Last week marked a critical point for the American gig worker. For several years now, big labor and Democrat politicians have tried to turn gig workers, like Uber and Lyft drivers, from independent contractors into employees. This change would allow labor unions to unionize these workers, but for workers, this would mean the loss of job flexibility and the loss of gig economy jobs. Last week showed the difference between the current Department of Labor’s support for workers and President-elect Biden’s support for labor unions. On Wednesday, January 6, U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia issued a final rule clarifying the test to identify independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The rule uses the “economic reality” test to determine whether an individual is an FLSA employee or an independent contractor. The test has five factors. The two “core factors” are 1. the nature and degree of control over the work and 2. the worker’s opportunity for profit or loss based on initiative and/or investment. The final three factors that may help with this determination are the amount of skill required for the work, the degree of permanence of the working relationship between the worker and the potential
WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - US Vice-President Mike Pence said in a letter to House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday (Jan 12) that he is opposed to invoking the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump from office. "I do not believe that such a course of action is in the best interest of our Nation or consistent with our Constitution," Pence said.
In our just-released winter magazine, we published the results of a survey about how our subscribers coped with the trials of 2020. This included questions on how you spent your newfound time at home thanks to the coronavirus lockdowns. Many of you cooked and baked to cope and to spend time with your family and friends. We asked for recipes that you enjoyed, and you were very generous in sharing them. We had space for only a few in print, but we plan to continue sharing them here on the blog each Friday. What better way to start the new year than with food and fellowship? Send your food and drink recipes to editor@spectator.org — and let us know what you think of any that you try out! ***** Kale the Dutch Way (‘Boerenkoolstamppot, Stamppot Boerenkool’) 2 to 2 1/2 Lb (~1kg) shredded or baby kale 2 Lb (~800 g) peeled potatoes 4 oz (~125 ml) milk A little butter Sausages 1. Put kale in a large pot with 3 cups of water and bring to a boil, then lower heat but keep at a boil, cooking the kale for 45 to 50 minutes. 2. While the
