Chipotle Mexican Grill is testing a new honey-infused chicken dish in Nashville and Sacramento, while also facing accusations of unfair labor practices in Michigan. The company is known for its menu innovations and faces an uphill battle with labor relations as its CEO prepares to leave.
The NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP) reports a deterioration in labor relations with Columbus-based NetJets, a fractional air carrier. The union, representing over 3,400 pilots, accuses the company of launching a disciplinary investigation against an elected NJASAP official over lawful union activities. This is seen as an act of retaliation and intimidation following a recently signed five-year collective bargaining agreement. NJASAP President Pedro Leroux emphasizes the need for collaboration and a focus on growth amidst unprecedented demand. The union reiterates its support for Vice President Paulette Gilbert, who faced interrogation and requests for details about protected union activities during a three-hour meeting.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has expressed opposition to a bill passed during the final minutes of the legislative session that would establish a $3 million fund for striking union workers. Lamont criticized the bill’s lack of clarity and the tactics used by lawmakers to pass it. The bill’s supporters, including Senate Democrats, framed it as a measure to assist low-wage workers rather than explicitly supporting strikers. However, union leaders praised the legislation as a step towards leveling the playing field for workers engaged in strikes. Lamont, while supportive of unions, voiced concerns about using taxpayer funds to subsidize strikers. The governor’s comments indicate a likely veto of the bill.
Governor Janet Mills has vetoed three bills passed by the Maine Legislature, including measures to establish a minimum wage for farmworkers, regulate labor relations in the agricultural sector, and mandate water treatment for landfill leachate. Mills expressed concerns about the potential impact of these bills on farmers, citing financial burdens and regulatory complexities. She also voiced opposition to a private right of action provision in the minimum wage bill, arguing that such a mechanism would result in excessive litigation against farm owners. The vetoed bills may come up for a vote to override the governor’s decision later this month.
A Quebec-based union has filed an application to represent 200 employees at Amazon’s DXT4 warehouse in Laval. The Confederation des syndicats nationaux (CSN) submitted the application to the Administrative Labour Tribunal, stating that the signed union cards represent a majority of staff at the facility. If the tribunal verifies this, the union will become the certified representative of all employees covered by the application.
This application follows similar efforts by Unifor to represent workers at two Amazon warehouses in British Columbia. However, Unifor temporarily withdrew those applications, alleging that Amazon provided an inflated employee count that hindered their efforts.
