New York to pass legislation protecting app-based food delivery workers
According to the NY Times, The New York City Council is set to pass a revolutionary set of laws in order to address the working conditions for employees of app-based food delivery companies like GrubHub, Doordash, Postmates, and more. The legislation has been backed by Mayor Bill de Blasio and will be a large step towards protecting food delivery workers who have worked in suboptimal conditions since the demand for food delivery apps has increased due to the pandemic. Among other things, the legislation will address the problems faced by delivery workers by setting a minimum pay, ensuring that apps disclose their gratuity policies, and requiring restaurant owners to make bathrooms available to delivery workers.
West Virginia school board denies governor’s application to coach high school basketball team
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice filed an official grievance with the state public employees board after school board members denied his application to coach the boy’s varsity basketball team at Greenbrier East High School. During his tenure as governor, Gov. Justice has often come under scrutiny for failing to follow traditional rules and obligations, a sentiment that was reflected in the school board’s response to his application. One of the school board members explained that his decision to vote against instating the governor as the boy’s basketball coach wasn’t personal. According to the NY Times, he explained, “I just don’t see how he can be at both the girls’ games and boys’ games and still do his job as governor.” The governor cited his many successes coaching both the girls and boys team before becoming governor in his complaint.
Kerry James Marshall to redesign Washington National Cathedral windows
Four years ago, the Washington National Cathedral made the decision to remove two stained glass panels featuring confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. Cathedral officials have collaborated with the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture to plan an exhibit to feature the removed windows which opened last weekend. Kerry James Marshall, an acclaimed black artist, has been chosen to design two stained-glass windows addressing racial justice to replace the originals.
Puerto Rico Governor signs bill increasing the minimum wage
For the first time in over a decade, Puerto Rico raised its minimum wage last Tuesday, increasing the minimum from $7.25 an hour to $8.50 an hour. The increase which is set to take effect in January was passed in response to high levels of poverty and the rising cost of living on the Island. Although many experts have praised the effort as a step in the right direction, others are concerned it will not be enough to keep pace with rising costs.
