OSHA suspends enforcement of Biden’s COVID vaccine mandate - November 18, 2021

For the sixth straight week, initial jobless claims remained below 300,000, falling to 268,000 — the lowest number since the pandemic hit. The continued decrease in claims towards pre-pandemic levels is a sign employers are avoiding layoffs as many workers quit. The quits rate was measured at a record high of 3% in September, Labor Department figures show. Retirees are ‘unretiring’ — and that’s good for the labor market - CNBC @profwolff: Not a worker "shortage;" rather a shortage of decent wages, job conditions for decades. So now workers say "take this job and shove it" and quit or strike or unionize. Finally! Florida Republicans approved a bill Wednesday that aims to hinder vaccine mandates in businesses and rejected claims that businesses refusing mandates sacrifice public health. After Gov. Ron DeSantis signs the bill in the coming days, Florida will become the first state with a law imposing fines on companies that require a COVID-19 vaccination for employment. As G.O.P. Fights Mask and Vaccine Mandates, Florida Takes the Lead - The New York Times @jayobtv: NEW: Florida legislature passes Republican-led bill meant to thwart Biden Administration vaccine mandate. Doesn’t ban workplaces from requiring the shot, but does force those employers to allow for broad opt-outs. Bill is awaiting @GovRonDeSantis’ signature. President Joe Biden asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate potential “illegal conduct” from energy companies as gas prices hover around a seven-year high. Fuel prices for a gallon of gasoline are averaging $3.41, according to data from the American Automotive Association. In August, the Biden administration called on OPEC to increase production and asked the FTC to monitor and address any illegal conduct. Biden faces pressure to tap strategic oil supply as gas prices soar - Fox Business Gas price relief on the horizon as global oil supply picks up, says IEA ​​- CNN @SenWarren: .@ExxonMobil & @Chevron have doubled their net profit. Meanwhile, consumers are being crushed at the