#USA Trade

[probablyasocialecologist]

The restaurant industry has long coordinated efforts to suppress labor costs through the NRA, a multimillion-dollar lobbying machine funded both by its restaurant members and by the fees workers pay for required food-safety classes, according to a recent New York Times report.

The group has spent its war chest on lobbying campaigns to preserve a subminimum wage for tipped workers — who are disproportionately young, women, and people of color, and far more likely to live in poverty than regular minimum wage workers — and to help block state and federal sick leave proposals and minimum wage increases.

But now, restaurant executives are on edge. Union campaigns are suddenly penetrating their industry, which employs about 10 percent of the American workforce and has one of the lowest unionization rates of any sector. Over the past few years, baristas have unionized nearly 280 Starbucks stores in the face of enormous odds, and dozens of other coffee shops and restaurants have followed suit.

[...]

“The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, every newspaper reports on every union win… when an unfair labor practice charge is filed, when there are challenges to elections,” said Felice Ekelman, a principal at Jackson Lewis, one of the oldest and most infamous union avoidance law firms in the country. “When did this become first page news?”

“And guess who’s reading it?” replied Laura Pierson-Scheinberg, one of Ekelman’s Jackson Lewis colleagues, as the two sat across from each other on the main stage of the summit. “My kids. Literally. I have an 18-year-old, my kids are into it.”

The two lawyers were discussing a new threat for the restaurant industry: the unexpected rise of union campaigns in workplaces that, for decades, have largely been immune from such organizing efforts.

[...]

“Before, I used to say… ��[Unionization] isn’t a problem for you in the restaurant industry,’” said Pierson-Scheinberg. But now, she warned, “Kids do not care about paying union dues. Two percent of pay, are you kidding me? Their Netflix costs more. They think it’s a hell of a deal.”

The “kids,” she added, are organizing workplaces which would have previously seemed unreachable.

[science70]

Reception room of Windows on the World, the restaurant located on the top floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center, New York City, c. 1976.

Designer: Warren Platner

[allthegeopolitics]

Donald Trump says he will hit China, Mexico and Canada with new tariffs on day one of his presidency, in an effort to force them to crack down on illegal immigration and drug smuggling into the US. The US president-elect said he would sign an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on all goods coming from Mexico and Canada, after being inaugurated on 20 January 2025. He also said "we will be charging China an additional 10% tariff, above any additional tariffs" until it cracked down on fentanyl smuggling.

Continue Reading.

[curioscurio]

not to be a freak but I think when Trump loses he will either kill himself or Putin will let loose the real assasins. it's just the smart move like he knows too much and he's losing all the power he used to have lol. like if I were putin I'd be worried about what kind of information a desperate man like Trump is willing to surrender once he's caught 👀

[nyandreasphotography]

Twin Towers, World Trade Center - New York City by Andreas Komodromos

[barbie-wants-to-be-me-fr]

I’m not American, and I don’t think people really care about my opinion, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have one. With Donald Trump back in office, the world is going to feel the effects of his divisive policies once again. His leadership has always been about nationalism, isolation, and a disregard for global cooperation. This has caused chaos not only within the U.S. but across the globe. Trump’s presidency has deepened divisions, pulling the U.S. out of important international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and causing tensions with allies.

Now, contrast that with Kamala Harris. Yes, she’s not perfect—nobody is—but she was a much more stable and cooperative option for both the U.S. and the world. Harris, despite her controversial past as a prosecutor, has always pushed for a balance of progress and practicality. And when it comes to the world, her leadership would have done a lot to restore trust in the U.S., especially on issues like climate change, diplomacy, human rights, and international security.

Take human rights, for example. Harris has always been an advocate, whether it’s for racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, or women’s rights. She would’ve worked to position the U.S. as a global leader in defending these rights. This is in stark contrast to Trump, whose policies often seemed indifferent or even hostile to vulnerable communities. Harris would have made human rights a central focus of U.S. foreign policy, ensuring the protection of those most at risk.

When it comes to world hunger, Harris was also very proactive. She has long pushed for stronger global cooperation to fight hunger and poverty. She understands that these issues go beyond just sending aid; it’s about creating long-term, sustainable solutions. With her leadership, the U.S. would have worked closely with international organizations to address these problems more effectively.

Then there’s her approach to Palestine. Kamala Harris has been a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights, consistently advocating for a two-state solution that respects the dignity and self-determination of Palestinians. While she has expressed support for Israel's right to exist, she has also been critical of policies that undermine Palestinian sovereignty and human rights. Harris has called for an end to the illegal expansion of settlements in the West Bank and for U.S. aid to be conditioned on Israel’s respect for international law. She made it clear that her priority would be to ensure that Palestinian voices are heard and their rights are protected, something that was largely ignored under Trump’s administration. Harris would have worked to shift U.S. policy toward a more balanced, fair approach, putting pressure on Israel to engage in meaningful negotiations with Palestinians for peace and justice, and to end the ongoing occupation. Her stance on the issue reflects a commitment to human rights and justice for all, not just one side of the conflict.

On conflicts like those in Yemen and Syria, Harris has been vocal about the importance of humanitarian aid and diplomatic solutions. The war in Yemen, fueled in part by U.S. involvement, has caused a massive humanitarian crisis, and Harris has advocated for an end to that involvement. She would’ve worked to ensure that the U.S. engaged more constructively in peace processes and put pressure on those responsible for the suffering of civilians.

Harris was also committed to rejoining the Paris Agreement, even if some thought she could have been more radical. But just that move alone would’ve sent a strong message to the world that the U.S. was ready to take action on climate change again. Her diplomatic style would’ve helped repair relationships with allies, unlike Trump, who consistently alienated them.

And let’s not forget trade. Harris understood the importance of fair trade and working with global partners to grow the economy together. Trump’s protectionist policies caused harm to countries that rely on trade with the U.S. Harris would’ve worked toward stability and fairness, making sure everyone benefited.

Look, I’m not saying Harris was perfect. Nobody is. But with everything going on in the world, she was definitely the better choice. She would’ve led the U.S. in a direction of unity and cooperation, bringing stability to a world that needs it now more than ever.

This took me over an hour to write, and I had to draft it in my notes first. I really hope it makes sense, and I also hope I don’t end up regretting sharing it. I know people have different opinions, and I fully respect that—I just hope my perspective is respected as well. I’m truly sorry if anything I’ve said has come across as offensive or uncomfortable in any way. If I’ve made any mistakes or misrepresented something, please feel free to correct me. <3

[jacks-weird-world]

Jack at the white house poses next to the portrait of George Washington, first president of the United States of America.

[conformi]

Ettore Sottsass jr, Superbox cabinet “Hotel California”, Poltronova, 1966 VS Minoru Yamasaki, World Trade Center under construction seen from Jersey City in 1970, New York, USA ph. Ed Ford

[vintagepromotions]

Soapine Soap trade card (c. 1800).

[dremilioastutoworld]

Plestia Alaqad: End The Occupation! Support Gaza Press Freedom! Song by É Roscha!

[aqueerpolysocialist]

Solidarity with my comrades in the US fighting against this vile legislation. I've made sure to share this with all my UK based drag contacts but don't have any direct US contacts so please do share this and make sure everyone who can get involved knows that the union is there for them.

Link to the tweet: https://twitter.com/ActorsEquity/status/1631743221322620929?t=Dc9Rvnyxlr9ZNQUuh6U_uQ&s=19

[visit-new-york]

World Trade Center Subway Stairs view of Freedom Tower

[nyandreasphotography]

World Trade Center Twin Towers, August 2000 - New York City by Andreas Komodromos

[kage-gfx]

Full 2024 USA Basketball Women's Set

🇺🇲🥇

[fotobyandre]

One World Trade Center - NYC

[chamerionwrites]

Of all the unhinged Supreme Court decisions that one sure was a doozy