Several unions in the Wichita area are preparing to attempt to organize new Amazon workers in Wichita and Park City, local labor leaders said, despite the online retail giant’s success in so far keeping unions at bay in warehouses across the country. “I may be a bit too much of an optimist, but the only way you ever accomplish anything is by trying,” said Esau Freeman, the business representative for the Service Employees International Union Local 513, which represents workers at the city of Wichita and USD 259. Freeman said he has given his business card to any Amazon workers he [...]

To combat widespread staffing shortages, Sedgwick County is offering signing bonuses up to $5,000 for some new employees. The signing bonuses are available for new hires in facilities maintenance, emergency communications (911) and Comcare — departments in which the county is having trouble attracting applicants, County Manager Tom Stolz told commissioners Wednesday. “It is a trial policy to see if the use of signing bonuses is an effective way to bolster and recruit workforce in areas that have large numbers of openings of specialty positions,” Stolz said. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

The Kansas Board of Regents is convening virtually Wednesday afternoon to vote on the profile that will be used to pick the next president of Kansas State University. But the only way to watch the 4 p.m. Zoom meeting is to drive to the board’s Topeka office, where it will be livestreamed. Emily Bradbury, executive director of the Kansas Press Association, said in a joint statement with the Kansas Association of Broadcasters that the board’s decision to limit access to the public meeting is irresponsible. “While the Kansas Board of Regents may not have to provide a link to the meeting [...]