Posts tagged Mercatus Institute

    News Article Radio / Pod Cast Video ● Labor Unions

    Podcast: Championing Worker Freedom Across The States: Alan Jernigan and Vincent Vernuccio on ALEC TV

    August 23, 2025 // As debates over worker rights ripple across the country, one message continues to echo from state to state: workers deserve the freedom to choose the work arrangements that fit their lives best. But how should lawmakers turn that principle into policy?

    agency fees Alabama ALEC Arizona benefits Card Check coercion collective bargaining cost of living freelance Georgia hours Independent Contractor intimidation Kevin Kiley Labor Policy mandatory union dues Mercatus Mercatus Institute Michigan Modern Worker Empowerment Act Modern Worker Security Act official time opt-out portable benefits privacy private ballot pro-worker public employee Public Employee Free Choice Act right-to-work Secret Ballot taxpayer dollars Taxpayer Dollars Protect Workers Act Tennessee union dues union organizing union release time Utah Virginia wage growth wages West Virginia Worker freedom worker rights

    Op-ed / Commentary Research ● Independent Contractor Rule

    Beware the labor regs of March!

    March 11, 2024 // A new rule from the federal government meant to protect workers is set to take effect today, March 11. It will instead leave most workers worse off by limiting their options for employment. Businesses will likely pull back from hiring entirely in many cases because the rules make it too risky. The rulemaking in question is the Labor Department’s (DOL) worker misclassification rule. The stated intent is to prevent situations where employers exploit workers. The rule is extremely vague on when business activities trip the line to exploitation however. DOL essentially leaves it up to federal regulators to decide. The rules won’t change things overnight. Regulators will still have to pursue cases based on them and court fights are sure to follow. But today is the day the mischief will officially start.

    AB5 Biden administration California contract labor DOL due process federal law franchisees freelance worker gig economy Independent Contractor Rule job flexibility Joint Employer rule Mercatus Institute Minimum wage NLRB overtime overtime and minimum wage protections schedule short-term Worker misclassification worker misclassification rule