Workers Worry About Safety, Stress as States Ease Mask Rules

Open sign at coffee cafe, Lifestyle of people at coffee shop.

Leo Carney worries that bigger crowds and mask-less diners could endanger workers at the Biloxi, Mississippi, seafood restaurant where he manages the kitchen. Maribel Cornejo, who earns $9.85 an hour as a McDonald’s cook in Houston, can’t afford to get sick and frets co-workers will become more lax about wearing masks, even though the fast… Continue reading Workers Worry About Safety, Stress as States Ease Mask Rules

Auto Accidents at Temporary Outdoor Dining Areas in NYC on the Rise

Plates with food and glasses of wine at the outdoor table of a restaurant, selective focus.

Vehicles have crashed into temporary outdoor dining areas on New York City streets at least four times since the program that allows restaurants to serve meals amid the coronavirus pandemic began roughly six weeks ago. New York Police Department officials said that eight people were injured in the accidents that occurred in Brooklyn, the Bronx,… Continue reading Auto Accidents at Temporary Outdoor Dining Areas in NYC on the Rise

Farmers Destroy Crops Grown for Restaurants, Hotels

Farm workers weeding spinach by hand. California grows most of the salad greens consumed in the US. San Luis Obispo, California, USA.

U.S. farmers have destroyed millions of pounds of perishable food like tomatoes, lettuce and green beans because growers lost a vast number of customers after the coronavirus pandemic struck. “It’s a catastrophe, it really is,” said Tony DiMare, a long-time tomato grower based in Palm Beach County, Fla. DiMare said he let 10 million pounds… Continue reading Farmers Destroy Crops Grown for Restaurants, Hotels

U.S. Labor Department Moves to Ease Companies’ Liability for Franchisee Wage Violations

The U.S. Department of Labor on Monday issued a proposal that would make it more difficult to prove companies are liable for the wage law violations of their contractors or franchisees, a top priority for business groups. If adopted, the rule would likely help fast-food companies and other franchisors who have been sued by workers… Continue reading U.S. Labor Department Moves to Ease Companies’ Liability for Franchisee Wage Violations