Latest Labor economy News

NY agency files discrimination complaint against Amazon
A state agency in New York has filed an administrative complaint against Amazon, alleging the e-commerce giant discriminated against pregnant and disabled workers by denying reasonable accommodations and forcing them to take unpaid leave, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday. ...

Yellen: Ukraine war fallout threatens 'stagflation,' hunger
BONN, Germany (AP) — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned Wednesday that Russia's February invasion of Ukraine has produced a sharp increase in food and energy prices that is contributing to a slowdown in growth and creating greater risk of global stagflation. “This is an...

Powell: Fed to keep hiking rates until it controls inflation
WASHINGTON (AP) — Chair Jerome Powell on Tuesday underscored the Federal Reserve's determination to keep raising interest rates until there is clear evidence inflation is steadily falling — a high-stakes effort that carries the risk of causing an eventual recession. The Fed's...

Retail sales rise 0.9% in April as consumers show resilience
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. retail sales rose 0.9% in April, a solid increase that underscores Americans' ability to keep ramping up spending even as inflation persists at nearly a 40-year high. The increase was driven by greater sales of cars, electronics, and at restaurants, the...

Inflation triggers California minimum wage increase in 2023
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California's minimum wage will jump to $15.50 per hour next year, Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration announced Thursday, an increase triggered by soaring inflation that will benefit about 3 million workers. The increase is required by a state law passed in...

Senate confirms Powell for 2nd term as Fed fights inflation
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Thursday confirmed Jerome Powell for a second four-year term as Federal Reserve chair, giving bipartisan backing to Powell's high-stakes efforts to curb the highest inflation in four decades. The 80-19 vote reflected broad support in Congress for the...

Slightly more Americans seek jobless aid last week
WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for jobless aid ticked up slightly last week but the total number of Americans collecting benefits remained at its lowest level in more than five decades. Applications for unemployment benefits rose by 1,000 to 203,000 for the week...
Kentucky to establish mobile unemployment insurance office
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky will use federal funding to establish a mobile unemployment insurance office to make the program more accessible, officials said. The agency will have the ability to send the mobile office to underserved communities where it can help residents with...

China fights economic slump, sticks to costly 'zero COVID'
BEIJING (AP) — China’s leaders are struggling to reverse an economic slump without giving up anti-virus tactics that shut down Shanghai and other cities, adding to challenges for President Xi Jinping as he tries to extend his time in power. The ruling Communist Party has declared...

Raimondo: Inquiry on solar imports follows the law
WASHINGTON (AP) — Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo pushed back forcefully Wednesday against critics — including some within the Biden administration — who say a government investigation of solar imports from Southeast Asia is hindering President Joe Biden’s ambitious climate goals. ...
