On this episode of the Working Lunch podcast, the Align crew sorts out a bundle of news items from the week including the McDonald’s settlement with the NLRB and what, if anything, it means to the joint employer issue; Congress added tip sharing language to its major spending bill; Uber drivers in New York City want to be paid a minimum wage which could affect delivery costs someday; and at least one nation appears to fancy its version of a soda tax. Those stories plus the Legislative Scorecard with top items affecting business operators around the country.

On this episode of the Working Lunch podcast, the Align crew reveals how the current debate over tipped wages is now being impacted by the #MeToo movement. They explain the policy risks if this trend continues and why retailers should start paying attention to this development as well. Plus, the outcome of a congressional race in Pennsylvania could change the conversation over key business issues around the country as moderate Democrats become more likely to run…and win. This show has the latest updates from the legislative scorecard from around the country and a look at some industry disruption news and the types of public policy that could emerge from it.

McDonald’s flipped its golden arches for International Women's Day and opened the door to attacks over its employment practices. Grilling on Capitol Hill, the labor secretary was in the hot seat over tipped wages and a voluntary wage theft program, the Align crew analyzes the impact on both issues. Plus, the legislative scorecard includes news about major brands making big announcements over minimum hourly pay and paid leave.

There’s major uncertainty for the franchise business model as the NLRB shifts course and brings back an Obama-era joint employment standard. The Align crew explains what’s next on the issue and they have an interview with the Sr. VP of Government Affairs for the International Franchising Association. Also on the show, how major brands are responding to the nationwide gun issue following the high school shooting in Parkland, FL. What are the risks of companies taking a stand on controversial issues with pressure from both sides.

On this episode of the podcast, the Align crew explains the political and potential policy impact of a new investigative report that’s gone viral in the labor community. It shows how wage theft laws are not being enforced properly or, in same cases, completely ignored. Speaking of negative reports the first of many detailing the gap between CEO to median worker pay is out and looks as bad or worse than expected. There is a scandal playing out at the Department of Labor over a hidden internal report that could impact the tip pooling rule. Those stories plus the legislative scorecard.

Working Lunch, a podcast for CEOs and entry-level employers celebrates its one-year anniversary. On episode 52--the feds call out sanctuary cities and send immigration authorities to raid business operations. The Fight 15 movement had its best day in a long time with protests while hundreds of wage, scheduling and paid leave bills make their way through state legislatures around the country. Those stories plus the legislative scorecard.

There is a new idea out Washington D.C. for how to pass paid leave policy that would pull from Social Security. This version comes from Senator Marco Rubio and Ivanka Trump. Align explains the politics behind the Rubio plan being crafted and how both parties will attempt to get credit if and when some type of paid leave policy passes.

Meanwhile, business operators are getting pulled into a conversation over the infant mortality rate. The reasons for why the rate is higher compared to other countries vary but none of it makes the U.S. look good around the world. The Align crew explains the connection being made with paid leave policies and entry-level pay.

Also on the podcast, a highly publicized economic study into the effects of raising the minimum wage is good news for people calling for large increases and it means a new starting point in the conversation has been set.

Those stories plus the legislative scorecard including several updates on wages, scheduling and paid leave.

The Fight for $15 is back with protests scheduled in the coming days and the message is closely tied to the civil rights movement. What’s at stake as the debate heads further into a conversation about equality and human rights? As that is playing out, a lot more information about the actual pay disparity between CEOs and rank and file workers is being revealed publicly and the early numbers pose a public relations headache for companies. Finally, from the Align crew, Amazon, JP Morgan and Warren Buffett’s company, Berkshire Hathaway are taking matters into their own hands with healthcare, giving them a much more important seat at the policy table. Those stories plus the legislative scorecard.

Burger King fried the Federal Communications Commission this week with a viral video that used the Whopper to explain what’s wrong with Net Neutrality. In the process, they became the first quick service restaurant to take on a major policy issue this publicly during the Trump administration. On this week’s Working Lunch podcast, the Align crew weighs in on great marketing versus what happens when brands take on controversial policies. There’s risk and reward.

Plus, Starbucks goes grande on paid sick learn and parental leave, joining a growing list of large employers doing more for their hourly workers.

And in the rejuvenated Paul Revere segment of the podcast, when Align sheds light on an emerging topics, why Uber is talking to the SEIU about portable benefits for workers.

Those stories plus top items from around the country in the legislative scorecard.

The same group of restaurant servers that got Maine's tip credit reinstated is rapidly organizing around the country to stop other states and cities from trying to cut a large portion of their income. Joshua Chaisson, the co-founder of Restaurant Workers of America, says they are ready to take on unions and a strong opponent. He spoke to Working Lunch for an extended interview about the group's strategy, how they are funded and the message about basic math they are taking all over the country.