Maryland Labor Department

Guest host Farai Chideya examines Maryland's tough labor outlook with Labor Secretary Portia Wu. She also speaks with two economists about unemployment trends, and how layoffs disproportionately affect Black women, and a career counsellor helping job-seekers keep hope alive.

The rally is part of a national wave of pickets in 35 cities as baristas escalate contract demands, and prepare to strike.

Maryland Department of Labor cited federal uncertainty as the primary reason for pushing the program back.

Secretary of Labor Portia Wu joins Midday to discuss unemployment benefits, apprenticeship programs and other services offered under her department.

The state labor department found that on August 2nd, workers like Ronald Silver II were subject to direct sunlight with a heat index of 108 degrees.

The Moore-Miller administration is asking for an additional 18-months to get the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI) up and running.