All articles tagged with #labor standards
Seattle’s minimum wage will rise to $22.14 per hour on January 1, 2026, an 84-cent increase tied to local inflation. This rate will likely make Seattle the highest-paying jurisdiction in the U.S. by 2027, surpassing nearby cities like Burien and Tukwila. The hike coincides with significant business closures and a decline in job openings, prompting debate over the policy’s economic impact.
The Biden administration has delayed announcing the conclusion of substantial portions of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, a trade pact aimed at strengthening alliances and economic ties in Asia, after facing criticism from prominent Democratic lawmakers. Senator Sherrod Brown and others have raised concerns about inadequate protections for workers in the countries covered by the agreement. The administration has decided not to push for the trade portion of the agreement this week, but still plans to announce progress on clean energy, decarbonization, and taxation. The delay is a setback for the administration's strategy to counter China's influence in the region.
California carpenters have successfully lobbied for major housing legislation, including two bills signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. The laws aim to address the state's housing shortage and signify a shift in power dynamics among unions in California. The carpenters' engagement on housing policy has been influential, leading to a rift between the California Conference of Carpenters and the State Building and Construction Trades Council. The new laws come after years of gridlock on housing proposals and represent a breakthrough for the carpenters, who have advocated for stronger labor standards in the construction industry. The legislation will make it easier for nonprofit colleges, faith organizations, and developers to build affordable housing, but it has also faced criticism from some unions for lacking more rigorous job standards.