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Paid sick leave was one of the outstanding issues in the negotiations. Rail workers get zero paid sick days. Paid sick leave is a basic human right. The measure to provide seven paid sick days did not win the required 60-vote supermajority in the Senate and was not endorsed by the White House. Senator Bernie Sanders and others denounced railroad companies for refusing to offer paid sick leave.

☆ Biden administration makes case for quick Senate vote to avoid rail shutdown
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The House also separately voted to require seven days of paid sick leave for rail workers, a measure the White House has not endorsed. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not yet scheduled a vote on the rail measure and some senators, including Bernie Sanders, have demanded a separate vote on the sick leave issue as a condition of agreeing to fast-track consideration of the rail contract vote. Schumer said he wants to see paid sick leave included in the legislation. Railroads and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce oppose amending the contract deal that was struck in September largely on the recommendations of an emergency board appointed by Biden. But some labor leaders have criticized Biden for asking Congress to impose a contract that workers in four unions have rejected over its lack of paid sick leave.

☆ U.S. House votes to block rail strike, mandate paid sick leave
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

WASHINGTON, Nov 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday voted to approve a bill to block a potentially crippling railroad strike and to mandate paid sick time for rail workers. The House separately voted 221-207 to give seven days of paid sick leave to railroad employees, but that faces an uncertain fate in the Senate. Democrats and some Republicans have expressed outrage over the lack of paid short-term sick leave for railroad workers. "We know much more needs to be done for railroad workers," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said ahead of the votes. Asked if Biden supported the separate House measure to require sick leave, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the president broadly supports paid sick leave for all Americans "but he does not support any bill or amendment that would delay getting this bill to his desk."

☆ U.S. House set to approve bill to block rail strike
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON, Nov 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on Wednesday to approve a bill to block a potentially crippling rail strike, but the fate of a separate proposal by lawmakers to mandate paid sick time remains uncertain. The influential business lobby group said the sick leave vote "would impose an unworkable, one-sided modification to a labor agreement." There are no paid short-term sick days under the tentative deal after unions asked for 15 and railroads settled on one personal day. But some labor leaders have criticized Biden for asking Congress to impose a contract that workers in four unions have rejected over its lack of paid sick leave. Both Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh are set to speak to Senate Democrats on Thursday about the rail labor issue.

Pelosi said the House would vote separately on Wednesday on a proposal to give seven days of paid sick leave to railroad employees. There are no paid sick days under the tentative deal after unions asked for 15 and railroads settled on one personal day. "Guaranteeing 7 paid sick days to rail workers would cost the rail industry a grand total of $321 million a year – less than 2% of its profits," Sanders said. The railroads oppose giving their workers paid sick time because they would have to hire more staff. "I can’t in good conscience vote for a bill that doesn’t give rail workers the paid leave they deserve," Representative Jamaal Bowman, a Democrat, said on Twitter.

☆ U.S. House votes to approve bill to block rail strike
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON, Nov 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday voted to approve a bill to block a potentially crippling rail strike, but the fate of a separate proposal by lawmakers to mandate paid sick time remains uncertain. A separate vote was ongoing on whether to give seven days of paid sick leave to railroad employees, which lawmakers said is also expected to pass the House but faces an uncertain fate in the Senate. "We know much more needs to be done for railroad workers," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. The influential business lobby group said the sick leave vote "would impose an unworkable, one-sided modification to a labor agreement." Both Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh are set to speak to Senate Democrats on Thursday about the rail labor issue.

☆ I run a Christmas-tree farm. This is how I built it as a business after a life-changing accident ended my previous career.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Laura Cooke | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

While in the hospital, he decided to build a business planting Christmas trees. At forestry school, we used to talk about growing Christmas trees as one way of making money. When the trees come to the yard for collection, I can get around easily and simply. But it's necessary as I spend about 50% of my time on the Christmas trees. I've always thought the Christmas tree is the biggest present at Christmas.

WASHINGTON/LOS ANGELES, Nov 29 (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives plans to vote Wednesday to block a potential a U.S. rail strike after President Joe Biden warned of the dire economic consequences of a rail disruption that could happen as early as Dec. 9. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said lawmakers will vote Wednesday to impose a tentative contract deal struck in September. At a White House meeting Tuesday with congressional leaders, the Democratic president was asked if he was confident he could avert a rail strike, and responded, "I am confident." Labor unions have criticized the railroads’ sick leave and attendance policies and the lack of paid sick days for short-term illness. There are no paid sick days under the tentative deal.

☆ Trolls, propaganda & fear stoke Bukele's media machine in El Salvador
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +23 min

In examining Bukele’s media operation, Reuters interviewed more than 70 people, including former media operatives and social media researchers. It showed Bukele with an 86% approval rating in El Salvador, making him the most popular leader in the region. “The threat in El Salvador used to be from the gangs, now it's from the state,” said Angelica Carcamo, the organization's president. “I found a lot more manipulation in El Salvador than in Mexico,” Escorcia said. A native of Guatemala, Torres has been critical of the governments of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras for creating conditions that spur migration.

☆ Biden asks Congress to avert rail strike, warning of dire economic impact
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON, Nov 28 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday called on Congress to intervene to avert a potential rail strike that could occur as early as Dec. 9, warning of the potential dire economic impact. Biden asked lawmakers to adopt the tentative deal announced in September "without any modifications or delay - to avert a potentially crippling national rail shutdown." "The risks to our nation’s economy and communities simply make a national rail strike unacceptable," says the letter to congressional leaders first reported by Reuters. "Therefore, absent a voluntary agreement, we call on you to take immediate steps to prevent a national rail strike and the certain economic destruction that would follow." If they do not, workers could strike or railroads could lock out employees - unless Congress intervenes.

☆ 400 groups urge U.S. lawmakers to take 'immediate steps' to block potential rail strike
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"The risks to our nation’s economy and communities simply make a national rail strike unacceptable," says the letter to congressional leaders seen by Reuters. "Therefore, absent a voluntary agreement, we call on you to take immediate steps to prevent a national rail strike and the certain economic destruction that would follow." It warned a strike could halt passenger railroad Amtrak and commuter rail services that "would disrupt up to 7 million travelers a day." If they do not, workers could strike or railroads could lock out employees - unless Congress intervenes. But railroads would halt hazardous materials shipments at least four days ahead of a strike deadline.

☆ Chinese stocks will struggle against persistent economic and market headwinds, and any recovery will be sluggish despite policy support from the government, UBS says
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Carla Mozée | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A positive inflection point for China's markets and the economy "is still some way off," despite Beijing's economic stimulus efforts, said UBS. And according to Bloomberg, six major state-owned commercial banks have pledged about $179 billion in financing support for property developers. We also view China's sluggish recovery as a risk for the global economy and markets," said UBS in recommending investors focus on defensive equity and fixed-income assets. As for China's property sector, UBS said government support there appears "sufficient to limit the damage" rather than stoke faster growth. "In our view, recent policy initiatives will give property developers more time to cope with maturing US dollar debt.

☆ Analysis: Aussie grit blunts Tunisia's attack in vital win
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-26 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

With world champions France and Denmark favourites to progress from the group, Tunisia and Australia had targeted their clash in the Al Janoub Stadium as a must-win game. But Australia's first World Cup victory in 12 years was not simply the result of a dogged rearguard action. In their last 10 games Tunisia's defence had only been breached by Brazil, but unless goal-scoring opportunities can be converted, any side's World Cup campaign is doomed to failure. The 32-year-old striker Youssef Msakni, who has waited so long for his World Cup chance, will wonder how he did not score just before the break, steering a close-range shot wide. By that stage Tunisia were desperately seeking a way through the massed Australian ranks, even lumping long balls forward.

☆ Biden says his administration is engaged in talks to avert railroad strike
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( Nandita Bose | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

On Monday, workers at the largest U.S. rail union voted against a tentative contract deal reached in September, raising the possibility of a year-end strike. read moreLabor unions have criticized the railroads' sick leave and attendance policies and the lack of paid sick days for short-term illness. There are no paid sick days under the tentative deal. Unions asked for 15 paid sick days and the railroads settled on one personal day. The Biden administration helped avert a service cutoff by hosting last-minute contract talks in September that led to the tentative contract deal.

☆ Biden says his administration engaged in talks to avert railroad strike
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( Nandita Bose | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

NANTUCKET, Mass., Nov 24 (Reuters) - President Joe Biden said on Thursday that his administration was involved in negotiations to avert a looming U.S. railroad strike that could shut down supply chains across the country but added that he has not directly engaged on the matter yet. Speaking to reporters outside a fire station on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, Biden declined to provide details on how the talks were going because it was "the middle of negotiations." "My team has been in touch with all the parties ... and I have not directly engaged yet," Biden said. More than 300 groups, including the National Retail Federation and the National Association of Manufacturers, urged Biden last month to get involved to help avoid a strike that could have a significant impact on the U.S. economy. read moreReporting by Nandita Bose; Writing by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Jonathan OatisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

LONDON, Nov 24 (Reuters) - Bank of England Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden backed more interest rate hikes on Thursday, but said he would consider cutting rates if the economy and inflation pressures panned out differently to his expectation. But Ramsden also said he would "continue to vote to respond forcefully" if inflation pressures proved to be more persistent than expected. The BoE has raised interest rates eight times since December 2021. Ramsden said the government's budget statement published earlier this month - comprising tax rises and spending restraint - was likely to push down on economic growth and inflation. "However, the vast majority of these measures do not come into effect until April 2025 so will have very little effect over the MPC's three-year forecast horizon, relative to what was assumed in the November MPC," Ramsden said.

A gunman opened fire at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Saturday night, killing five people and injuring 19 others. The shooting at Club Q is a tragic yet predictable outcome of demonizing LGBTQ people and using children as political pawns. Run by Chaya Raichik, Libs of TikTok has targeted LGBTQ people, drag events and Pride celebrations across the country. In addition to Boebert and Libs of TikTok, political leaders like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and Florida Gov. We deserve to go to gay bars and drag shows or walk down the street without being attacked or harassed, or killed.

"There's a lot of anger about paid sick leave among the membership" who kept goods flowing during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Seth Harris, a professor at Northeastern University. Labor unions have criticized the railroads' sick leave and attendance policies and the lack of paid sick days for short-term illness. There are no paid sick days under the tentative deal. Unions asked for 15 paid sick days and the railroads settled on one personal day. Railroads have slashed labor and other costs to bolster profits and are fiercely opposed to adding paid sick time that would require them to hire more staff.

Train and engine service members of the transportation division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART-TD) narrowly voted to reject the deal. Three other unions that rejected the deal have already agreed to extend a strike deadline until early December. Labor unions have criticized the railroads’ sick leave and attendance policies and the lack of paid sick days for short-term illness. Beginning on Dec. 9, SMART-TD would be allowed to go on strike or the rail carriers would be permitted to lock out workers, unless Congress intervenes. The Biden administration helped avert a service cutoff by hosting last-minute contract talks in September at the Labor Department that led to a tentative contract deal.

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the transportation division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART-TD) -- representing about half of all unionized rail employees are set to report results. The standoff between U.S. railroad operators and their union workers disrupted flows of hazardous materials such as chemicals used in fertilizer and disrupted U.S. passenger railroad Amtrak service in September. The Biden administration helped avert a service cutoff by hosting last-minute contract talks in September at the Labor Department that led to a tentative contract deal. The unions represent 115,000 workers at railroads, including Union Pacific (UNP.N), Berkshire Hathaway Inc's (BRKa.N) BNSF, CSX (CSX.O), Norfolk Southern (NSC.N) and Kansas City Southern. Labor unions have criticized the railroads’ sick leave and attendance policies and the lack of paid sick days for short-term illness.

☆ Disney’s tale of two Bobs
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Allison Morrow | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

This was a big surprise Sunday night, for a few reasons:1) Iger has previously dismissed the idea of going back to Disney. Then, he kept going: Iger’s Disney acquired Lucasfilm, home of the Star Wars franchise, for a little over $4 billion. Disney shares surged 9% Monday morning, reflecting investors’ hopes that Iger will swoop in and work his magic. The Trump news was no surprise — even before buying Twitter, Musk made clear he would reinstate Trump and rethink the site’s content-moderation policies. And if Musk’s strategy is to stoke controversy, he’s already brought out the big guns in letting Trump back on.

LONDON — In a rare display of public discord, Ukraine and its Western backers are openly clashing over who launched the missile that killed two civilians in NATO member Poland. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insisted “it was not our missile” that struck Polish farmland, a harrowing incident that raised the specter of NATO and its nuclear-armed members being dragged directly into the Kremlin’s war. This is not Ukraine’s fault,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels. Citing Ukraine’s need for self-defense, he added: “Russia bears ultimate responsibility.”The White House quickly agreed, saying the U.S. had “seen nothing that contradicts” Poland’s assessment that a Ukrainian air defense missile likely landed in its territory. At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the U.S. was “still gathering information” but concurred about the missile’s likely Ukrainian origins.

☆ Argentina cenbank debt poses 'systemic risk' to financial sector, Moody's says
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 16 (Reuters) - Argentina's rising central bank debt poses a risk to the country's monetary stability, ratings agency Moody's said on Wednesday, adding it could further stoke inflation and aggravate any exchange rate shock if savers flee from the local peso currency. "With the amount of pesos the central bank and government have, they may conclude that they have no choice but to limit access," Moody's analyst Gabriel Torres said in a webinar. "Argentina has not been in that situation for a while, but it has done so in the past," he added. In a report Moody's said central bank interest-bearing debt had increased significantly relative to GDP in the last two years, while its ratio to the monetary base was now over 200%. "Argentinean banks' exposure to government and central bank debt – mostly denominated in local currency – has recently increased and poses systemic risks for the financial sector."

Gifts with inherent stability and even history appeal right now. Meanwhile, the Technicolor tree skirt in our selection is stitched together from hearty wool blankets handwoven by indigenous women of the Andes. When your giftee’s grandkids pull it out from their closet down the road, they’ll think of their parents, and their parents’ parents, and maybe even you. Brand New Serving Plates With Ancient PatinaHaand’s three-piece serving set looks as if it were hewn from centuries-old trees. 3 Piece Serving Platter Set in Burl, $265, Haand.us

☆ Senate Democrats laugh off Trump's endorsement of banning congressional stock trading. But there's still no consensus on passing their proposals in the lame duck session.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( Warren Rojas | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Senate Democrats have been wrestling with a proposed congressional stock trading ban. Donald Trump endorsed banning congressional stock trading in his 2024 campaign launch. He still felt qualified to weigh in on the unfinished legislative business Senate stock-ban point man Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon shelved until the lame duck in September. "I'm pleased to hear Trump supports a ban on congressional stock trading," Merkley wrote in an email. Stock trading ban advocate Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts urged Democratic leaders to follow through on the most popular proposals before decamping for the holidays.

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