On this episode of Working Lunch, we explore how election results in Ohio and Kansas could impact employers. ICE continues immigration raids, this time indicting employers in Minnesota and Nebraska. California goes after a retailer on wage theft. And, finally New York City moves to regulate Uber drivers and what that could mean for delivery. Those stories and more plus the weekly legislative scorecard.

On this episode of Working Lunch, Republican Senator Marco Rubio introduces legislation to establish a national paid parental leave program. Speaking of DC, the city council is considering repealing the new law eliminating the tip credit passed by voters just two months ago. Additionally, Starbucks is in the news again for the wrong reason - this time for wage and hour violations in California. Those stories and more plus the weekly legislative scorecard.

On this episode of Working Lunch, the NAACP scored a major victory in Alabama that could alter the national conversation on minimum wage. Additionally, more primary election results this week underscore the impact of President Trump. And ballot initiatives are back in the news - the CEO of the Michigan Restaurant Association stops by to discuss paid leave and minimum wage ballot proposals in his state. Those stories and more plus the weekly legislative scorecard.

On this episode of Working Lunch, the City of Chicago is proposing a pilot project to establish a universal basic income for some residents that will be displaced by the new economy and automation. Considering the size and importance of Chicago, it could accelerate the national conversation around universal basic income. Additionally, the joint employer settlement between McDonald’s and the NLRB was rejected by an administrate law judge. And scheduling is back in the news – Abercrombie and Fitch is the latest retailer to face settle legal actions related to reporting pay laws. Those stories and more plus the weekly legislative scorecard.

On this episode of Working Lunch, the paid leave proposal Sen. Marco Rubio and others are shopping around Capitol Hill would allow workers to get paid parental leave by collecting early Social Security benefits. In an effort to offset the cost, they would then have to defer collecting benefits for a short time when they retire. Also, what employers should expect from the SCOTUS nominee and the latest on the anti plastic straw movement and why big brands are changing course. Those stories plus the legislative scorecard and why Fight for $15 pins are allowed on restaurant uniforms.

On this episode of the Working Lunch podcast, the Align crew discusses the looming reputational crises heading towards restaurant and retail owners over single-use plastic products and the impact that President Trump’s trade war will have not only on operators but also the coming midterm elections in November. Those stories and more plus the weekly Legislative Scorecard.

On this episode of The Working Lunch podcast, the Align crew analyzes California's new soda tax and data privacy laws that could have nationwide impacts. Plus, an extended interview about the so-called grand bargain in Massachusetts that includes an increased minimum wage and guaranteed paid family and medical leave. Those stories plus the legislative scorecard with top items from around the country impacting business operators.

On this episode of the Working Lunch podcast, the Align crew explains why the fight over tipped wages is far from over in D.C. despite an overwhelming vote in favor of increasing the minimum wage and why the conversation will spread around the country. Plus, the Supreme Court's internet sales tax ruling will impact industries beyond retail including restaurants. This show also has as extended interview with an expert on association health care plans following the announcement of the Labor Department's rule designed to expand options for smaller employers by allowing them to band together and form insurance pools. Those stories plus the legislative scorecard.

This week's Working Lunch podcast features details about a proposal in New York City that could deeply impact more than 700 brands, from restaurants to retailers. The proposal's sweeping language points directly at the franchisor and franchisee business model and would make franchisors liable for the actions of their franchisees. Meantime, the Align Public Strategies crew examines how The Cheesecake Factory got pulled into a $4.57 million wage theft case in California and why other business operators should prepare for that kind of scrutiny. Those stories plus the legislative scorecard with top policy items and developments from around the country.

This week the Align crew digs into gig economy stats that no one predicted. The release of Bureau of Labor data reveals the number of people working in “alternative” work like gig-related jobs is shrinking, not going up as highly respected economists have been saying. How should business operators plan for the future workforce with numbers like this, and is there a bigger trend to consider? Also on the show, McDonald’s is ramping up its use of kiosks in stores by the thousands which isn’t what the Fight for $15 movement intended during the push for higher wages. Plus, a feature interview with the director of government affairs for the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association and a discussion about models for scheduling and CEO surtax issues.