Home The Associated Press

More U.S. employers offering fertility benefits, but care still out of reach for many workers

Jessica Tincopa may leave the photography business she spent 14 years building for one reason — to find coverage for fertility treatment. After six miscarriages, Tincopa and her husband started saving for in vitro fertilization, which can cost more than US$20,000. But the coronavirus pandemic wiped out their savings and they can’t find coverage for IVF in their state’s health insurance marketplace. So the California couple is saving again and […]

  • May 17, 2023 May 17, 2023
  • 15:00

Younger, more diverse U.S. employees most likely to work from home amid pandemic: report

Employees working from home during the worst part of the coronavirus pandemic were younger, more diverse and better educated, according to a new report from the U.S. Census Bureau. In many respects, the demographic makeup of people working from home between 2019 and 2021 became more like workers who were commuting, while the share of […]

  • April 12, 2023 April 12, 2023
  • 15:00

Most Seattle gig workers to receive paid sick leave under new law

Most gig workers in Seattle will be permanently entitled to paid sick leave under a new law that expands coronavirus pandemic-era protections and strengthens labour rights for app-based workers. Under the law, workers will accrue one day of paid sick or safe leave — to be used when caring for themselves or a family member […]

  • April 3, 2023 April 3, 2023
  • 15:00

Pay transparency legislation spreading across U.S.

U.S. employers are increasingly posting salary ranges for job openings, even in states where it’s not required by law, according to analysts with several major job search websites. Following new legislation in California, Colorado, New York City, Washington and elsewhere, employers across the country are becoming more transparent about pay in order to stay competitive […]

  • March 24, 2023 March 24, 2023
  • 15:00

U.S. bank failures have minimal impact on public pension plans: experts

When two U.S. banks failed this month, among the investors who lost millions were U.S. public sector pension funds responsible for ensuring the retirements of teachers, firefighters and other government workers. Since the pension funds are diversified investors whose holdings in Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank were small portions of their portfolios, experts aren’t […]

  • March 22, 2023 March 22, 2023
  • 15:00

French government pursues pension reforms despite protests, political opposition

The French government’s plans to reform the national pension system have been met by widespread protest. Elisabeth Borne, France’s prime minister, unveiled plans to raise the minimum age required to claim benefits from the Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Vieillesse from 62 to 64 by 2030. In addition, the government proposed that claimants will be required to […]

  • January 12, 2023 January 12, 2023
  • 12:30

Biden’s Ohio visit spotlights effort to rescue troubled MEPPs

Reassuring frustrated blue-collar voters, U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday visited Ohio iron workers to highlight federal action to shore up troubled pension funding for millions now on the job or retired — and to make his political case that he’s been a champion for workers in the White House. Biden’s speech at a Cleveland […]

  • July 8, 2022 July 7, 2022
  • 09:00

U.S. grocery chain ending some coronavirus benefits for unvaccinated staff

Kroger, the biggest traditional grocery chain in the U.S., is ending some benefits for unvaccinated workers as large employers attempt to compel more of their workforce to become vaccinated with cases of the coronavirus rising once again. Workers who haven’t received coronavirus vaccines will no longer be eligible to receive up to two weeks paid […]

  • December 21, 2021 December 20, 2021
  • 09:00

Florida company offering two free homes amid tight labour market

While many employers are offering bonuses or higher pay these days as a way to attract and retain workers, a central Florida organization is offering staff the chance to win two brand new and mortgage-free houses. Mechanical One will hold the draw next December, says Jason James, the air conditioning and plumbing company’s president and […]

  • December 20, 2021 December 17, 2021
  • 09:00

Employers in U.S. rethinking return-to-office plans in wake of Omicron variant

Employers of all sizes are rethinking their plans to send workers back to the office as the new Omicron variant adds another layer of uncertainty. Google and Ford Motor Co. are among those once again delaying their return-to-office plans, while other businesses whose employees have already returned are considering adding extra precautions like requiring masks. […]

  • December 10, 2021 December 10, 2021
  • 15:00