The “How Does a Labor Organizer Work?” Edition

– Slate

Slate’s podcast, Working, interviews individuals employed in fields potentially imperiled by the Trump presidency. For the final episode of the current season, they spoke with David Mott, a Service Employees International Union (SEIU) labor organizer. Among other things, he goes into the details of his daily routine of communicating with members directly and often visiting them in their homes. Looking forward, Mott states he’s looking to cultivate leaders within a workplace, individuals who will be able to sustain and support the union once he moves on.

 

In More Places, US Restaurants Are Adding On “Labor Surcharges”-But You Still Have to Tip, Of Course

– Quartz

The cost of raising the minimum wage across the US is beginning to surface on restaurant bills. Just check the small print at bottom of your receipts. Rather than raise prices of items on their menus, some restaurant owners have started adopting labor surcharges of 3% and 4% to offset the cost of paying their employees more. It’s a plain reminder for consumers that raising the minimum wage comes with a price.

 

How Immigration Raids Destroy the Lives of Food Workers

– Eater 

Immigration raids have been making headlines across the country for the past month. But as previous instances of immigration enforcement have shown, removing people from their communities has a much larger effect than simple labor shortages or temporary restaurant closures. Here’s a look at how raids have affected the food community in the past and how the industry – including farmers, food manufacturers, and restaurateurs – might be able to prepare for their effects in the future.

 

Gripes About Obamacare Aside, Health Insurers Are in a Profit Spiral

– The New York Times 

Over the last few years, big managed care companies like United Health Care have contributed to the furor over the fate of the Affordable Care Act by saying that important parts of it are fundamentally flawed. But Obamacare hasn’t been a curse for the managed care companies. Over all, based on their share performance, it has been something of a blessing.