Sean Higgins

Read the latest stories and analysis from Sean Higgins.

Business renews Senate lobbying push after NLRB reversal on corporate liability

Sean Higgins · March 1, 2018 11:10 pm

John Ring told Sen. Elizabeth Warren and other Democrats he took the issue of conflicts of interest "very seriously" and would commit to avoiding any potential conflict. (@CSPAN/Twitter)

Democrats put Trump NLRB pick John Ring on notice

Sean Higgins · March 1, 2018 7:17 pm

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is leading the U.S. efforts to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Top NAFTA goal is changing ‘rules of origin,’ trade rep says

Sean Higgins · February 28, 2018 10:20 pm

Illinois government employee Mark Janus has challenged an Illinois law that allows unions representing government employees to collect fees from workers who choose not to join. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Unions likely to face another Supreme Court challenge after Janus

Sean Higgins · February 28, 2018 2:20 am

The legalization of cannabis in several states has created a host of complicated issues for employers because its use is still illegal under the Controlled Substances Act. Applying federal laws like the Americans Disabilities Act or the Occupational Safety and Health Act to workers who use medical marijuana can create all sorts of novel problems. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

Business struggles with pot-smoking workers, wants White House to weigh in

Sean Higgins · February 27, 2018 5:01 am

The Save Local Business Act would once and for all nullify the original Obama-era decision by rewriting the National Labor Relations Act. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

‘Joint employer’ critics call on Senate to overturn latest NLRB move

Sean Higgins · February 26, 2018 11:27 pm

On Thursday, the National Labor Relations Board stated that a business can be held liable for workplace law violations at another company only if it has "direct control" over the second businesses' workplace. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick, File)

NLRB vacates ‘joint employer’ decision that eased liability for franchising corporations

Sean Higgins · February 26, 2018 8:56 pm

Supreme Court Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch stayed silent during oral arguments on a case that could determine the political strength of labor unions. (AP Photo/Sait Serkan Gurbuz)

Neil Gorsuch doesn’t tip hand in Supreme Court case about forced union dues

Sean Higgins · February 26, 2018 7:03 pm

Mark Janus, a soft-spoken record-keeper for the Illinois Department of Public Health, sued his workplace's union over a $50 fee it receives that automatically gets deducted from his paycheck every month although he never joined the union. Janus argues that violates his First Amendment rights. Now, the case is making its way to the Supreme Court.

Unions are the free riders, says government worker challenging labor fees at Supreme Court

Sean Higgins · February 24, 2018 5:01 am

Uber, the ride-sharing app, is one of the largest players in the so-called "gig economy," which is characterized as a sector dominated by short-term, independent contracting jobs. (iStock)

Labor secretary says upcoming data will force debate on ‘gig economy’

Sean Higgins · February 22, 2018 11:09 pm

Disclosing presidential tax returns would mean "the American people can see any secret dealing," Massachusetts senator says. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Elizabeth Warren calls NLRB joint employer rollback ‘tainted’

Sean Higgins · February 21, 2018 11:31 pm

The meeting comes as the U.S. prepares for the seventh round of talks to renegotiate the trade deal, starting Saturday in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Labor leaders claim ‘very productive meeting’ with Trump on NAFTA

Sean Higgins · February 21, 2018 9:50 pm