job market,' from our Sam Sutton. — 'How Health Care Remade the U.S. Economy,' from The New York Times. — 'Companies keep slashing jobs. How worried should workers be about AI replacing them?' from the Los Angeles Times. THAT'S YOUR SHIFT!
Scoop
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
The Morning Shift Announce "Is That Us!? World Tour (Sort Of...)" Eight Dates Across Aotearoa & Australia This Spring
After humble beginnings in a garage, to a record-breaking rise to the top of the podcast charts, Aotearoa's favourite trio — Jordan Vaha'akolo, Brook Ruscoe, and Marc Peard — are taking The Morning Shift to the people. This August and September, they'll be bringing eight massive shows across Aotearoa and Australia in their first-ever LIVE tour. Real people, real talk and now real life. Expect all the stuff you love from the podcast: deep kōrero, big laughs, a few tears, spontaneous/questionable singing, plus whatever Jordan decides to overshare that night. The live show brings the podcast to life, with that signature Morning Shift energy that turns commutes into therapy sessions and takes gym workouts to another level. Beginning at The Star Theatre on the Gold Coast on Thursday 7 August, the tour then heads to the Enmore Theatre in Sydney on Friday 8 August. In true trans-tasman style, the boys will then pay homage to Marc's hometown of Gisborne on Saturday 16 August at the War Memorial Theatre, followed by Clarence Street Theatre in Hamilton on Sunday 17 August. Rotorua is next up at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre on Friday 22 August followed by Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre on Saturday 23 August before wrapping up with two massive shows in Christchurch at the Town Hall on Sunday 14 September and Auckland's Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre on Saturday 27 September. 'This is a dream for us. To be living in these times making a living off a podcast backed by the people!? I am so thankful this is even a possibility. I hope people are ready for an action packed show! If people are willing to spend their hard earned money to come then we want to make sure it's a night they won't forget. I want people to leave with laughter still in their belly and hope in their hearts. Lessspushhhh.' - Jordan River "Is That Us" the rallying cry of our people... During such trying times in human history... A chance to hangout with the Shifters, have some moments, share some stories, some laughter, shed some tears during a night we will always remember! That's us.' – Marc 'Honestly, I'm a mix of excited, nervous and GRATEFUL. To be on tour with our people is something I never thought I'd get to say out loud. So if you're coming out, just know you're FAMILY and if you see me getting emotional, mind ya business! Let's make it a night to remember. That's us!' - Brook The Morning Shift is more than a podcast, it's a community. Having now ticked over two years of being #1 in your hearts (sometimes #1 in the charts), their podcast has become a staple for thousands of New Zealanders who tune in daily. Whether you're a Day One Shifter or just joined the movement last week — this is your moment. Rally the crew, book the babysitter, and get ready for a night that promises to shift you. Thanks to Nando's, who've helped take this dream from the garage to the stage. Shift Nation, we on. Tickets go on sale Friday 4 July at Midday NZST. See for more information.
Politico
23-06-2025
- Business
- Politico
The worker-friendly provisions you missed in reconciliation
Presented by QUICK FIX ICYMI: Republicans' reconciliation package will likely have major implications for how employees and employers file for deductions and credits during tax season, with some provisions already creating high-profile internal disputes among GOP lawmakers. The House muscled through their proposal which included President Donald Trump's campaign proposal to eliminate taxes on tips and overtime. The Senate Finance Committee's bill text released last week replaces those provisions with capped deductions for tips and overtime. Here are some other tax changes that snuck under the radar in the committee's proposal that could affect workers and businesses. — Gig worker earnings: The income reporting threshold for independent contractors would rise from $600 to $2,000, broadening the earnings window for gig workers — a majority of whom work part time — before they would be required to report their expenses. The proposal was championed by House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.) over concerns that the $600 limit created excess paperwork for small businesses. Industry groups have also backed the proposal. 'Raising the reporting threshold protects casual online sellers from burdensome IRS paperwork, while preserving tax compliance,' the Coalition for 1099-K Fairness, a group that supports independent contractors, said in a statement. — Employer-provided child care credit: Businesses would receive tax credits under the GOP's plan if they directly provide child care or contract with outside child care providers. Employers are currently able to seek up to $150,000 annually per and up to 25 percent of child care expenses provided to employees. Republicans are looking to make some of those provisions permanent, while increasing the maximum credit to $500,000 and allowing companies to cover up to 40 percent in expenses. — Child and dependent tax credit: Lawmakers want to expand tax credits that would allow employees to receive a larger payout for their employment-related expenses related to their children or dependents, like daycare or in-home elder care. If passed, the credit rate would rise from 35 percent to 50 percent. What to watch: While Democrats have been squeamish of the GOP's broader tax efforts, they've been willing to work across the aisle on issues like expanding child care. Expect to see Democrats push for expanded credits to support low-income families, while Republicans dig in on supporting independent contractors — an issue that has proved thorny as some labor advocates argue the gig employers don't provide ample benefits to their workers. GOOD MORNING. It's Monday, June 23. Welcome back to Morning Shift, your go-to tipsheet on labor and employment-related immigration. Send feedback, tips and exclusives to nniedzwiadek@ lukenye@ rdugyala@ and gmott@ Follow us on X at @NickNiedz and @Lawrence_Ukenye. And Signal @nickniedz.94. Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You'll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day's biggest stories. AROUND THE AGENCIES H-2A ROLLBACK: The Labor Department last week rolled back the Biden administration's rule that sought to provide migrant workers under the H-2A program with wage transparency protections and limited union representation, our Samuel Benson reported for Pro subscribers. DOL said it was halting enforcement of the rule because a series of preliminary injunctions had created 'legal uncertainty, inconsistency, and operational challenges' for farmers. The 2024 rule was championed by labor groups and required agricultural employers to create safety measures for laborers. Workers were also permitted to invite union representatives to disciplinary meetings or employer-sponsored housing. IG GOES AFTER TELEWORK: The Office of Personnel Management's watchdog office slammed the Biden administration's management of telework at federal agencies in a report last week. OPM's inspector general found that nearly 30 percent of workers surveyed had lapsed teleworking arrangements, while 15 percent of sampled personnel did not have an approved telework plan on file. 'Under the previous administration, OPM's telework and remote work policies were mismanaged and oversight was virtually nonexistent,' OPM acting Director Chuck Ezell said in a statement. 'That era of telework abuse is over. At President Trump's direction, OPM has restored in-person operations to ensure federal employees are working for the taxpayers.' Our Robin Bravender has more for POLITICO's E&E News. LEGAL BATTLES SCOTUS RULES ON ADA: The Supreme Court ruled 7-2 last week that protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act do not automatically apply to individuals who retire due to their condition, Nick reported for Pros. The high court sided against Karyn Stanley, a former Florida firefighter who accused the city of violating the ADA when she was forced to cover her medical expenses after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. A majority of justices asserted that did not fall under the 'reasonable accommodations' that employers are required to provide because she was no longer employed. 'Those kinds of accommodations make perfect sense when it comes to current employees or applicants,' the majority said in an opinion written by Justice Neil Gorsuch. 'But it is hard to see how they might apply to retirees who do not hold or seek a job.' More legal battles: "7 Job Corps students, including 1 in Oregon, sue Labor Department over closures,' from OPB. Unions CLOSE CALL: A Minnesota union manager was charged last week with making threats of violence toward the State Capitol, CBS News reported. Jonathan Bohn, a director of public affairs at the Inter Faculty Organization, was arrested less than a week after former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in their home. The union, which represents faculty at several Minnesota universities, said they placed Bohn on administrative leave. 'We are monitoring developments closely, cooperating as needed with law enforcement and will continue to keep our members informed,' the union said. According to NBC News, Bohn said in a statement that he sent emotional texts while he was 'grieving horrific acts of violence committed against my friends and colleagues.' 'In that moment of anguish, I used language that I deeply regret,' Bohn added. 'The words were spoken from pain, not from intent. I am a hurting person, not a violent one.' More union news: 'Contracts for Philly's four largest city unions are about to expire, and one is threatening to strike. Here's what you need to know,' from The Philadelphia Inquirer. In the States IT'S OFFICIAL: Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson confirmed on Saturday that the referendum effort to repeal Utah's public-sector collective bargaining ban was successful, meaning voters will determine the law's fate at the ballot box next fall, Deseret News reported. Labor groups in Utah successfully secured enough signatures in April to repeal HB 267, a law that halts bargaining for unions representing teachers, firefighters and police officers. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox told reporters that he 'didn't love' the bill despite signing it, drawing backlash from local unions. Henderson issued a temporary stay on the law, which was set to take effect on July 1. WHAT WE'RE READING — 'Rand Paul broke with his own party on border security funding. Then his party broke with him,' from our Hailey Fuchs. — Opinion: 'This Loophole Buried in Trump's Bill Is Anything but Beautiful,' from The New York Times. — 'AI is transforming Indian call centers. What does it mean for workers?' from The Washington Post. — 'Seeking Jobs and Purpose, Fired Federal Workers Form New Networks,' from The New York Times. — 'Exclusive: Nvidia, Foxconn in talks to deploy humanoid robots at Houston AI server making plant,' from Reuters. THAT'S YOUR SHIFT!
NZ Autocar
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
LDV NZ launches Terron 9 ute at Fieldays
Following a recent preview, LDV NZ will unleash its Terron 9 double-cab ute to the public at Fieldays next week. This new four-wheel drive workhorse features a 2.5L 164kW/520Nm turbodiesel and a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity. So it's another up-for-anything ute that LDV says works as hard as Fieldays attendees do. The Terron 9 is larger (5500mm) than many of the market's best-known utes and joins LDV's smaller T60 line-up. It will form the centrepiece of LDV's site I50 at Mystery Creek from June 11 to 14. After a debut for the brand at Fieldays last year, 2025 promises to be even bigger. There's also the opportunity for showgoers to meet and greet LDV's brand ambassadors. Queenstown-based qualified carpenter Chelsea Roper (She Builds Bro) will be making the trip north on Friday and Saturday. The Morning Shift's podcasters will make an appearance at the LDV site on Saturday. Professional rugby player Katelyn Vaha'akolo who, like her fellow LDV ambassadors also drives an LDV T60 ute, will also be onsite on Saturday. LDV will have exclusive Fieldays offers for those considering a purchase during the event. For example, anyone buying an LDV vehicle there will receive a free accessory pack valued at $3000. This offer runs until June 30. Inchcape New Zealand General Manager Kym Mellow is confident the Terron 9 will set a new benchmark for utes in New Zealand. He is looking forward to seeing the public's reaction to it. 'The all-new LDV Terron 9 is built for power, designed for versatility, and is ready to redefine the ute experience' he said. 'Expanding our range, the Terron 9 brings toughness, intelligence, and performance to the next level. Backed by LDV's commitment to quality, it comes with a seven-year warranty, giving you confidence on every journey.' Also at the LDV site (#I50) there will be a range of T60 utes and LDV's Deliver 7 van with 2.0 turbodiesel power.
