Obama Labor Regulations May Eat Up All The Hippie Food Co-ops
These co-ops (like the co-op that sells yicky "health food" on Broadway in Santa Monica), give members a discount on their food if they put in a certain number of days per month doing work at the place. So, who loses from this? People who need food to be more affordable!
Conor D. Wolf writes at The Daily Caller:
A New York based food co-op is looking into ending it's well-known, volunteer-based model over concerns it leaves them open to federal complaints, according to reports Sunday.Federal agencies have moved to redefined employment under President Barack Obama. The definition has grown to include workers who were not traditionally considered employees. Some members at Honest Weight Food Co-Op are concerned the widening definition puts their business model at risk of federal scrutiny. Food co-ops work on a volunteer and sharing basis with few, if any, traditional employees.
"The time to make a change is now, before we have a complaint filed against us," Board Member Deborah Dennis told ABC News. "And I don't think our membership is there yet. I don't know what's going to happen."
If changes continue, federal labor officials could classify members as employees rather than volunteers, which could put the co-op in violation of minimum wage and worker protection laws.
These places can turn into stores with traditional employee relationships only -- and higher prices for people who used to be able to barter work for food.
Some of these people may be disabled and not able to work a full week, but able enough to work a few days a month.
Unintended consequences, once again roosting!
via @overlawyered
Whatever keeps those Union coffers full.c
Bob in Texas at January 9, 2016 6:00 AM
We all know a very substantial percentage of these co-op folks voted for President Obama.
I use to to experience a moment of schadenfreude when I read stories like this. Then it occurred to me that these individuals are so clueless that I doubt they realize their actions contributed to this.
So, now they have even taken the joy of schadenfreude away, as they create their dull utopia protecting me from myself.
Bill O Rights at January 9, 2016 7:16 AM
now they have even taken the joy of schadenfreude away
That is the saddest thing I've read today, and probably this year.
On the other hand, if I have a shadenboner lasting more than 4 hours, should I see a medical professional?
I R A Darth Aggie at January 9, 2016 9:29 AM
IRA Darth Aggie, if my boner hurt, I wouldn't wait four hours to see a medical professional.
schaden - to damage; to harm; to hurt
Bill O Rights at January 9, 2016 10:18 AM
And these same Federal watchdogs will turn their head to ignore the field full of illegal immigrants which STOCKED that market.
Radwaste at January 9, 2016 10:56 AM
Lefties screwing lefties, you gotta love it.
David Crawford at January 9, 2016 1:09 PM
Bill O Rights has it exactly right - those who voted for the politicians who put in these laws have no clue that they brought it on themselves.
And, no doubt, they will find a way to blame the "other guy" for their own self-created problems.
charles at January 9, 2016 1:25 PM
Philosophically, I agree these sorts of rule changes have stupid unintended consequences.
In reality though, I'm skeptical on this one. Was the co-op genuinely in any danger of a complaint from one of their volunteers or a visit from The Man? There's no mention of any sort of ongoing action against them. Or did they just want to get rid of their unreliable, on-and-off, undertrained workforce, but didn't want to look bad? "Not our fault, guv'mint did it" is so much easier than explaining to people that turning up a couple of times a month when it suits you just won't cut it.
in my experience of these sorts of things, a handful of diligent people do the majority of the work, and everyone else plays at helping out and feeling virtuous. The first question I always ask is "who holds the key?" That is, who can be trusted enough to turn up and open the doors.
Ltw at January 9, 2016 9:09 PM
And, no doubt, they will find a way to blame the "other guy" for their own self-created problems
I like to post this when ever a liberal complains about republicans ruining the country
A little info
The House has been under the control of Democrats, since 1933, for 62 of the last 82 years. 76% of the time.
Likewise Democrats have controlled the senate for 62 of the last 82 years, again 76% of the time.
Of those 62 years democrats had control of both houses at the same time for 56 years, while republicans held control of both for only 14.
That is 68% democrats controlling both houses vs 17% republican controlling both, and 15% split control
During the last 82 years democrats have held the presidency 48 years or 56%
During the 56 years democrats held both houses they also held the presidency for 34 years, vs the 14 years republicans held both houses they also held the White House for 6 years.
Over the last eight decades this country has been run primarily by democrats wielding supreme political power 41% of the time, control of the presidency 56% of the time, total legislative control nearly 70% of the time, and control of either house 75% of the time
Control of government
D 56% v R 44% White house
D 76% v R 24% Senate
D 76% v R 24% House
D 68% v R 17% All of Congress
D 41% v R 07% All of Congress and the White House
Keep in mind people, its not just the republicans doing this shit
lujlp at January 10, 2016 8:03 PM
"In reality though, I'm skeptical on this one. "
I'm not, because I can name that tune in three letters: IRS. They take an extremely dim view of barter, because it's economic activity that the federal government finds it hard to keep track of.
Cousin Dave at January 11, 2016 10:08 AM
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