New 'joint employer' rule could make it easier for millions to unionize - if it survives challenges

girlfreddy@lemmy.ca to News@lemmy.world – 399 points –
New rule would make it easier for millions of Americans to unionize, but businesses are pushing back
apnews.com

The rule — announced late last month by the National Labor Relations Board –- sets new standards for determining when two companies should be considered “joint employers” under the National Labor Relations Act.

It sounds wonky. But essentially, the rule could widen the number of companies that must participate in labor negotiations alongside their franchisees or independent contractors. For example, it might require Burger King to bargain with workers even though most of its U.S. restaurants are owned by franchisees. Or it could require Amazon to negotiate with delivery drivers who are employed by independent contractors.

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Once independent contractors are able to unionize I believe union membership will go way up. I've read of Google having "red-badge" contractors not even being given earthquake safety gear in safety exercises, just to keep them as separate from the company as possible.

I was a contractor for one of the big players. They had plenty of ways to remind you that you weren't on their team.

Same, I was a "green badge" among all the "blue badge" direct hires

What is earthquake safety gear?

This article describes the contents of a few kits, but it's pretty typical emergency stuff. A first aid kit, whistle, flashlight, some calories dense foods, maybe a Google-branded water bottle.