August: This Month in Workers' Rights

A roundup of key workplace stories, legal updates, and events shaping workers’ rights.

Women account for all job losses in July

According to an analysis from the National Women's Law Center, the overall economy lost 23,000 jobs in July and accounted for all of those losses. Meanwhile, men gained 9,000 jobs. Read more here.

Seattle Public Schools teachers vote to authorize strike

The Seattle Education Association voted 91.2% in favor of authorizing a strike if a tentative agreement is not reached with Seattle Public Schools by the end of the day Tuesday, September 1. According to an article in the Seattle Times, "the union is demanding that SPS offer an agreement 'that makes improvements on special education supports, respectful pay, and relief from huge class sizes.'" Read more here.

Vassar to pay $5 million in gender pay discrimination lawsuit

Vassar has agreed to a proposed $5 million settlement to compensate approximately 84 full professors. The college will also be required to increase transparency around faculty pay, evaluations and promotions over the next three years. Read more here.

Federal government makes striking Washington workers to look for jobs

Washington changed its new law extending unemployment benefits to striking union workers requiring them to actively seeking work. Previously, since Jan. 1, Washington’s Employment Security Department waived that requirement but the U.S Department of Labor told the state agency that this does not conform with federal law, forcing the change. Read more here.