September: This Month in Workers' Rights

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

Seattle expands discrimination protections to non-monogamous relationships

Seattle has expanded its civil rights laws to protect people in non-monogamous relationships from discrimination. The new ordinance includes consensual relationships involving multiple partners within the city's definition of sexual orientation, extending the protection to employment and other areas covered by Seattle's anti-discrimination laws. Read more here.

Washington bikini baristas win more than $1.8 million in wage case

A King County Superior Court judge awarded more than $1.8 million to former bikini baristas who said they were paid below minimum wage and forced to turn over earnings to meet sales requirements. The case involved approximately 70 workers at five coffee stands in Seattle, Bothell, Lynnwood and Edmonds. Read more here.

Record 47% of Americans want unions to have more influence

A record 47% of Americans say they want labor unions to have more influence in the United States, according to Gallup. Another 26% want unions' influence to remain the same, while 23% want them to have less influence; Gallup also found that 71% of Americans approve of labor unions. Read more here.

New York City creates first-of-its-kind office to support worker organizing

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed an executive order creating the Mayor's Office of Worker Power, which the city says is the first office of its kind in the country. The office will connect workers with information about their rights and worker organizations and develop policies addressing workplace issues. Read more here.

California requires disclosure of AI-generated performers in advertising

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law requiring video and audio advertisements to clearly disclose when they use AI-generated performers. The law is intended to increase transparency while protecting actors and other workers in the creative industry. Read more here.