The Working Lunch

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.

On this episode of Working Lunch, a looming union strike involving 50,000 restaurant, bar and casino workers threatens the City of Las Vegas amidst contentious contract talks. The Align crew explains the threat, the history of a strike this size and why robots are part of the negotiation. Plus, Walmart becomes the largest retail or restaurant company to offer employees paid online classes from several universities. What’s the business case for doing this in a tight labor market and will a major restaurant chain follow? Finally, the policy experts at Align have been alerting employers about universal basic income for more than a year and now one city is on the verge of having it. Those stories plus the legislative scorecard.

On this episode of the Working Lunch podcast, the Align crew examines organized labor’s tie to lawsuits against McDonald’s over sexual harassment complaints and why smaller restaurant companies should pay attention to the Fight for $15 strategy. Robots replaced chefs at a high-end Boston restaurant. Plus, it’s time for the restaurant industry to “get in the game” on a variety of new economy issues. Otherwise, the industry’s struggles will worsen in the face of policy issues that affect everything from human resources to the bottom line. Stay tuned for the legislative scorecard and the answer to the question—Who has the better burger: McDonald’s Signature Series, Five Guys or Shake Shack?

On this episode of Working Lunch, the Align team has an extended interview with one of the key people guiding the restaurant industry through major policy issues around the country. They talked to the National Restaurant Association's head of government affairs, Cicely Simpson, about menu labeling and blueprint for proactive efforts on a variety of issues. Meanwhile workers at a second Burgerville restaurant voted to union so we’re taking a closer look at what makes brands vulnerable to this type of action even when they’re considered to be progressive companies. As always, you can get the latest top items affecting business operators from the legislative scorecard, plus, a little something for the gamblers listening...our picks for the Preakness.

On this episode of the Working Lunch podcast, the Align crew brings in experts on the joint employer issue and the global trade debate to explain more about how they are impacting business relationships. The Trump administration’s stance on trade is already costing companies more money for the price of goods because of an uncertain market. Both policy experts address what operators can do as these issues play out in the coming months and year. Those stories plus the legislative scorecard.