The Working Lunch

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.

Raids on 7-Eleven stores by U.S. Immigration and Customs agents signal an escalation by the federal government to target employers for hiring undocumented workers. On this week’s Working Lunch podcast, the Align crew cautions all retailers and restaurant operators about the urgency of being compliant and why more raids are expected.

The other big story this week on Working Lunch is over the tip credit fight. Servers trying to protect their tipped income are organizing and taking their case to Washington D.C. and around the country.

Also on the show, Democrats announced plans to highlight Trump’s labor policies to go after Republicans during elections, but what impact will that have on key races around the country? Those stories plus the legislative scorecard including updates on wages, paid leave and other labor issues.

Congress and state legislators are back to work and the team at Align Public Strategies is looking ahead at the policy and political issues expected to impact employers most in 2018. On this podcast episode, they reveal which states are hotspots for key issues affecting business models. Plus, how will states and local governments respond to federal tax reform? Those stories plus a preview of how the tipped income conversation is playing out and the weekly legislative scorecard.

This year’s biggest winners and losers are the focus of the final 2017 episode of the Working Lunch podcast. The Align crew is closing out the year with a look back at what happened and where things stand with policy and politics affecting employers.

In 30 minutes of listening, you will get a year’s worth of key legislative scorecard details to consider over the holiday break including wages, wage shaming, paid leave, scheduling, and much more.

Plus, why Wendy’s and President Donald Trump are Align’s picks for the biggest winners of the year.

The National Labor Relations Board is acting quickly to undo standards set during the Obama Administration. The Align crew explains what’s changing? Also on this episode, Congress’s attempt at a tax overhaul. It’s closer to getting passed so what does it mean for restaurant and retail operators? Plus, fallout from the special election in Alabama. Those stories and Align’s extended interview with the reporter who broke the story about Chef Mario Batali. Her take on what’s happening in the industry and what has to change.