Fight Over Paid Leave Heating Up in Congress

– The Hill 

A bitter fight is looming in Congress over the push for paid family leave, despite broad backing for the idea from both parties and the White House. Republicans and Democrats are divided over the details of a legislative proposal. Meanwhile, White House adviser Ivanka Trump is pushing an alternative plan, leaving no clear path forward.

 

79 Percent of Americans Would Take a Pay Cut to Work for A More ‘Just’ Company

– The Washington Post 

Americans prioritize one thing above all others when evaluating whether a company is a good corporate citizen: how they treat their workers. The Washington Post explores the traits workers are looking for.

 

Now Featured on Wal-Mart’s Website: Higher Prices Than Stores

– The Wall Street Journal 

Wal-Mart wants to charge customers more to buy some products online than in stores, part of the company’s efforts to boost profits and drive store traffic as it competes with Amazon. Some big-box retailers charge more for online purchases, including Costco Wholesale but the move is unusual for Wal-Mart, which has long honed an “everyday low price” message and has worked to keep online prices at least as low as shoppers find in its 4,700 U.S. stores.

 

Plugging into The Gig Economy, From Home with A Headset

– The New York Times 

Freelance call agents are part of a tectonic shift in how jobs are structured. More companies are pushing work onto freelancers, temps, contractors and franchisees in the quest for an ever more nimble profit-making machine. It is one reason a job category seemingly headed offshore forever — customer service representatives — has been thriving in call centers and home offices across the United States, supporting roughly three million workers.